2. Will my horse get a foot caught in the grill ?
3. Can my horse get caught on the feeder ?
4. Won't the hay go moldy if the feeder has solid sides ?
5. Can my horse get out the grill ?
How does it work ?
Answer: The OptiMizer contains a specially designed grill that floats on the hay. A horse must hold onto the hay to pull it through the grill. This action simulates grazing and limits the size of each mouthful. As a result horses will be chewing for a longer period of time to consume the same amount of hay.
Will my horse get a foot caught in the grill ?Answer: This was one of the first concerns we considered. With early, lower prototypes two horses were observed with one or two feet in the feeder. In order to discourage this behavior the top of the OptiMizer is now higher than an average galvanized water trough. In winter we recognized that snow build up could reduce that relative height and recommend keeping the feeder on top of the developing snow pack. Also, there is seldom space below the grill. The grill is either pressing on the hay or sitting flat on the bottom, reducing the risk of hoof entrapment.
Can my horse get caught on the feeder ?Answer: Horses have been known to get their halters caught on wire fences and gates. We would not want this to happen at our feeders. This is why we designed the feeder to have closed, smooth sides rather than mesh sides. However, we still recommend that horses not wear a halter when using the feeder.
Won't the hay go moldy if the feeder has solid sides ?Answer: Unlike a round bale sitting outside on the ground for a week or more, hay placed in an OptiMizer is normally consumed within 2 days and is not sucking up water from the ground. Also the drain hole in the bottom prevents water build up.
Can my horse get out the grill ?Answer: The OptiMizer is designed to allow you to remove the grill, not your horse. An ingenious flapper door locks the grill in but allows you to easily slide the grill out for reloading.