A ground feeder ring is provided for use with round bales of hay
positioned on the ground in the field for feeding the hay to horses with
a minimum of waste. The feeder ring is preferably assembled in the field
around a previously positioned round hay bale and is formed from several
individual ring segments that, when assembled, define a ring encircling
the bale. Each ring segment is formed with corresponding overlap regions
at the respective ends thereof with fastener openings formed therein to
permit the connection of adjacent ring segments. The assembled ring
prevents horses from accessing the bottom portion of the round bale that
causes waste of the hay, thus reducing feeding costs. The ring segments
can be manufactured from plastic formed during a rotational molding
process to provide a durable double wall, lightweight device that can be
easily transported and assembled in the field.