New RAMM Hay Feeders for My Horses
Hay is an important part of every horse's diet, and my Friesians, donkeys, and Fell pony depend on me to provide them with the best quality hay possible.
It is also crucial that we monitor the amount of hay the horses consume, so they don’t become overweight or develop digestion issues. My stable crew is very mindful of the horses’ hay intake. This week, we installed new galvanized wall mounted horse feeders in the stalls. They’re from RAMM Horse Fencing & Stalls, a 30-year old family-owned business located in Swanton, Ohio. These feeders hold up to two flakes of hay each - hay I grew right here at my farm. The feeders are beautifully crafted, durable and can be mounted at any height for easy access.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
-
- Each RAMM horse feeder comes complete with instructions and all the parts needed for assembly.
-
- Helen and Dolma placed all the pieces out on the stable floor along with the instructions. The feeder is manufactured from galvanized steel to protect it from rust.
-
- Each kit also comes with the exact number of nuts, washers, and bolts.
-
- Helen and Dolma begin assembling the feeder, placing all the sides together first.
-
- Dolma then inserts all the bars into the base. These feeders are very easy to assemble.
-
- And then Dolma inserts the bars through the top holder. All the pieces are well made and strong. These bars not only hold the hay inside the feeder but also slow down feed times, curb boredom and simulate grazing.
-
- Once the feeder pieces are all connected, Helen and Dolma start securing the pieces together with the screws, bolts, and washers.
-
- While one held the screw in place, the other tightens it with a drill.
-
- Here is the back of the top piece – each screw and bolt is fastened securely.
-
- The instructions also include a well-illustrated diagram, which made the process even more efficient.
-
- Helen tightens the last screw and Dolma rechecks that every single one is installed tightly and properly.
-
- These feeders also come with trays that can be attached to the bottom of each unit to catch any falling hay.
-
- And the last one is done. It looks great. The dimensions of each feeder are 23-inches wide, by 28-inches tall by 18-inches deep with the additional tray. The feeders work for any size horse, pony, or donkey.
-
- Next, reusing the cardboard from one of the shipping boxes, Pete creates a template, so he knows exactly where to drill the holes on the wall.
-
- Pete drills through the cardboard at each hole.
-
- Then he measures the center of the wall where the feeder will be mounted.
-
- Holding the template in place, Pete drills through the holes already made on the cardboard.
-
- Once the holes are drilled, Fred holds the feeder in place while Pete secures the screws into the wall.
-
- It looks great, and it’s at the perfect height for my tall Friesians. The bottom half of the hay rack should be level to where the horse’s neck meets its shoulder. The horse should be able to hold its head in a natural position to eat.
-
- This feeder is installed at a lower level for my donkeys. When using this style feeder for smaller horses, be sure the horses are not able to get their hooves in between the bars.
-
- Just like the others, while Fred holds the feeder securely in place, Pete tightens the screws and bolts.
-
- Each hay feeder holds up to two flakes of hay. A flake is a measurement based on volume, so each flake is different depending on the weight of the bale and the kind of hay used. Each of my horses gets one flake pulled apart and placed into the feeder.
-
- As an added precaution, we also affixed rubber bumpers to the corners so the horses don’t hurt themselves when eating, or when rubbing up against the metal.
-
- Here’s “Truman Junior” going to the feeder right away for his hay. If you follow this blog regularly, you may know this hay was grown right here on my farm. We baled lots of hay this summer specifically for my horses.
-
- In the stall next door, Billie waits her turn while Rufus and Clive eat their portions. Billie is hoping they leave her some.
-
- Next, it’s time to feed the big boys – Rutger, Meindert, Ramon, and Rinze, along with Banchunch and Sasa on the other side, wait patiently for their hay. I am pretty sure they will love their new feeders as much as the donkeys do.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
