Abstract: A universal panel member can be connected with other universal panel members to form various sizes and shapes of feeder structures for dispensing forage material to horses and other animals. The universal panel members can be assembled to provide a floor with ground engaging legs and an upright wall surrounding the floor into which forage material can be placed for access by the animals feeding therefrom. Each panel member is formed with a main body portion that has a pair of connecting legs projecting outwardly from two opposing sides of the body portion within the same plane as the body portion, and a pair of connecting legs that project from the other two opposing sides perpendicularly to the plane of the body portion. Proper location of openings through the body portion allows the connecting legs of adjoining panel members to be connected with fasteners to form feeder structures.

Abstract: 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.