The use and perception of hay nets and slow feeders by horse owners and handlers: findings from a United Kingdom survey.

Hay nets and slow feeders are widely used in equine management, yet United Kingdom (UK) horse owners' perceptions of these devices are underexplored. An online cross-sectional survey (66 questions) was distributed via social media between 5 July and 6 August 2024, yielding 100 valid responses from UK horse owners. Data were analysed descriptively and using chi-square/Fisher's exact tests. Hay nets only were used by 42 respondents, slow feeders only by 26, and both by 32. Safety concerns were reported by 43% of hay net users, most often entanglement and dental issues, although 81% used hay nets year-round. Most forum-active respondents (77.6%) believed information on safe use was insufficient, compared with 39.2% of non-participants (χ2=19.66, df=1, P < 0.001). Perceptions were largely positive: most respondents agreed both devices reduced forage wastage and extended feeding time. Improved device design and owner education may support safer use of both devices.