Optimizing horse feeding grid size: A step-by-step guide
When it comes to ensuring your horse's comfort during feeding, selecting the right grid size is essential. Horses have a unique way of interacting with their food, primarily using their snout and lips to grasp hay. To determine the ideal grid size, follow our straightforward guide below.
Step 1: Understand the snout
A horse's snout is the robust and incredibly mobile upper lip. It's akin to an elephant's trunk, as it's used for exploration and food gathering. The width of your horse's snout plays a pivotal role in determining the spacing of the grid bars. Measuring your horse's snout width is the first crucial step.
Step 2: Measure the snout width
For this task, it's helpful to have an extra set of hands. Follow these steps:
​
-
Stand beside your horse as you would when fitting a halter.
-
With one hand, gently secure your horse's head.
-
Use your other hand to locate the thick portion of the snout, which is usually the last part of the upper lip.
-
Squeeze this thick part as flat as possible between your thumb and index finger.
-
Now, it's time to measure. Use a tape measure to determine the distance between your thumb and forefinger where you squeezed the snout.
Step 3: Repeated measurements
For precision, it's advisable to perform this measurement two or three times. Consistent measurements will provide a reliable sense of your horse's snout width.
​
By following these simple steps, you'll be equipped to choose the perfect grid size for your horse's feeding needs, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction during mealtime.
For more equine care tips and information on our products, explore our website today.
Determining the ideal grid size
In practice, we've observed that snout widths differ across horse breeds:
​
-
Small Breeds (Snout Width < 4 cm): This category includes petite breeds like Shetlanders, Icelanders, and other pony breeds. For these smaller equines, a small grid is the ideal choice.
-
Modern Sport Horses (Snout Width 4 - 5.5 cm): Athletic breeds such as KWPN, Holsteiner, and Oldenburger typically fall within this range. To cater to their needs, opt for a medium grid.
-
Working Field Breeds (Snout Width > 5.5 cm): Breeds like Friesian horses and Tinkers, originally bred for fieldwork, often have broader snout widths. For these robust companions, a large grid is the most suitable option.
Your Horse's Uniqueness
While these guidelines are helpful, we recognize that each horse is an individual with its own characteristics. If you're uncertain about the appropriate grid size for your horse, don't hesitate to reach out to us for personalized guidance.
Minimum hoof width considerations
To ensure your horse's safety and comfort, it's crucial to assess their hoof width:
​
-
Small and Medium Grids: The minimum hoof width should be at least 7 cm.
-
Large Grids: Horses using a large grid should have hooves wider than 10 cm.
To measure, simply gauge the width of your horse's hooves at their broadest point, both left to right and across all four hooves. The narrowest hoof should meet the minimum hoof width requirement.
Group settings
In scenarios where multiple horses share feeding spaces and more than one FeedingMaster is available, the horse with the widest snout dictates the grid size for all units. This ensures that every horse can access every FeedingMaster with ease. Please remember that the minimum hoof width for each horse must align with the grid size selected.
​
At Valetudo Horse Products, your horse's well-being is our priority. We're here to provide you with the support and information you need to make the best choices for your cherished equine companions. Don't hesitate to contact us for any inquiries or assistance