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You know, I pride myself on being able to buy just about anything that I need or want, within reason. I don't skimp on my tack or leather purchases, and I buy breeches and riding tops whenever I feel like it. I don't go totally wild, as I do watch my pennies, but I am not broke either. I guess that's one good thing about middle age. Slight pause … oh, hell! At 43, I think I really am middle-aged. Well that kind of sucks. So, I am a little embarrassed at the condition of this particular item, which I finally replaced over the weekend. 
Nothing exciting ...
This is my last remaining trailer hay bag. The others have long since been chucked due to wear and tear. But since I rarely haul two horses any more, one bag has been sufficient. And to look at it, it still looks quite functional. Let's turn it around. 
No … this is not a reversible hay bag.
Yes, this is the back of the hay bag, and no, there is not supposed to be a huge, gaping hole on this side. And even worse, this hole has been there for at least three years. You can see how I have attempted to repair the hole. And even more embarrassing, this is the third or fourth repair job. 
Duct tape … a girl's best friend.
Yes, that IS duct tape holding together my show pony's hay bag. We are a real class act when we hit the road! I finally reached the I can't stand it anymore phase and ordered a new hay bag. It's not that I am cheap or broke, but I simply can't find hay bags that are of a design that I really like. And in truth, the one I bought isn't going to last very long. All of my hay bags have come from endurance vendors, but the one above was made by someone long since retired. 
At least the back is solid.
I like the shape of this one; it was easy to fill and the eating hole is a good size. What I don't like is how thin the material is and how flimsy the mesh is. I am pretty sure that someone is going to tear a new hole in this one pretty quickly, and it will probably be me. I like to shove my hay bags to CAPACITY. 
It doesn't feel very sturdy ….
For now, it will certainly work, but I am suddenly inspired to start searching for a PAIR of hay bags that suit my (very picky) needs, whatever the price.
jenj
9/8/2014 12:50:03 am
Not sure if you would consider a small mesh net? I've gone over to those and would never go back. No waste, slows horses way down, and mine actually prefer them to eating hay off the ground. Maybe because it's more like grazing - they can take smaller bites and "tear" it? But the new bag looks very nice! 9/8/2014 11:33:16 am
I love net feeders! Both of my boys have Freedom Feeders in their stalls, but for trailering, I prefer the more traditional hay bags. I just can't find the quality of bag that I used to get. Showing my age, huh … in the old days we did so and so. :0)
Ashley G.
9/8/2014 01:18:01 am
Aaah, lol. The plight of the hay bag. Yours looked so very sad. No tips for you. Even a heavy duty canvas, my horse (or I?) popped all the seams out the bottom. 9/8/2014 11:34:44 am
I am pretty hard on them, too. usually I break the straps at the top. This one had a little help. A horse stabled next to Speedy tore the hole in the back. We'll see if this one will last for a little bit. And to be honest, that bag that had the hole is more than 10 years old!!!!! :0)
Jamie
9/8/2014 01:24:04 am
This has been a very, very sturdy bag for me.. 9/8/2014 11:36:58 am
My picky showing through … I've considered those bags, but I prefer the more vertical style. Funny though, I JUST ordered a pair of bags from Stateline Tack. We'll see if they look sturdier than this new one that I just got. And in my case, I obviously can't have too many hay bags! :0)
Jamie
9/9/2014 12:32:39 am
I am too usually, but this bag is RIDICULOUSLY easy to load with hay! You can fill it with 2 flakes easily, & the straps make it easy to carry over your shoulder. It's like a hay briefcase. :) But to each their own! (PS, its early, I couldn't think of another word to take the place of easy... so I used it 3 times.. sorry!) (4 now..) 9/8/2014 11:37:47 am
It does have a perk or two, Lauren, but it also comes with a few oh my God NOW what hurts? :0) 9/8/2014 11:54:54 am
That looks like a great hay bag - too bad it doesn't feel very sturdy. I completely understand getting to the point of 'I can't stand it anymore' - I'm there with a lot of stuff that needs cleaning out and replacement. Good luck with the hay bag search!
Love, love, LOVE these hay bags: https://www.smartpakequine.com/deluxe-top-load-hay-bag-1741p. I have two of them. They hold a TON, they are indestructible, and they are easy to fill and hang. Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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