The OptiMizer is made from durable plastic and is approximately 48″ by 48″. It is available in three heights – standard (34″ tall), mini (27″ tall), and micromini (22″ tall). There are no sharp edges—all corners are rounded and bevelled. It holds two small square bales (about 150 pounds) of hay. A slide arm at the top locks slow-feed netting into place over the bales. The net conforms to the shape of the hay, and horses slowly pull and eat hay through the mesh. 2-4 horses can comfortably eat at the same time from it.
It takes less than a minute to fill the OptiMizer. Simply un-clip the slide arm and push it to the side of the OptiMizer. Add two bales of hay, cut and remove the twine, pull back, and re-clip the slide arm. You’re done—slow feeding a day’s hay in under a minute!
Safe
The manger is made of durable and lightweight Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). This is the same material that playground equipment and drinking water tanks are made from. All corners are rounded with 1? diameters, making a smooth and safe surface if rubbed against.
The netting is made in Canada out of durable, knotless nylon that has proven to be gentle on muzzles but tough to withstand the challenge of feeding horses.
Simple
The slide arm provides for smooth, one handed operation to open and close the feeder.
Slow feed netting hangs freely inside the feeder and conforms with the hay right to the bottom of the feeder.
The feeder fits 2 small square bales up to 16” high and 42” long each – 150 pounds of hay.
Effective
The tiniest bits are the tastiest. As your horse feeds through any net, some of the delicate leaves can be stripped off of the grasses or alfalfa. These are often the yummiest parts for your horse. With an OptiMizer, these pieces are not lost to the ground but remain within the feeder for your horses to clean up as they feed. Even the smallest leaves are tidied up, leaving an empty plate ready for the next load of hay.
Features
- At 34″ tall, the Standard size is perfect for larger ponies and horses
- With shorter, 5″ legs on the standard OptiMizer body, the Mini works very well as a full drainage and safe OptiMizer for most ponies
- The MicroMini has no legs and features side drainage. This works well for very small horses; please consider that this size could make it easier for horses to put their feet in the OptiMizer and could post a threat to feet getting caught and those horses wearing shoes.
- 1.6″ knotless nylon durable slow feed netting comes standard
- Stainless steel hay net assembly provides a rust-free environment
- 13 drainage holes help prevent hay spoilage due to prolonged soaking
Measurements
- Length and Width: 4′ by 4′
- Height: Standard – 34″ Mini – 27″ MicroMini – 22″
- Weight: Approximately 100 pounds when empty
- Net Size: Large enough to drape into the manger as all the hay is consumed. Net openings are 1.6″ as measured on the square. Replacement netting is available in both 2″ and 1.6″.
Benefits (for your horses)
- Hay is always available
- Eating is slow and relaxed
- Their heads are down in a natural position
- A safe herd environment is created
Benefits (for you)
- Easy and fast to refill (done in under a minute)
- Hay consumption is regulated
- Hay isn’t soiled or wasted
- Peace of mind—hay is always available