7 Best Hay Bags For Trailering That Keep Horses Calm

Transporting horses requires meticulous preparation to ensure safety and comfort during travel. A quality hay bag acts as a calming tool, keeping a horse occupied and minimizing the stress often associated with confined trailer spaces. Selecting the right feeder transforms a chaotic travel experience into a manageable and peaceful routine.

Tough-1 Slow Feed Hay Bag: A Durable Classic

The Tough-1 Slow Feed Hay Bag remains a staple for horse owners who prioritize reliability over fancy aesthetics. Its design focuses on simplicity, utilizing heavy-duty poly material that stands up to the rigors of frequent trailering.

This bag works exceptionally well for owners who need a no-nonsense solution that fits standard trailer D-rings without a struggle. While it lacks internal frames, its sturdy construction prevents premature tearing when filled to capacity.

Bottom line: Choose this option if long-term durability and affordability take precedence over specialized feeding features. It is a workhorse product that performs consistently without requiring high maintenance.

Shires Deluxe Hay Net: For Slower Grazing

If a horse tends to gulp down feed too quickly during short trips, the Shires Deluxe Hay Net is an effective intervention. Smaller mesh squares force the horse to take smaller, more frequent bites, which promotes natural digestion and extends the time the horse spends chewing.

This slower pace significantly reduces the stress of long hauls by keeping the horse mentally engaged. The netting is soft enough to avoid irritation around the muzzle but strong enough to withstand tugging.

Bottom line: This is the ideal choice for anxious travelers or “easy keepers” who need to slow their intake. While filling a net takes slightly more effort than a solid bag, the digestive benefits are worth the extra minute of labor.

Weaver Leather Hay Bag: Top-Tier Durability

When looking for an investment piece that survives years of heavy usage, the Weaver Leather Hay Bag stands out for its superior stitching and resilient fabric. This bag is designed to hang flush against trailer walls, reducing the chances of a horse getting a hoof caught.

The material feels substantial to the touch and holds its shape well, even when the hay supply inside begins to run low. It handles the dampness of morning dew or spilled water better than thinner, cheaper alternatives.

Bottom line: While the price point sits higher than basic poly bags, the cost-per-use value makes it a smart long-term buy. It is the best selection for those who want a premium product that looks professional and functions flawlessly.

Derby Originals Supreme: Easiest to Load Up

The Derby Originals Supreme is designed for the owner who values efficiency during a quick departure. Featuring a wide-mouth top opening, it allows for fast loading, which is a major advantage when juggling multiple tasks before hitting the road.

The design keeps the load balanced, ensuring it does not swing excessively while the trailer is in motion. This stability helps horses remain calm, as they are not dealing with a moving target that shifts unpredictably during turns.

Bottom line: If packing the trailer is often a race against time, this bag offers the best trade-off between volume and accessibility. It effectively balances ease of use with the structural integrity required for highway travel.

Kensington All-Around Bag: Reduces Messy Waste

Keeping a trailer interior clean is a common headache for any horse owner, and the Kensington All-Around Bag addresses this directly. Its enclosed design minimizes the amount of loose hay that drifts onto the floor, which simplifies cleanup significantly upon arrival.

The reinforced top opening ensures the bag stays upright and accessible throughout the journey. It is particularly well-suited for smaller trailers where space is at a premium and every bit of floor space counts.

Bottom line: This is a top-tier choice for owners who prioritize cleanliness and organizational ease. It saves significant time at the end of a trip, as less hay needs to be swept out of the trailer floorboards.

Cashel Feed Rite Bag: A No-Hang Floor Option

Not every horse is comfortable with a hanging bag, and some trailers lack the ideal mounting points. The Cashel Feed Rite Bag offers a floor-level solution that mimics a more natural grazing posture for the horse.

This bag is exceptionally durable and features weighted bottoms to prevent it from flipping over during transit. It provides a secure way to feed without the need for hardware installation, making it perfect for renters who cannot modify their trailer walls.

Bottom line: For those who prefer a ground-based feeding system, this bag is the industry standard. It offers peace of mind for owners who worry about horses getting tangled in hanging straps or nets.

Hay Hoops Wall Feeder: Best Permanent Solution

For owners who trailer frequently and want a consistent, fixed setup, the Hay Hoops system is a game-changer. By mounting a rigid hoop to the trailer wall, the bag stays open and accessible at all times.

This permanent setup removes the hassle of trying to find the perfect hanging angle for every trip. It creates a stable, predictable environment that is highly effective for keeping horses settled.

Bottom line: This represents the best “install once and forget it” solution available. While it requires a modest initial effort for installation, the long-term convenience for frequent haulers is unmatched.

Choosing Your Bag: Hole Size and Material Matter

When selecting a bag, the hole size determines how much “slow feeding” actually occurs. Smaller holes are better for horses that need to lose weight or those prone to ulcers, while larger holes allow for easier eating during short, high-energy trips.

Material choices typically fall between nylon, poly, and natural fibers. Nylon is easy to hose off and dries quickly, whereas natural fiber nets are softer on the horse’s gums but take longer to dry if exposed to moisture.

• Small mesh (1-1.5 inches): Best for slowing intake and keeping the horse occupied for hours.
• Large mesh (2 inches+): Ideal for horses that struggle to get enough hay or for older horses with dental issues.
• Enclosed bags: Best for minimizing waste and keeping the trailer interior pristine.

How to Safely Hang a Hay Bag in Your Trailer

Safety is the absolute priority when securing any gear inside a trailer. Always hang the bag high enough so that a horse cannot get a hoof stuck in the bottom if they paw at it, but low enough so they can eat comfortably without craning their neck.

Use break-away clips or twine as a connection point between the bag and the trailer wall. If the horse panics and pulls back, this intentional weak point will break rather than ripping the hardware out of your trailer wall or causing the horse to suffer a severe injury.

Always test the height while the horse is standing in the trailer before you load the hay. Adjust the straps so that the bag hangs flush against the wall, preventing it from swaying during stops and starts.

Keeping It Clean: Simple Hay Bag Maintenance

Hay bags naturally accumulate dust, dirt, and mold-prone debris over time. Establish a habit of shaking out the bag after every trip to dislodge loose particles that can harbor bacteria or respiratory irritants.

For a deeper clean, soak the bag in a tub of warm water with a mild, non-toxic detergent. Rinse thoroughly and ensure the bag is completely air-dried before storing it, as trapped moisture inside a trailer cabinet will lead to mildew.

• Weekly: Inspect all straps and buckles for signs of fraying.
• Monthly: Submerge and scrub the bag to remove residual dust.
• Seasonally: Replace any bag with compromised mesh or broken stitching to prevent potential entanglement risks.

Equipping a trailer with the right hay bag is one of the most effective ways to ensure the safety and happiness of a horse on the road. By balancing individual needs—such as feeding speed, cleaning preferences, and installation limits—you can make trailering a stress-free experience for everyone involved.