Last updated: February 26, 2026
Choosing between Timothy, Bermuda, and Alfalfa hay isn’t just about protein percentages—it’s about matching the forage to your horse’s workload, metabolism, and environment.
After decades of feeding performance horses, trail mounts, and young stock, I’ve learned that the “best hay for horses” depends on context. The wrong choice can lead to weight issues, digestive upset, or metabolic problems. The right one keeps horses steady, sound, and performing.
Most hay comparisons stop at nutrition charts. This guide explains when to choose each type, which horses thrive on them, and where common feeding advice falls short—especially in humid climates.
Table of Contents
Is Bermuda Hay Good for Horses? (LA Track Tested)
Fed thousands of bales—one mistake caused colic. Over 30 years, I’ve fed Quarter Horses, Paints, Arabians, and Thoroughbreds in Louisiana barns, from track sprinters to trail horses. Here’s what works for keeping horses sound on Bermuda hay, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Bermuda Hay + 40% Legume Works for Most Horses
Always test hay and consult your vet for metabolic horses. These are general feeding guidelines, not medical advice.
Bermudagrass (commonly called Bermuda hay) is a warm-season grass commonly used for horses. It is high in fiber, low in sugar and calories, and easily digestible. When harvested properly, Bermuda provides consistent nutrition while resisting mold and other fungi.
Bermuda Hay Nutrition (Typical)
| Cutting | Protein (%) | NSC (%) | Miles’ Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Cut | 10–12 | 8–10 | Higher fiber, coarse stems. Good for weight management. |
| 2nd Cut | 12–14 | 6–8 | Ideal for most. Softer with higher digestibility. |
| 3rd Cut | 10–12 | 5–7 | Fine stems, palatable, but watch for rapid consumption. |
Bermuda Hay vs Timothy & Alfalfa
- Timothy: Lower NSC, good for metabolic or easy-keeper horses.
- Alfalfa: High protein & calcium; best blended with grass hay for growing horses and broodmares.
- Bermuda: Balanced energy, fiber, and palatability; most versatile when cut correctly and mixed 40–50% with legumes.
Bermuda Hay Cuttings Guide
- 1st Cut: Coarse stems, slightly lower digestibility, good for free-choice forage.
- 2nd Cut: Softer stems, ideal for performance and trail horses.
- 3rd Cut: Fine stems, palatable but may lack fiber; best blended with legume hay.
Colic & Laminitis Considerations
Introduce Bermuda hay gradually over 2–3 weeks. Sudden changes or too high legume content can trigger digestive upset or laminitis in sensitive horses. Always test hay NSC and monitor your horse’s body condition.
Storage Tips for Louisiana Humidity
Store hay off the ground, under cover, with good airflow. In high humidity areas, mold and spoilage can occur quickly. Bermuda hay’s natural resistance helps, but check each bale before feeding.
Pro Tip: Early cut Bermuda is easiest to digest. Always blend with legumes for complete nutrition, and introduce any new hay slowly to avoid digestive upset.
Does Bermuda Hay Cause Colic? (The Real Story)
Bermuda hay often gets blamed for colic, but decades of feeding horses in Louisiana barns tell a different story. The key factors are cutting, maturity, variety, and management—not the grass itself.
- Correlation ≠ causation: Bermuda makes up ~80% of Southern hay, so it naturally appears in most colic cases.
- Variety matters: Alicia and Coastal varieties have fine stems that can be tricky; Tifton 85 is safer and more digestible.
- Mature hay slows digestion: Fine stems (NDF 62–68%) and overly mature hay (>70% NDF) slow gut transit. Stick to 1st or 2nd cut.
- Water access is critical: Horses walking >100 yards to drink are 3× more likely to colic, regardless of hay type.
When fed properly—1st or 2nd cut, mixed with legumes, and with constant water—Bermuda hay can actually improve nutrient absorption. Track-tested note: Over thousands of bales, we saw zero repeat colic issues using this approach.
The Bermuda Hay Colic Myth
- Prevalence ≠ problem: High usage makes Bermuda an easy target when colic occurs.
- Stem quality & management: Fine-stemmed Alicia/Coastal aren’t inherently dangerous, but poor curing or overly mature hay is. Tifton 85 is safer for gut transit.
- Maturity affects digestibility: High NDF (>65%) slows the gut. Aim for 1st or 2nd cut for optimal digestibility.
- Water access is essential: Horses must have constant access; distance to water triples colic risk.
With proper cutting and continuous water, Alicia Bermuda is a reliable forage for performance and pleasure horses alike.
Evidence-based: Studies show no increased colic risk with Bermuda compared to Timothy or Orchard grass. Warm-season grasses, properly managed, support nutrient absorption. LA track note: Thousands of bales fed post-colic lesson = zero repeat cases with correct cuts + water.
Proactive Step: Know the Signs
Prevention is the first half of the battle. Recognizing colic early—pawing, refusing feed, or rolling—during the “Golden Hour” can be the difference between a simple vet visit and major surgery.Read: My Emergency Colic Guide
Bermuda vs. Alfalfa: The Perfect Mix
Miles’ 40/60 Rule:
40% alfalfa + 60% Bermuda = protein without overload. Track-tested on barrel horses, trail horses, and sprinters. This combination keeps energy steady while avoiding kidney strain and calcium imbalances common with straight alfalfa.
Alfalfa hay is naturally high in protein and calcium. Too much can lead to excessive energy, sweating, spooking, or even kidney strain in older horses. Mixing it with Bermuda hay, which is lower in protein but high in fiber, balances nutrition while keeping horses satisfied and calm.
Horses love alfalfa, so limit free-choice access to prevent overeating. Bermuda’s fiber ensures they fill up safely. Learn more about Alfalfa pros/cons.
https://youtu.be/48d4osewYy8Forage types overview—see 2:15 for grass/legume mixes
Hay Types Comparison Matrix
| Hay Type | Best For | Protein | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | Performance, trail, maintenance | 8-12% | Fine stems (NDF 62–68%), maturity issues |
| Alfalfa | Growth, broodmares, track use | 18-22% | Excess protein, Ca:P imbalance, weight gain |
| Timothy | Senior, metabolic horses | 7-11% | High cost, limited availability in LA |
| Orchard | Moderate work, picky eaters | 10-14% | Drought-sensitive, variable nutrient quality |
Timothy Reality: Excellent nutrition, higher cost. 2 cuts/year + shipping = 2–3× Bermuda cost. Some horses refuse it. Need the full comparison? Hay Matrix Hub →
Orchard Facts: Slightly higher protein than Bermuda at 12%, but drought vulnerability and lower yields make it inconsistent. Great #2 choice after Bermuda or Timothy.
Below is an interesting YouTube video about the different types of forage fed to horses.
About Miles Henry
Racehorse Owner & Author | 30+ Years in Thoroughbred Racing
Miles Henry (legal name: William Bradley) is a professional horseman based in Folsom, Louisiana. He holds Louisiana Racing License #67012 and has spent over three decades managing Thoroughbreds at premier tracks including Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, and Evangeline Downs.
Expertise & Hands-On Experience: Beyond the track, Miles has decades of experience in specialized equine care, covering everything from hoof health and nutrition to training protocols for Quarter Horses, Friesians, and Paints. Every guide on Horse Racing Sense is rooted in this “boots-on-the-ground” perspective.
30 of their last 90 starts
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