«Ponies on strip systems moved less and exhibited increased agonistic interactions compared with the track system, maybe as a result of a perceived reduction in space or concentration of resources, although the accessible areas were matched. These results suggest that there may be physical as well as psychological health benefits to the track system.»

“In the present study, consistent improvements in welfare indicators were observed when horses ate roughage through the hay bag.”

«We found that horses increased their time feeding on hay in both the hay-bag and the slow-feeder treatments compared to the hay on the stall ground treatment. While the hay-bag distribution was associated with an increase of frustration behaviours, the slow-feeder reduced “undesirable” behaviours, such as stereotypic behaviours, and increased “friendliness” towards humans. These results emphasize the importance of identifying feeding strategies and/or devices that improve feeding distribution and improve horse welfare.”

“In summary, despite a lack of difference in the time spent eating, horses consumed 20% less hay from the hay grid feeder compared with that eaten from the ground. The hay grid feeder used in this study may represent an alternative for the weight loss management of stabled horses.”

“Our study showed evidence that different feeding positions are able to modify the shape of back and neck postures, as well as the magnitude of the mandibular angle […] Since hay nets are useful to increase the feeding time consumption, it is necessary to investigate all the postures that a horse may achieve when feeding out of a hay net and identify the height which allows a more natural overall posture.”