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Top-Rated Products
Top Rated Product
Product Reviews
Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
How many of us get up at the crack of dawn with horses pawing?
Average Customer Rating:
4.2
out of 5
Rating Snapshot (27 reviews)
5 stars
17
4 stars
3
3 stars
3
2 stars
3
1 star
1
22 of 27(81%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Review 1 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Best Haynet EVER!
August 28, 2010
ByAnonymous
fromBozeman, MT
I have used this product for: 3-6 months
Expertise: Expert
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"The Freedom Feeder is hands-down one of THE BEST purchases I've ever made. I bought if for my stall-bound filly who has spent the last several months rehabbing a suspensory injury. (I have the large one). Its reduced my chore time because I only have to refill it every other day (love that!). It takes me about 5 minutes to fill it up, and I use a piece of baling twine weaved through the flap instead of the clips, but since I don't have to do it every day, it doesn't bother me. And even better, its done wonders for my girl. Being on forced stall rest w/o exercise is hard on a horse... and this keeps her mind from going totally bonkers. The horses on each side of her are constantly acting out during the day, and more so at feeding time... but lil Miss isn't worried about not having food and the difference between her and them is night and day-and the difference is the Freedom Feeder. I was shocked at the difference in behaviour. Also, for those not having success... you're not doing it right. The first few days my filly DID have issues getting the hay out (quite entertaining), then for the first month or so she DID eat more because its an adjustment to go from limited food to restricted, free-access, but now we're at a point where she is comfortable, and eats no more than she did before, but now she eats throughout the day instead of all at once; resulting in reduced anxiety. If you're having issues, stick with it! Or double net it! Be devious-you owe it to your horse."
Review 2 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Cheaply Made
August 26, 2010
By22horses
fromWestern USA
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Expert
Style: Driving
Competitor: Rated
Quality:
1
of
5
Value:
1
of
5
Share this Review:
"This freedom feeder looks like a great idea.
Its a bit pricey for a feed net, but the premise is nice: lazy grazing for bored HORSES.
Its a bit pricey for a feed net, but the premise is nice: lazy grazing for bored HORSES.
BUT: the mesh is easily edible, and the cheap plastic clips did not last a week of normal use. Replacement clips are $2 a piece for metal ones, but with big holes in the net, its just a mater of days before it goes in the "good idea,bad product " trash.
I'd love to see this feeder with extra clips and at least a better weave, but there it is, perhaps the next manufacturer will get it right! Hope this helps.
WOULD NOT RECOMMEND"
I'd love to see this feeder with extra clips and at least a better weave, but there it is, perhaps the next manufacturer will get it right! Hope this helps.
WOULD NOT RECOMMEND"
Review 3 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Good idea........
August 26, 2010
Byhorselady57
fromSW Wisconsin
I have used this product for: 1-3 months
Expertise: Intermediate
Style: Trail Riding
Competitor: Non-competitor
Quality:
3
of
5
Value:
3
of
5
Share this Review:
"I purchased one of these for an IR pony who is prone to overeating and founder. He would wolf down his small portion of hay, and then be very cranky for the rest of the day. This slows him down some, but he seems to have figured out how to empty the net a lot quicker than I had anticipated. The material is holding up fairly well. There is some slight fraying in spots, but no breakage. The first complaint from my husband was that he couldn't work the tiny clips, so we have replaced them with larger, sturdier ones."
Review 4 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Just Email SmartPak!
August 25, 2010
ByFreedomFeeder
fromTehachapi, CA
I have used this product for: 1-2 years
Expertise: Expert
Style: Trail Riding
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"We are the manufacturer of the Freedom Feeder Small Mesh Hay Nets and completely stand behind our product. Although our product is relatively new to SmartPak, there are 1000's of them in use throughout the USA, Canada and even Australia. We have had some in use at our facility for more than 20 months on everything from 15h quarter horses to 17 hand warmbloods and everyone is out together sharing Freedom Feeding.
We realize we have an issue with the caribiners and we are diligently working on rectifying that problem. If you are experiencing problems with the caribiners, please contact SmartPak directly at CustomerCare@SmartPak.com and we will replace them for you. We will work our hardest to make the Freedom Feeder work for not only your horse but for you as well.
If you have ANY questions or concerns, we will do our very best to leave you a happy customer with happy, content horses."
Review 5 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Best purchase ever
August 16, 2010
Byionapaint
fromRoyse City, TX
I have used this product for: 1-2 years
Expertise: Intermediate
Style: All-Around Western
Competitor: Rated
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"Love this! the small holes of the net make my horses work at getting the hay out. Love that it holds 35# of hay..I only have to fill it once a day and they have hay to pick at all day long since they have to realy work at getting the hay out of the bag. Very little waste..unlike conventional hay feeders! Is super easy to fill up. I have one in every stall! The only down side is the material used is on the thin side and after a year mine is fraying in places. I would love to see it made with a bit heavier netting. Also the clips included are on the cheap side and only last a few months. I did have to replace them with better made ones I bought from TSC."
Review 6 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Thank you thank you thank you for this product!!!
August 10, 2010
Byluvshowjump
fromLong Beach, CA
I have used this product for: 1-2 years
Expertise: Expert
Style: Hunter/Jumper
Competitor: Rated
Share this Review:
"I am in a boarding situation with 15 horses in Rancho Palos Verdes, of these 15 horses, 12 are on the Freedom Feeder extended day nets. They have held up fabulously for going on 10 months with all different breeds and temperaments of horses eating off of them! Two horses are very sensitive to colic and haven't had an issue since being on the nets. We also have a rescue horse who was about 200lbs under weight and he is definitely filling out after being on the net, whereas before he didn't even want to eat all of his hay. Long story short, I (and everyone at the barn) LOVE the Freedom Feeder hay nets!! They have held up far better than our expectations and have made our horses so happy and healthy."
Review 7 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
dont buy!!!
August 6, 2010
Bykrs623
fromarizona
I have used this product for: 3-6 months
Expertise: Expert
Style: Other
Competitor: Rated
Quality:
1
of
5
Value:
1
of
5
Share this Review:
"i purchased 3 of these at the equine afffair in pomona in march. they have not held up. the company offered to exchange one of them, and it, too was destroyed in a matter of days. I was accused of not "hanging them correctly." A 5-yr old could hang these correctly: you tie a knot in the black cord, it's that simple.
The idea is great, the product is not."
The idea is great, the product is not."
Review 8 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Worn out already!
August 4, 2010
ByLelynn
fromLa Pine, Oregon
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Novice
Style: Dressage
Competitor: Local/Open
Quality:
1
of
5
Value:
3
of
5
Share this Review:
Review 9 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Great Value
July 28, 2010
ByLelynn
fromLa Pine, Oregon
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Intermediate
Style: Dressage
Competitor: Local/Open
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
Review 10 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Good product
July 22, 2010
ByTrub
fromNY
I have used this product for: 1-3 months
Expertise: Intermediate
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
"I bought both the small size and the large size. I found the small size hard to fill. The large size I have attached to the fence. I flip it onto the non-horse side, open the top, and shove hay in. I clip it closed and flip it back (the clips end up on the fence side of the bag this way). So easy! Best set up ever.
My boy has been rough on every small hole hay net I have bought. This one is holding up similar to other brads. No holes in it yet. I did have two clips break but replaced them easily."
My boy has been rough on every small hole hay net I have bought. This one is holding up similar to other brads. No holes in it yet. I did have two clips break but replaced them easily."
Review 11 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
may be sending it back
July 18, 2010
Bycgr56
fromnorthern new mexico
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Intermediate
Quality:
2
of
5
Value:
2
of
5
Share this Review:
"I've only used this bag for 2 days and it's already really worn. I also find it VERY difficult to load. I'm not sure how the guy on the video makes it look so easy!! I've been struggling and am trying to give it a few more days before I give up.
I've been using "small hole hay bags" for 6 months now, the traditional ones that hang. They have to be purchased through another company (SmartPak= I wish you would carry THEM!!) but they are much less expensive and MUCH more durable. I've been tying them into "pillows" also for ground feeding. (I've bought mine through Miller's, where they are the cheapest, but their customer service I think is HORRENDOUS).
I will probably be returning this feeder and buying 2 more of the "other" bags. :-("
I've been using "small hole hay bags" for 6 months now, the traditional ones that hang. They have to be purchased through another company (SmartPak= I wish you would carry THEM!!) but they are much less expensive and MUCH more durable. I've been tying them into "pillows" also for ground feeding. (I've bought mine through Miller's, where they are the cheapest, but their customer service I think is HORRENDOUS).
I will probably be returning this feeder and buying 2 more of the "other" bags. :-("
Review 12 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
good idea, but it's got problems
July 15, 2010
ByBean32
fromdeep south
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Expert
Style: Hunter/Jumper
Quality:
3
of
5
Value:
2
of
5
Share this Review:
"I chose 'yes' for recommending the product to a friend, but for right now, it's really a "maybe."
I've only had this product for about 2 weeks, and it's already looking pretty worn out. The net is starting to fray, so I'll just have to wait and see if it actually holds up long-term.
I don't know what the manufacturers were thinking with those cords to hang the net; they're too short to really do anything and it's really difficult/time-consuming to tie it up every day. I plan on buying 4 new clips: 2 to replace the cords so it's easier to hang up, and 2 to replace the flimsy clips used to close the net. I don't feel like it's a great value, considering the extra purchases I'll have to make in order for the net to work for me. An ordinary hay net costs 8 bucks, and I need to buy one clip to make hanging easier. Compare that to the cost of this net, plus the extra cost of replacing brand-new cords and clips that don't really work for their intended purposes.
It only took a couple hours for my horse to completely figure it out, even though the first couple days she thought it was a back-scratcher. It does make 2 flakes of hay last all day long in the stall, and it is much easier to fill than a traditional hay net. Plus, there is MUCH less wasted hay at the end of the day.
The idea is good, it just needs some tweaking. I only purchased one (the small size) to test it out; I think I'll wait a few months to see if it stays in one piece before I buy more for the rest of my horses. Hopefully by then the manufacturers will have done something about those cheap clips. I'd probably be more inclined to purchase additional nets right now if they were cheaper, or came with better quality (and more) clips at the current price. I'd even prefer buying the net minus the cords and clips rather than paying for parts I can't use."
I've only had this product for about 2 weeks, and it's already looking pretty worn out. The net is starting to fray, so I'll just have to wait and see if it actually holds up long-term.
I don't know what the manufacturers were thinking with those cords to hang the net; they're too short to really do anything and it's really difficult/time-consuming to tie it up every day. I plan on buying 4 new clips: 2 to replace the cords so it's easier to hang up, and 2 to replace the flimsy clips used to close the net. I don't feel like it's a great value, considering the extra purchases I'll have to make in order for the net to work for me. An ordinary hay net costs 8 bucks, and I need to buy one clip to make hanging easier. Compare that to the cost of this net, plus the extra cost of replacing brand-new cords and clips that don't really work for their intended purposes.
It only took a couple hours for my horse to completely figure it out, even though the first couple days she thought it was a back-scratcher. It does make 2 flakes of hay last all day long in the stall, and it is much easier to fill than a traditional hay net. Plus, there is MUCH less wasted hay at the end of the day.
The idea is good, it just needs some tweaking. I only purchased one (the small size) to test it out; I think I'll wait a few months to see if it stays in one piece before I buy more for the rest of my horses. Hopefully by then the manufacturers will have done something about those cheap clips. I'd probably be more inclined to purchase additional nets right now if they were cheaper, or came with better quality (and more) clips at the current price. I'd even prefer buying the net minus the cords and clips rather than paying for parts I can't use."
Review 13 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
very useful product
July 13, 2010
Bybeebee
fromnj
I have used this product for: 1-3 months
Expertise: Expert
Style: Hunter/Jumper
Competitor: Rated
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Share this Review:
Review 14 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Hay Saver
July 8, 2010
ByMulesRCool
fromSC
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Intermediate
Style: Hunter/Jumper
Competitor: Rated
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Share this Review:
Review 15 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Life Saver!
July 8, 2010
ByMrLips
fromTopsfield, MA
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Expert
Style: Trail Riding
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"Perfect solution to turnout, as well as stall use, for two Arabian horses: an 8 yr old mare with one episode of laminitis who will be on a restricted diet; the other a 4 yr old growing gelding. I expected the youngster to destroy the net and he has not! They are content to pick away at strands of hay for hours on end. I bought both sizes, and am thrilled. Only comment is a need for stronger caribeeners (they are flimsy) - the horses have not unclipped them!"
Review 16 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
My Horses LOVE this!
July 7, 2010
ByPaintedbBuckskin
fromEvanston, WY
I have used this product for: 1-3 months
Expertise: Intermediate
Style: Endurance
Competitor: Rated
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
Review 17 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Worth the $
June 28, 2010
Byjmlibrarian
fromDayton, OH
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Intermediate
Style: Trail Riding
Competitor: Non-competitor
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Share this Review:
"Just got into slow feeding with 2 easy keeper mares and this is my first net purchase. It took the girls under a half an hour to start using the small nets successfully. They are durable and easy to hang or use as pillows. I plan to upgrade and increase the number of aluminum carabiners that fold the net into place as the two provided are not sufficient. Overall a good purchase that I would recommend. I plan to purchase the large net in the future."
Review 18 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Great idea, but not durable
June 27, 2010
ByAnonymous
fromSonoma County, CA
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Intermediate
Style: Dressage
Competitor: Non-competitor
Quality:
1
of
5
Value:
1
of
5
Share this Review:
"The concept is great, but the net showed a lot of wear within a couple of days and there was a large hole in it within a week."
Review 19 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Entertains and prevents colic!
June 26, 2010
ByRedDawn
fromSan Diego
I have used this product for: 3-6 months
Expertise: Expert
Style: Trail Riding
Competitor: Non-competitor
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"We have a barn full of mischevous characters, and one particular mare who has a tendency to colic fairly frequently after having had surgery for it last year. When I heard of this product, and how it allows the horse to graze continuously as nature intended, I thought that it might be perfect for this mare and, sure enough, since we put up her freedom feeder about five months ago she has not had one episode! She was so entertained by the freedom feeder that we decided to get them for the rest of our herd, as well. They are durable, easy to use, and MAKE SENSE. Thank you for such a great product!!!!"
Review 20 for Freedom Feeder Small Hole Hay Net
Overall Rating:
of
5
Great hay net
June 26, 2010
ByWishIWasRiding
fromBuffalo, NY
I have used this product for: less than a month
Expertise: Beginner
Style: Dressage
Competitor: Non-competitor
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Share this Review:
"I got it very quickly and packaged really well. It has held up and the horses took to it right away. It makes my job easier because I have to drag less hay every day to the stalls (they still get some on the ground)."