Veterinarian Recommended

"When I first saw the Slow Down® Hay Feeder I immediately said, 'How clever!'  Not only does it keep horses occupied, but it keeps them "grazing" as they would on pasture. It has the real potential to help treat many health and behavioral issues with less time and expense.

We have many feeding issues with the horse. From stall vices such as weaving, wood chewing, cribbing, aggression and feed anxiety to medical problems such as colic, laminitis, insulin resistance and obesity. All related to bolus feeding instead of browsing. Slowing down hay consumption can affect all these problems, not to mention reduce waste or contamination from spillage."  
~Dr. Roy C. Kipper, D.V.M., Grimes, IA

Farrier Recommended

"I've been shoeing horses for almost twenty-five years. I see a lot of horses, in a lot of settings. Horses that stand for most of the day in stalls and dry lots get bored. They need something to do.  The behavior I see from being confined can really be bad for their health – cribbing, weaving, kicking at stall walls.  For a couple of years now, I’ve watched this feeder really help horses. It prevents them from devouring their food in a matter of minutes, so they have hay around to keep them occupied longer.  And the soaking feature is a real advantage to horses with digestive issues like colic and laminitis.  But what really impresses me the most about this feeder is its design and the idea behind it. It’s user friendly and built with solid construction that make it virtually indestructible.  In my book, this is money well spent.”  ~Jeff Smuck, Circle S Farrier Service


Horse Expert Recommended
No-Waste Hay Feeder from The Trail Rider Magazine
The Slow Down® Hay Feeder/Soaker simulates natural-grazing practices to cut down on hay waste and promote horse health. “Horses eat more slowly, because they have to pull hay up and through holes in a plate that covers hay in the feeder,” say The Trail Rider contributors Kent and Char lene Krone. Made from durable noncorrosive polyethylene plastic, the feeder holds 10-12 two-pound flakes of hay. It doubles as a soaker; a plug in the bottom of the tub allows for easy water drainage. Cost: $395. Contact: Healthy Feeding Systems, Inc., (515)993-4123; www.slowdownhayfeeder.com.
~The Trail Rider Magazine, January/February 2009, Vol. 20 No. 1 

A Few Feeding Solutions from The Horse's Hoof

In this issue, we thought we’d pass on some information about a few interesting feeding products:

Slow Down® Hay Feeder/Soaker
What an interesting product! It looks like it is basically a large bucket with a special feeding plate on top to slow down hay/feed consumption. As the horse consumes the hay, the feeding plate slowly lowers in the bucket. It looks very simple and easy to use, and could easily be added to any horse’s living area. The bucket doubles as a convenient way to soak hay, as well as being very portable. With the high cost of hay these days, the promise of less wastage is a big plus!  For the natural owner, it might actually pay off to buy several of these and install all around a paddock paradise. The price for one complete kit is $395.00. 
~ www.TheHorsesHoof.com  Barefoot Hoofcare  Magazine Issue 31 – Summer 20

Skode's Horse Treats: Powerful Women Share Their Stories
"The day the idea for the Slow Down® Hay Feeder appeared, Julie Turner was walking through a field watching one of her horses yank hay through a tiny hole in her muzzle.

'Why can't I create something that does that in reverse?' Julie thought.

So she did.

And the idea evolved into a device that, in laymens terms, works like this: The hay goes into a container, which has four posts. The plate secures into those posts by twisting and locking. The plate - a food grade plastic -- has holes that allow the horse to take out hay from th container -- in manner similar to grazing. As the hay is pulled out of those holes, the hay, by virtue of gravity, goes down. So does the plate. As the plate settles to the bottom, the dirt, dust and sand, etc, also settle to the bottom and are inaccessable to the horse. When water is added to the equation and the hay is soaked, up to 30% of the sugars in the hay are reduced."   ... read more of this article
~Skode's Horse Treats, April 2009



Client Testimonials

"Thank you for helping me solve the dilemma of how to humanely assist my big American Warmblood in losing weight.  In spite of miles and miles of mountain trail rides and hours of jumping, he remains at an unhealthy weight. He practically inhales two flakes of hay in less than thirty minutes, and then chews on the fence, and salivates with longing, while enviously watching his Arab buddy slowly enjoy his ration for hours on end! Thanks to the Slow Down® Hay Feeder, it now takes him three to four hours to eat the same amount of hay and he is both entertained and content the entire time.  He also enjoys rolling the feeder around when I leave it freestanding to see what last morsels he might extract.  His muscles are becoming more defined and my trainer's first comment to me last week was that "Rainman has lost weight!"  I was happy to tell her about the Slow Down® Hay Feeder and I can't wait for my veterinarian to see it as well. This investment is well worth it. Thank you so much!" 

(after four months of use) “I wanted to let you know that Rainman achieved almost perfect weight a few weeks ago- YEA !!  He has slowed down his feeding altogether now. Even when I throw him a few flakes out so I can hurry and go ride, like a new habit, he eats it more slowly. He even seems to prefer eating out of the Slow Down® Feeder, even when there is loose hay around.  Solomon (our other horse) is sort of jealous that Rainman has the Slow Down® Feeder and rushes over to eat out of it when I let him out of his paddock (I keep them separated for feedings).  But Rainman is pretty possessive of it and generally chases him away, even if it is empty.  I am very happy and satisfied with the Slow Down® Feeder and it’s results!"
~Lynn Johnson, Centennial, CO   click here to see video by Neil Crisp

"I wanted to let you know that I got the Slow Down® Feeder on Wednesday and went to Count’s barn to install it today.  We had a bit of an audience, as everyone had heard that my special feeder for Count was arriving.  Everyone stood around while I easily set it up, filed it with hay, put the plate on and voila.  Count certainly became very busy accessing his hay and all day long a stream of curious onlookers kept stopping by the stall to see how he was doing with his feeder.  When I left the barn he was still busy working away on getting to his food and it is such a blessing, as he must be cooped up for another 50 days of stall rest but at least I know he will spend most of the time busy feeding himself.  Everyone was so amazed at how simple the feeder is to use and yet how sturdy and tough it is.  One owner of a cribbing horse stood around for a long time accessing the situation and I think she has pretty much decided that the feeder will help her horse to not crib as much. 

I want to thank you, once again, for going above and beyond to get the feeder to me so swiftly.  I was really nervous about Count’s post op recovery and the fact that he would have to stand around in a stall for 60 days.  I really was sure he would do something stupid and bring on another injury if he didn’t have something to keep him busy or distracted and he must eat small amounts of food frequently and well….. this is the perfect solution.  The vet comes out tomorrow to give him a check up and I’m sure she will find the feeder fascinating as well, since I’ve already told her about it and she felt it was a great solution to his situation.  I’ll keep you posted and thank you for such great service and innovation!

(weeks later…) I just got off the phone with my trainer to get an update.   All is well that ends well…….. as they say…….. It is working great!  Your persistence and willingness to keep looking for a solution has PAID OFF!!!!!!!!  KUDOS TO YOU, JULIE, FOR HANGING IN THERE WITH ME TO FIND A SOLUTION!  As I suspected, your concept is creative, innovative, practical and works!   In my case, we just needed to make an adjustment for my horse’s out of the ordinary mouth size.  For him, the plate seems to work best not snapped into the locked position, but it works really well nonetheless.  I think this is what you call a success story!!!" ~with gratitude, Claudia Murphy, Glendale, CA

The Slow Down® Feeder is working for Gus! The larger plate allows a little more hay for him and a lot less frustration. He seemed really happy last evening. When I arrived he was still eating and seemed like he was more interested in the hay than me! (Usually bad, but in this case I'll deal with it! )  I will keep you updated and I appreciate the awesome customer service!  ~Natalie

(after one month) The feeder really is a fantastic product that truly does as it is advertised, and my too busy mentally horse is way too involved in "grazing" on his hay to cause any mischief whilst recuperating. Wonderful as well as much more peaceful for his poor "Mommy"! I thank you again for the time you took, as well as the help in getting him the right size hole so all is relaxed and easy, and everyone, especially him, is HAPPY. And the dolly truly makes everyone's life easier, it is easy to transport the full feeder to his stall, and no broken backs! (or in my case worsening :) Thanks again, and I promise to keep you updated as we make our way towards our goal of being sound and productive. ~Sincerely, Natalie Worthington, Warminster, PA 

"Thank you so very much for the prompt delivery....and the one on one contact with your company.  I got the Slow Down® Feeder today, as promised and much faster then expected!  I took it to my mare and was amazed at how quickly she adjusted to it ( I have it in her stall)...she immediately started "grazing" and really seems to like it.  I cannot

thank you enough for the very personilized service and the quick

delivery.  So far, I am thoroughly pleased with the feeder, thrilled that it seems to be working.  I will let you know further after tomorrow. 

Thanks again!
(the next day...)  Hi again!  I just wanted to update you on how the first night went with the feeder.  It

is a huge success!!  I am so happy I made the decision to purchase it.  Angel (my beautiful mare) is one of those who inhales her hay, (she is also an extremely easy keeper) then gets bored and chews the stall down around here.  She really likes the feeder and so does all the other boarders who have seen it!  Thank you so very much again!!!!"  ~Connie Carbonara, Henryville , PA

"My horses are loving their (three) new Slow Down® feeders.  When my husband was putting up the wall mounts for the corner ones, I gave a small amount of hay to them so they would stay occupied while we worked and the look they gave me was, 'What! You want me to eat that off the ground?'  It was so funny!  Again, thank you for such a wonderful product.  Every horse owner needs one of these feeders!!  God bless you and Happy Trails!" ~Karen Narramore, Gilroy, CA

"Klacyk Fyre is a 19 year old Russian Arabian.  He has Cushings and the symptoms show by pain in his hooves and shoulder area.  This winter we were soaking his hay to remove the sugar.  It was very cold and we were Filling a large tub in the barn restroom, then wheeling it outside after the soak to empty it.  Then we had to drain it on racks before we could feed.  It was a miserable job. It was such a relief when we found your Slow Down® Hay Feeder Soaker.  We put the hay in, filled it with water, waited an hour, pulled the plug and the hay was ready for Klacyk.  We now use it to soak the hay for all our horses in the winter.  Thanks for a great product!"   ~Laura Potter, Cove, OR

"When I installed the feeder in the barn both horses approached with caution!!  Snorted a few times and then went right to town.  My horse, a 7 yr old paint, really enjoys eating from it as his eyes are always half-closed while eating. But he is pushing my daughter's QH gelding out, so we are still feeding on the side.  So to keep everyone happy we ordered another.  I am very pleased so far and see a less stressful summer with the feeders.  Our ground is very sandy and I am always stressed and worried about colic.  We haven't experienced colic yet and hope the feeders keep it that way.  My daughter belongs to a 4H club that only deals with kids with horses. Could you include more brochures so I can pass them out to our members to look at?  Thanks and I look forward to receiving the (second) feeder.

(a few days later...) Just want to let you know that as each day goes by the horses seem happier and calmer with the feeder there.  They sun themselves and when the mood strikes, wander over to have a snack.  It is hard right now because of the snow and ice on the ground so riding is out of the question most of the time.  The feeder keeps them busy.   We will be taking it to the fair and open shows this summer.  I'm sure we will receive many questions about it."
~Brenda Sedlar, Manawa, WI

"I was sure my stud would have the feeder destroyed in no time. Much to my surprise it was just fine and he finished all the hay we put in it the first night! It sure keeps him from wasting so much hay, which is scarce and pretty pricey these days!   And it really keeps his stall clean too, so morning chores go a whole lot faster.  Enjoying the extra time getting ready for work in the morning!  Nice work Slow Down®!" 
~ Mary Lou Clark , ML Paint and Quarter Horses, Prairie City , IA

 

“I manage a boarding barn with 40+ horses. Anything that can lessen time spent cleaning stalls and making repairs is worth a look. I first tried the feeder with a horse that digs holes in the stall floor everyday. To my amazement he stopped digging because he’s too busy eating! I then put it in a stall with three weanlings. Not only are they all eating out of it at the same time, but the stall isn’t trashed with manure soiled hay. I know the owner of the facility is happy too, because we’re not wasting near the hay we used to which is money in his pocket! This is quite a product!”
~Lenard E. DeLong, Barn Manager, Lost Acres Stables, Grimes, IA




“I have to purchase my own low sugar hay for my overweight, Insulin Resistant, horse. I needed something that would slow down his feeding rate, but keep him busy while having less hay so he’ll continue to lose weight. I am very happy with the Slow Down® Hay Feeder. I’ve found we’re wasting less hay and the soaking feature is great! My horse has slowed down his eating and has lost weight, which is exactly what I wanted.  The bonus is, a few short months later, he is no longer overweight and he’s building muscle!  This feeder will help so many horses! Thank you!”
~Becky Love, Pleasanton, CA

 

 

“Sadly, I have an insulin-resistant mare that requires constant/on demand, s-l-o-w grazing in order to help regulate her blood sugar and prevent episodic bouts of laminitis. At the time of my mare's first laminitic episode, I began soaking her grass hay for 60 minutes, to reduce a lot of the water soluble sugars. I then had to drain and broadcast the heavy wet hay around the paddock. I did this six times every day! Needless to say, this was a very labor intensive endeavor that seriously compromised my ability to earn a living.

 

I thought my prayers had been answered when I discovered 'The Grazer' hay feeding machine. Enthusiastically, I purchased, ASSEMBLED and installed SEVEN of these machines on pipe panels around my paddock; home to a small harem herd, consisting of one stallion, his three mares and two babies. 

 

Regrettably, in a matter of a few short weeks, my enthusiasm was replaced with frustration, as I began having nothing but trouble with my Grazers. Over the 10 months that ensued, I tried every conceivable "McGyver-like" solution ... to no avail!

 

Then a friend (God bless you, Lisa) told me about the Slow Down® Hay Feeder/Soaker. After laying out such a huge sum of money for my Grazers ... (before their radical price reduction ... about $350 each, plus tax and shipping ... times SEVEN!) ... I wasn't all that eager to risk yet another substantial investment on another "experiment". Cautiously, I ordered ONE Slow Down® Hay Feeder ... and WOW, what a difference!

 

Now for my experiences in a side-by-side comparison ...

 

The Grazer - Clever, but somewhat complicated design  - Aluminum sheet metal construction  - Hazardous squared metal design  - Assembly required--mostly straight forward,  but some steps are a MAJOR hassle.   Feeder Grate: - Paint chips with first use! - Potential for toxic ingestion of traces of aluminum - Rusts almost immediately - On warm days, the metal gets hot enough to burn your hands AND worse yet, your horse's mouth! - Heavy grate can easily slam down on your hands or wrists while loading hay, resulting in pain and bruising. - Bar spacing too far apart to adequately slow feeding once the horses figure out bow to work around the bars and 'game' the system.   - Really clever horses eventually figure out how to pop the side latches, dumping all the hay on the ground anyway.   - Won’t work with presoaked hay - Wet hay bogs down as it is too heavy for the hopper springs to support and properly advance tray up to grate for feeding.   - Unit is stationary   - Very high maintenance Bits of hay and other debris collects surprisingly quick under the hopper tray, which interferes with normal operation and reduces filling capacity - Frequent cleaning is required to ensure proper operation; yet The Grazer is heavy, having to lift it from the brackets each time is a cumbersome chore. - Debris under hopper spoils rapidly and can pose a mold spore inhalation hazard as your horse feeds from the tray above.       - A friend who was able to mount her Grazers in a barn stall has had no trouble with her installation; however, contrary to Grazer advertising, they DO NOT work well pipe panels and are downright dangerous in my opinion. There is far too much inherent movement of the panel to provide safe, secure mounting of the feeder. Every few days the mounting brackets develop too much “play” and the thumb screws work free from the drilled holes…a constant battle to keep them in place. One morning I was awakened to the sound of banging and discovered to my horror, one of my mares pawing at the Grazer that had worked loose from its mounting bracket and was laying dangerously on its side. I sincerely thank God, that I caught her BEFORE she managed to amputate a foot on the exposed sharp sheet metal as a result of what appears to be a  serious design flaw.

The Slow Down® - Beautiful and genius in its simplicity - Durable, high impact UV stable plastic - Rounded horse-safe design - No assembly required whatsoever!   Feeder Plate:   - Non toxic - Never rusts - Never burns you or your horse(s)   - Lightweight, easy to use   - Be careful to order correct size holes for YOUR horse, as to prevent hoof injury due to pawing as some horses may become frustrated until they adjust to eating at a slower, more natural pace. - Hay stays put, so long as you don’t overfill as I tried to at first.   - No presoaking required. - You can soak/drain/feed all in same unit!       - Highly portable!   - Manufacturer recommends daily cleaning, though I manage to get by with 1-2 times per month.   - A cinch to clean, as needed.               - Quick and EASY chain/snap or cable/snap mount. Haven’t yet tried wall mount as I have pipe panels All four of Rebecca's horses eating  out of the Slow Down® Feeder at once!

In closing… even though the Grazer fell so far short of my expectations, at least you don’t end up feeding the NEIGHBORS’ horses whenever the wind blows.

As for the Slow Down® Feeder, the only minor improvement I’d like to see is a more user-friendly drain plug. Nonetheless, I intend to replace all my Grazers with the Slow Down® as soon as finances allow… despite the fact the Grazer is now cheap by comparison.” ~Sincerely, Rebecca B., California



"My beloved Jarich is a Friesian that does not know how to stop eating or to eat slowly.  He rushes through his hay until every blade is consumed and the other horses in the barn can make it last for hours after he is done.  I knew I had to help him and the Slow Down® Hay Feeder/Soaker was a great option.  Not only is his stall very clean but his hay consumption is slowed down.  The company is very easy to work with and believes not only in their product but in helping horses live a better life."  
~ Gloria Olson, Des Moines, IA

"I have three Slow Down® Hay Feeders for three horses with different eating habits and needs.  I am thrilled by how well they work and how much faster I clean stalls each morning.  I was most surprised by how much hay I save each day!   I now go through half as much hay as before, because they’re eating more efficiently and not wasting it all over the stall floor!  The feeders will pay for themselves in no time and save me even more!  It’s  also become part of my reconditioning program. My horses have never looked better!  Thanks, Healthy Feeding Systems, for such a great product and excellent customer service!"
~ Mona Callendar, West Winds Farms, Waukee, IA

"I just wanted to send you a note to let you know of my experiences with the Slow Down Hay Feeder that I bought about five weeks ago. The mare I was given is 17 years old and at first VERY upset with the feeder. I had it securely anchored to the pipe fencing and love the fact that she couldn't move it at all! But she was so mad at it that she would grab the plate with her teeth and pull it up and leave it up. But I would always put some loose hay on the top of the plate to get her to started and go out periodically and pull tuffs up through the holes. She now eats out of the feeder just fine and I am saving approximately 30% on hay. That was the amount she used to throw on the ground and waste. So, although I was discouraged at first, I am now very glad I got it!  ~Cathleen Wall, Hesperia, CA