Step 1 

Turn the Natural Feeder (R) upside down 

Slide the bottom plate out, away from the feeder 

Place the large restriction grate, inside the feeder over the opening - (use the largest grate to begin with, even if your horse is accustomed to slow feeding) This will allow your horse to adjust to this new way of foraging.

The ribs (rounded/raised side) on the grate should face the horse.

Use the largest grate size for 2 days to 2 weeks, before utilizing the medium sized grate, which will further restrict the amount of forage. The key is to acclimate your horse slowly and calmly. Stress can result in increased cortisol levels, and cause a negitive reaction to the feeder.

The restriction grate mimics how horses, in a natural environment, forage by continuously ingesting small amounts throughout the day

 

 

 Step 2

Insert the bale of hay; twine facing up

Cut twine and pull twine strings out

During the acclimation process (the first 2 days to 2 weeks) place 3/4 of the bale inside the feeder and the remaining 1/4 bale on top of the feeder so that the horse gradually and calmly becomes accustomed to the feeder.

Ensure that the hay in the feeder is not compacted and that each flake seperates easily, so the horse can pull the hay up through the grate oenings.  

Slide the bottom plate through the insert into the closed position

Be sure to tie the bottom plate shut for the first 2 weeks of use, just in case the horse(s) tip the feeder over. After 2 weeks, most horses become accustomed to the feeder and don't push it around (if continuous hay is provided).     

The drain hole prevents moisture build up 

Step 3

 Turn The Natural Feeder® upright 

During the acclimation phase (first 2 days to 2 weeks of use), pull a little hay up from the grate openings and place a few flakes of hay on the top of the feeder or beside the feeder– to allow the horse(s) to acclimate calmly 

2 horses can use The Natural Feeder®   for up to 24 hours depending on the type of hay used - the feeder is not designed to feed more than 2 to 3 horses at a time

Moving to the next smaller grate size

After acclimation to the large grate (2 days to 2 weeks), utilization of the medium sized grate may be needed for further restriction of hay consumption. Repeat the acclimation process, by placing hay beside or on top of the feeder and pull hay out from the grate openings, to ensure that your horse can access the hay with a smaller grate.
Pay close attention to make sure the hay is not compacted or packed in the feeder too tightly. If it is, take out a few flakes of hay. There is a learning curve for both the human and the horse. 

Getting the most out of your NaturalFeeder 
Self Regulation 

This requires that hay is available to your horse all of the time. It will happen in 3 days to 3 weeks - once your horse trusts that he will never run out of forage, a calmness occurs. It is awesome to be a part of this process!!


  This picture shows how the horse is
able to grasp hay using his teeth and lips
Picture taken by Dr. Peggy M. Auwerda,
 Iowa State University


This picture shows how 2 horses can forage
from the feeder at the same time

Picture taken by Dr. Peggy M. Auwerda,
Iowa State University