My daughter and I have mainly tested this Shake & Graze Chaff Net on our four-year-old Connemara Loki, who is slightly overweight. It has also been used by Misty (above), a veteran Irish sports horse that is also overweight.
Loki is only just really starting his ridden career due to being so young and he is very food orientated. Misty is pretty much retired now at the age of 24.
How it works
The Shake & Graze Chaff Net is designed to hold chaff, so that it takes a horse or pony longer to eat compared to having chaff in a bucket. A particularly good idea for a good doer!
According to the manufacturer, it is the only slow-release net specifically designed for feeding chaff.
The net has a filter system that slowly dispenses chaff when the net is nuzzled, agitated or gently shaken by a horse, who can then graze the chaff from the floor.
It is marketed as being ideal for a range of equines, including those who are metabolically challenged, on restricted turnout or box rest, or need to manage their weight.
Two integral layers in the net are interchangeable. One filter is best for horses who are learning to use the net, or who can eat more, because a greater amount of chaff is released.
Using both filters together releases less chaff.
Performance
I have had the Shake & Graze Chaff Net to test for about six weeks now and have mostly used it inside stables, but it is suitable for use outside too.
It is very durable and strong, unlike other nets I’ve used in the past which are easily broken or frayed.
The Shake & Graze Chaff Net is quite thick and heavy. This means it holds the chaff inside well, until the horse nudges it and it is released slowly.
Loki started very well with the net. He quickly understood that if he nudged it then he would get the chaff to trickle out onto the floor. Then he quickly hoovered it all up!
However, he seemed to get bored quickly of trying and started looking elsewhere for food.
Misty on the other hand was more patient. He kept on until the net was empty, but unlike other nets he couldn’t rip it or damage it in anyway as it was so strong and durable.
He also didn’t get angry with it like he has with other haynets, as he realised he couldn’t rip it open.
Value for money
Loki quickly figured out how the Shake & Graze Chaff Net works
I would definitely say the Shake & Graze Chaff Net is value for money as it is so strong I think it will probably last forever!
Other nets I have bought have broken in a week or two, whereas this one still looks like new after daily use.
So although it’s slightly more expensive than others it will last longer so it’s definitely worth the extra money.
Suitability
It was interesting using the Shake & Graze Chaff Net on different horses and seeing their reactions to it. They show that it is more effective for some horses than others.
Having said that, it does do the job it is intended for. Slowing down the rate of eating so that forage lasts longer and keeping a good doer entertained at the same time.
Loki lost interest quickly, whereas Misty, who is 20 years older, had the patience to keep picking away at it until it was empty.
I think Loki hasn’t got the same attention span, but that is just his age and character.
Recommendations
Overall, I would definitely recommend the Shake & Graze Chaff Net. Both my horses understood how to use it and it did keep them busy.
It is also very strong and so will last a long time, making it good value for money.
Important information
RRP £59.99
