Time-controlled hay dispensers

In practice, time-controlled hay dispensers are used for needs-based hay portioning not only in active stables, but increasingly also in open stables and paddock trails. They enable hay feeding throughout the day with freely selectable feeding times.
The aim is to ensure that horses receive feed according to their individual nutritional requirements, avoiding both overfeeding and underfeeding. At the same time, the feeding intervals encourage horses to move more actively in the turnout and trail areas during the periods when the hay dispensers are closed.

With the wide range of models and numerous control options available, yard operators can implement the feeding concept that best suits their individual horse-management system. Time-controlled HIT hay dispensers are available with four feeding places (MAXI), three feeding places (MULTI-3) and one feeding place (MULTI-1 and SINGLE). This modular hay dispenser system allows the arrangement of racks to be customised to the specific requirements of the yard. It has proven advantageous in practice to distribute the hay dispenser units across several areas rather than positioning them in one long row.

Depending on preference and the operational setup, the hay dispensers can be controlled via smartphone, PC or the HOCO feeding computer. Using a transformer, they run safely on 12 V. If no mains power is available, PV modules can also be used for the power supply.

Many equestrian yards have found it beneficial to provide significantly more feeding places than there are horses in the group. This is supported by scientific studies recommending a horse-to-feeding-place ratio of up to 1 : 2.