✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated April 2026
The HayBox automatic horse hay feeder installed in a paddock
The HayBox Automatic Hay Feeder The HayBox Automatic Hay Feeder is designed to save you time, money, and support the health and well being of your horses. You can set the timer to feed multiple times per day-- rain, snow, or shine!
TheHaybox- Built By a Horse Owner- For Horse Owners!
If you have horses, you understand the commitment. Feeding isn't optional — it’s every morning, every evening, in every kind of weather. Whether it’s raining sideways, snowing, or blowing 40 mph, the horses still expect and need their meals. And if you’re stuck at work, heading to a roping, out to dinner, or on vacation, your mind is back at home, hoping someone fed on time.That’s exactly where the HayBoxbegan.
Created by Todd Libsack in Greeley, Colorado, the HayBox was born out of decades of experience in hay production and horse ownership. Todd understands the feeding struggle — the time, the routine, and the stress of finding reliable help when plans change. After too many nights running outside in a storm or rearranging life around feeding schedules, he finally said:
“There has to be a better way to feed.”
So he built it!
The HayBox allows owners to program multiple openings and closings a day and night — delivering the exact schedule horses need without requiring the owner to be there. Today, every HayBox is still built with the same purpose:
To make feeding easier for people — and better for horses.
Feeding Science: The Case For Constant Forage
Horses are grazing animals designed to eat small amounts of forage nearly around the clock. Their stomachs continuously produce gastric acid, whether food is present or not. Without steady orage to buffer that acid, the stomach lining can become irritated, increasing the risk of painful ulcers.
Ulcers aren’t the only concern. Inconsistent forage intake increases the risk of colic—one of the leading causes of equine death—and can trigger stress behaviors such as cribbing, stall weaving, wood chewing, and aggression. Irregular feeding patterns may also disrupt metabolism, making horses more prone to insulin resistance, obesity, and laminitis.
Veterinarians and equine nutritionists agree: horses do best when their digestive systems stay active. Frequent, timed feedings regulate acid levels, maintain gut motility, stabilize blood sugar, and promote mental calmness. Even for horses on restricted diets, controlled 24-hour access to forage supports calmer behavior, improved digestion, fewer metabolic spikes, and a reduced risk of colic, ulcers, and laminitis.
Benefits OF Haybox VS. Traditional Feeding
Traditional Feeding:
* Digestive Health - Long Gaps- Acid Buildup- Ulcer Risk
* Colic Risk - Fast Intake- Mobility Swings
* Behavior- Cribbing, Pawing, Wood Chewing
* Metabolism- Blood Sugar Spikes
* Owner Time- Must Feed 2-3 Times per day
* Hay Waste- Dragged, Stomped, Blown Away
* Far From Natural Grazing That Nature Intended
HayBox Controlled Slow Feeding:
* Digestive Health - Continuous Forage Buffers Acid
* Colic Risk - Slow, Steady Intake- Supports Gut Motility
* Behavior- Calm Horses, Reduced Stress
* Metabolism- Balanced Metabolism
* Hay Waste- Enclosed Feeding Reduces Waste * Owner Time- Automatically Feeds For Days or Weeks
* Supports Natural Grazing That Nature Intended Power & Construction
Power: 12-volt plug-in or solar wireless system
Build: Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel
Mobility: Forklift pockets for easy placement
Control: Programmable to open/close multiple times per day
What Size HayBox Is Right For YOU?
Mini HayBox Feeder — $4,995
• Best for 1–2 horses
• Holds 2–3 small square bales
• Ideal for stalls or individual pens
• Plug-in or solar power • Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel Dual Long HayBox Feeder — $11,995
• Best for 2–8 horses
• Holds 10–12 small bales or one 3×3×8 bale
• Dual-sided feeding — perfect between runs
• Plug-in or solar power
• Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel
Does The HayBox Actually Encourage Most Horses To Drink More Regularly?
Yes! The HayBox Feeder does seem to encourage most horses to drink more water. Because they’re eating smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day, their digestive system stays active and balanced, which naturally makes them drink more. Horses are calmer and less stressed when they eat like this, and that usually means they stay better hydrated too.
CanHayBoxActually Help My Horse Business?
Yes! For horse businesses, the HayBox has been a real asset. It acts like a controlled “mini pasture” that gives horses the benefit of grazing behavior without the risks that come from lush pastures, like laminitis or founder. Boarding barns that use HayBoxes have noticed healthier, calmer horses and happier boarders. Many owners are willing to pay more or stay longer knowing their horses are being fed this way — and the feeders also qualify as a business tax deduction since they’re considered equipment that supports horse health and management.
Coming Soon
HayBox Stall Feeder (Indoor Model) — compact footprint for barns
HayBox Panel Feeder (Large Bale Model) — feeds from large or round bales
What Do People Say About HayBox?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My horses have never looked better, and my hay costs are lower.
Kacy S
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Peace of mind. No matter where we are, our horses are fed.
Jessica W
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best investment we’ve made for our horses.
Kyle H
Check out what people are saying on our Google Reviews!
Conclusion- A Smarter Way To Care For Your Horses! Order HayBox Today!
HayBox isn’t just a feeder—it’s a healthier way to feed horses. Horses are built to graze around the clock, and when we honor that natural rhythm, everything improves: digestion, behavior, hydration, and overall well-being.
Less waste. Less stress. Less labor. More consistency, more savings, and more time to enjoy your horses Call Todd today and let him help you with your hay feeding chores— forever!
The HayBox automatic horse hay feeder installed in a paddock
What exactly is The HayBox automatic feeder?
The HayBox is a programmable, timer-driven hay feeder that gives a horse controlled, scheduled access to forage throughout the day and night. Rather than dumping a single large flake morning and evening, the unit opens and closes its lid on a set timetable so a horse receives smaller meals across the full 24-hour cycle. The company frames the whole product around a single idea: "How You Feed Matters as Much as What You Feed."
HayBox steel automatic feeder with hinged lid open showing hayWho builds it, and what is the brand promise? The HayBox is sold under the banner "Built By a Horse Owner — For Horse Owners," reflecting a design driven by the daily reality of barn chores rather than a generic farm-equipment catalog. The brand's twin taglines, "Take Control of Feeding. Take Back Your Time." and "The Haybox — Built By a Horse Owner — For Horse Owners," speak to owners who feed every single morning regardless of rain, snow, or shine. The company carries a 5-star Google rating on its business profile.
The HayBox automatic horse feeder set up outdoors on the property
How is the feeder constructed?
The HayBox is built from robust steel finished with a powder coat for long-term durability and weather resistance. The automated lid is driven by a heavy-duty actuator system rated to operate down to -13F and protected from dust and moisture, with the actuator rated between 330 and 450 pounds depending on the size of the unit. Rounded corners, a hinged safety gate, an outward-swinging loading door with an interior latch, and heavy-duty sled tracking for moving the feeder across the property round out the build.
Small-size HayBox automatic hay feeder model for horses
How does the timer and feeding mechanism work?
A programmable timer opens and closes the lid multiple times day and night, and can be set to feed up to six to seven times per day on your own schedule. The timer includes backup memory in case of a power outage and a switch to handle daylight savings time, so the feeding plan holds even when conditions change. The lid is sloped to direct rain and snow away from the hay, while a perforated floor keeps hay fresh through constant airflow and drains moisture out of the box.
Why does scheduled trickle feeding matter for horse health?
Because the horse is a continuous grazer by nature, the HayBox is designed to deliver frequent, small meals that are easier for the digestive system to process and that help avoid both prolonged fasting and overconsumption. The company points to a recommended feeding pattern of three to five meals daily and links steadier intake to a lower risk of colic, ulcers, and laminitis. Penn State researchers found in 2020 that automated feeders can reduce hay wastage by up to 50%, and Elite Equestrian Magazine reports owners can save between 20% to 40% on annual feed costs through accurate portion control.
Who is it for, and how do you order? The HayBox suits busy owners, multi-horse barns, and anyone managing an easy keeper, an insulin-resistant horse, or a metabolic case that benefits from rationed forage rather than free-choice hay. Models are offered in multiple sizes, and the site provides a Calculate Hay Savings tool to estimate payback from reduced waste. To order or ask about sizing for your setup, contact The HayBox directly at (970) 573-6353.
Created by Todd Libsack in Greeley, Colorado, the HayBox was born out of decades of experience in hay production and horse ownership. Todd understood the feeding struggle: the time, the routine, and the stress of finding reliable help when plans change. After too many nights running outside in a storm and rearranging life around feeding schedules, he said, "There has to be a better way to feed." So he built it. The HayBox lets owners program multiple openings and closings a day, delivering the schedule horses need without requiring the owner to be there.
Why does forage timing matter for horses?
Horses are grazing animals designed to eat small amounts of forage nearly around the clock. Their stomachs continuously produce gastric acid whether food is present or not. According to The HayBox, without steady forage to buffer that acid, the stomach lining can become irritated, which raises the risk of ulcers. Inconsistent forage intake also raises the risk of colic and can trigger stress behaviors like cribbing, weaving, wood chewing, and aggression.
What HayBox sizes are available and how much do they cost?
Mini HayBox Feeder — $4,995. Best for 1-2 horses. Holds 2-3 small square bales. Ideal for stalls or individual pens. Plug-in or solar power. Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel.
Dual Long HayBox Feeder — $11,995. Best for 2-8 horses. Holds 10-12 small bales or one 3×3×8 bale. Dual-sided feeding, perfect between runs. Plug-in or solar power. Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel.
How is the HayBox built and powered?
Power: 12-volt plug-in or solar wireless system. Build: heavy-duty, powder-coated steel. Mobility: forklift pockets for easy placement. Control: programmable to open and close multiple times per day.
Does the HayBox encourage horses to drink more?
According to The HayBox, yes — most horses on the feeder seem to drink more water. Because they're eating smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day, their digestive system stays active and balanced, which the company says naturally encourages drinking. Calmer, less-stressed horses also tend to stay better hydrated.
Can the HayBox help my horse business?
Yes. The HayBox can act like a controlled "mini pasture" — giving horses the benefit of grazing behavior without the laminitis or founder risks that come with lush pastures. Boarding barns using HayBoxes report healthier, calmer horses and happier boarders. Many owners are willing to pay more or stay longer when their horses are fed this way. The feeders also qualify as a business tax deduction as equipment supporting horse health and management.
What new HayBox models are coming?
Two more models are listed as coming soon: the HayBox Stall Feeder (Indoor Model) with a compact footprint for barns, and the HayBox Panel Feeder (Large Bale Model) for feeding from large or round bales.
How do I order The HayBox?
Call Todd directly at 970-573-6353 or email [email protected]. The HayBox is at 23981 County Road 64, Greeley, Colorado 80631.
What is The HayBox automatic horse feeder?
The HayBox is a programmable, timer-driven hay feeder that gives horses controlled, scheduled access to forage throughout the day and night. Instead of two large manual feedings, it opens and closes its lid on a set timetable so a horse can eat smaller meals across the full 24-hour cycle. The product is built around the brand idea that how you feed matters as much as what you feed.
How many times per day can the HayBox feed?
The programmable timer can be set to open and close the lid multiple times day and night, feeding up to roughly six to seven times per day on your own schedule. This supports the recommended pattern of three to five meals daily for most horses. You control the timing entirely to match your barn routine and your horse's needs.
What is the HayBox made of?
The HayBox is built from robust steel with a powder-coat finish for durability and long-term weather resistance. The construction includes rounded corners, a hinged safety gate, and an outward-swinging loading door with an interior latch. The lid is sloped so rain and snow are directed away from the hay.
How does the timer handle power outages and daylight savings?
The timer features backup memory in case of a power outage, so your feeding program is not lost when the power blinks. It also includes a switch to handle daylight savings time, keeping the feeding schedule accurate through the time change. This means the feeder keeps running on your intended plan even when conditions change.
Will the HayBox keep hay dry and fresh outdoors?
Yes. The lid is sloped to direct precipitation away from the box, and a perforated floor keeps hay fresh through constant airflow while draining moisture out. The actuator system that powers the lid is rated to operate down to -13F and is protected from dust and moisture. This makes the unit suitable for year-round outdoor use.
Can I move the HayBox around my property?
Yes. The HayBox is built on heavy-duty sled tracking designed for mobility, so you can relocate it across your property as needed. This lets you rotate pasture areas, reposition for cleanup, or move it closer to where horses are turned out. The steel construction holds up to repeated moving.
How does scheduled feeding help my horse's health?
Horses are natural continuous grazers, and the HayBox delivers frequent, small meals that are easier for the digestive system to process. By avoiding both prolonged fasting and overconsumption, steadier forage intake is linked to a lower risk of colic, ulcers, and laminitis. The company points to a recommended three-to-five-meals-daily pattern as the goal.
How much hay can the HayBox save me?
Penn State researchers found in 2020 that automated feeders can reduce hay wastage by up to 50%. Elite Equestrian Magazine reports that owners can save between 20% to 40% on annual feed costs through accurate portion control and dispensing. The HayBox website offers a Calculate Hay Savings tool to estimate your own payback.
Is the HayBox good for an easy keeper or insulin-resistant horse?
Yes, this is one of its strongest use cases. By rationing forage into timed portions rather than free-choice hay, the HayBox helps manage weight and prevent the overconsumption that contributes to obesity, insulin resistance, and laminitis. Owners managing metabolic horses can program controlled meals while still avoiding long gaps with no forage.
How does the HayBox save me time?
The feeder eliminates the need to manually feed multiple times a day, including the early-morning and late-night feedings. Once programmed, it runs your schedule automatically rain, snow, or shine. The brand sums up the benefit as 'Take Control of Feeding. Take Back Your Time.'
Does the HayBox come in different sizes?
Yes, the HayBox is offered in multiple sizes, including a smaller feeder model shown in the company gallery. The heavy-duty actuator that drives the lid is rated between 330 and 450 pounds depending on the size of the unit. Contact the company to confirm which size fits your number of horses and forage needs.
Is the HayBox safe for horses to eat from?
The design prioritizes safety with rounded corners, durable steel construction, and a hinged safety gate that adds an extra layer of security when closing. The safety-hinged front lid provides headroom and space for the horse while eating. These features are meant to reduce the chance of injury during normal feeding.
Who created the HayBox?
The HayBox is marketed under the line 'Built By a Horse Owner — For Horse Owners,' reflecting that it was designed by someone who lives the daily commitment of feeding horses. The brand emphasizes that if you have horses, you understand that feeding isn't optional — it's every morning. That owner-first perspective shapes the product's focus on saving time while protecting horse health.
How do I order a HayBox or get pricing?
You can reach The HayBox directly by phone at (970) 573-6353 to discuss sizing, ordering, and current pricing for your setup. The website at thehaybox.com also includes a gallery, an advantage page detailing features, and a Calculate Hay Savings tool. Calling is the most direct way to confirm the right model for your number of horses.
What temperatures can the HayBox operate in?
The heavy-duty actuator system that powers the automated lid is rated to work in temperatures down to -13F. It is also protected from dust and moisture so it keeps functioning in harsh barn and pasture conditions. Combined with the steel powder-coat body, the unit is built for demanding year-round outdoor environments.
Why is feeding multiple small meals better than two big feedings?
A horse's digestive system is built for steady, near-continuous forage intake rather than large, infrequent meals. Smaller meals spread across the day are easier to digest and help avoid the long fasting gaps and rapid overconsumption that can trigger colic, ulcers, and founder. The HayBox automates that ideal pattern so the horse gets a more natural eating rhythm without extra labor from you.
Does the HayBox have good customer reviews?
The HayBox carries a 5-star rating on its Google Business profile, which is linked from the company website. The site also features a gallery of real installations and a blog covering the science behind the feeder and its benefits for busy owners. Prospective buyers can review those resources and call the company directly with questions.
