Seasonal Hay Feeding Challenges in Australia
Feeding Hay in Australia’s Extreme Seasons: How to Keep Horses Healthy, Hydrated and Waste-Free Year-Round
Updated September 2025
A practical guide for Australian horse owners on managing hay feeding through summer heat, winter mud, and seasonal shortages - with smart tools that keep horses healthy, hydrated, and forage clean all year round.
Feeding hay in Australia isn’t straightforward. Summer brings dust and heat stress, winter means mud and mould, and droughts or shortages make forage management even harder. Add travel or show season to the mix and it becomes clear that how you feed hay is just as important as what type you choose. Smarter systems like hay nets, hay bags, and bale carry bags keep feeding efficient, safe, and horse-friendly year-round.
Summer: Heat, Dust and Hydration
Australian summers test horses with extreme heat, dry paddocks, and high dehydration risk. Slow-feeder hay nets and hay bags extend meals, preventing gorging and reducing waste. Elevated nets keep hay clean, while solid-sided bags help reduce dust and fallout in stables or floats.
- Slow-feeder nets mimic grazing and stop hay being trampled into sand.
- Hay bags minimise blow-away hay and dust inhalation.
- Hydration matters: horses may drink two to three times more in summer. Always provide fresh water and consider electrolytes in heatwaves.
Autumn: Shifting from Grass to Hay
As pastures fade, horses transition to more hay. Sudden change can upset digestion, so use slow feeder nets and bags to replicate steady grazing. Autumn is also time to check storage bale carry bags protect hay from moisture and early damp weather.
Winter: Mud, Moisture and Warmth
Cold, wet paddocks waste hay and raise mould risks. Hanging hay nets or using slow-feeder bags prevents trampling, while fibre digestion provides natural warmth. Always store bales off damp ground and use secure feeders to keep hay clean and dry.
Spring: Weight Control and Laminitis Risks
Spring grass is often sugar-rich, raising risks for laminitis-prone or easy-keeper horses. Fine-mesh nets and hay bags control intake, encourage steady nibbling, and keep horses occupied without overload. Controlled feeding is critical for safe spring management.
Short on Hay? Forage Back-Ups
Droughts and supply issues mean hay alternatives like beet pulp, soybean hulls, or pellets can help but they’re not complete replacements. Always feed by weight, introduce slowly, and use slow feeders to stretch rations. Speak with a vet or nutritionist before making big changes.
Foals, Ponies and Small Hooves
Extra care is needed with smaller horses. Choose fine mesh smaller than hoof size, or place nets inside tyres and drums. For shod horses, never feed from ground-level nets hang at chest height to prevent entanglement.
Travel and Show Season
On the road, tidy feeding matters. Solid-sided hay bags like the Deluxe Slow Feeder Bag or Canvas Hay Bag minimise waste and mess. For longer trips, a hay bale carry bag keeps floats and vehicles clean while protecting bale quality.
Safety and Maintenance
A thumb-sized hole in a hay net can quickly become dangerous. Check feeders daily, repair small damage early, and replace worn gear before it fails. Wash nets and bags regularly to reduce mould, dust, and bacteria build-up.
FAQs
Are hay nets better than bags?
Nets mimic grazing, while bags are cleaner and easier for travel. Many owners use both depending on the situation.
Do hay nets prevent colic?
They help by slowing intake and reducing sand consumption when hung up, but hydration and management remain essential. See our electrolytes guide for more tips.
What size mesh is best?
Start with medium mesh. Use smaller openings for ponies or good-doers, and larger openings for nervous or fussy eaters.
Feeding Smarter, All Year
Australian conditions demand more than just good hay they require smart feeding solutions. From hot summers to muddy winters, Delzani hay nets, hay bags, and bale carry bags make feeding cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Built tough for Australian riders, our feeders protect hay quality, support digestion, and cut waste keeping your horse healthier every season.
Shop the full range of Delzani horse hay nets, hay bags, and bale carry bags today. Designed for Australian horses, trusted by riders nationwide.
Written by Jane Griffiths - An experienced Australian horse owner and product developer with over three decades immersed in equestrian life. Jane has spent years refining horse rugs, tack, and riding apparel to better suit Australian climates. She has enjoyed countless weekends at gymkhanas, show jumping events, and pony club competitions with her daughter, and still loves hitting the trails with friends whenever she can. Her lifelong passion for horses and hands-on understanding of equine comfort continue to shape her practical, rider-first approach to horse care and product design.
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