Heica Oy is a Finnish company and we have developed a slow feeder to support horses wellbeing. Our mission is to provide products that are environmentally and socially sustainable and that are safe and easy to use. The products are manufactured in Finland (Europe) to guarantee the high quality and high manufacturing facilities.
The responsible consumption and production in textile industry as in horse industry has been in topics for many years and we recognize that it needs actions. We want to be part of the development and make sure we act responsible way for the climate and planet. We feel it is mandatory that the production is located in Finland, close to us, to ensure the transparency of our business.
We are sisters (Sonja and Katja) with a strong desire to change the world for the better and give animals a change to live happily and enabling them to behave in natural ways as much as possible. We are strong women with ambitious goals to shake the equine sector out of its old habits for better welfare for both humans and horses.
We have loved horses since childhood. Sonja has started her career working in horse stables and gathered a lot of experience from the equine sector and also welfare of horses. Katja has had a horse for over 10 years now and horses belong to her daily life.
Inspired by our own horses we started to compose a slow feeder first in our own needs. We wanted to use recycled materials as much as possible and the first versions were made of airbags from the cars! Luckily we have found the best partners who help us to achieve our goals concerning suitable materials so that we are able to provide our products also for Your needs.
It all started when our horses (Alma and Kerttu) lived in our own stable and we wanted to provide them more active environment. We designed slow feeder of our own. Soon we discovered that there were others that were interested in the product and first Fluffy Feeder was made.
It took three years to gather the information from users and developing the product to meet the design it is today. We have had a large number of horses in our test group to get various different horse types and circumstances. We have followed how Heica® feeder supports the wellbeing of horses and ponies on varius different ways.
The best thing in Heica® feeders is that they are suitable in so many different horse types to bring good effects for each individuals. Feeders are suitable with hobby horses, smaller ponies or race horses. It helps with regulate the weight or to give better tolerance for stress with race horses. When the owner sees the difference in the horse, it makes us happy. The better the horse feels the better the human feels.
On New Year's Eve, when the world is full of flashes and explosions, a horse's experience is likely unpleasant but something it simply has to endure. Chewing hay is a calming and stress-relieving activity for horses. It’s a good idea to ensure hay is available late into the night. You can use the Fluffy Feeder during the evening to create a calming atmosphere.
We often get questions like: "How much does Fluffy Feeder slow down eating?" or "Would it help my horse in current situation?" The truth is, Fluffy Feeder is just one tool in your daily routine. Every horse is unique, with its own temperament and needs, and each stable environment and routine differs. So, the effects of a Fluffy Feeder will vary from one situation to another.
Slow feeders have been an essential tool for horse owners, for years now, looking to optimize their equine companions' health and well-being. And it has been essential tool for us also. That is the reason why Heica feeders exists.
