Selecting Hay for Your Horse: A Practical Guide

Published on: December 23, 2024

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

Have you ever wondered if the hay you’re feeding your horse is truly the best? With rising feed costs and unpredictable weather affecting hay quality, it can feel overwhelming to find the right forage. But here’s the good news—choosing the right hay doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about more than just cost; it’s about keeping your horse happy, healthy, and performing at their best.

As a long-time horse owner and trainer, I’ve faced the struggles of choosing the right hay for different needs, from energetic performance horses to easy keepers. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips and insights I’ve gained over the years to help you make informed decisions about hay quality, testing, storage, and supplementation. With the right knowledge, you can give your horse the best possible care.

Why Hay Quality Matters

Hay quality plays a crucial role in your horse’s respiratory, digestive, and overall nutritional health. High-quality hay promotes better digestion, enhances performance, and supports overall well-being. On the other hand, poor-quality hay can lead to severe health issues, such as:

• Respiratory issues: Dust and mold can cause lung damage and permanent breathing problems.
• Digestive problems: Moldy or coarse hay increases the risk of colic. Understanding Equine Digestion.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate nutrient levels can impair performance and overall health. Learn more about feeding performance horses.

By understanding and assessing hay quality, you can provide your horse with the best possible care. For a detailed guide on hay production and management, visit Penn State Extension’s Pasture and Hay for Horses resource.

Hay Production Processes

Producing hay involves several critical steps, each impacting its final quality:

1. Plant Selection and Growth:
   • Tailor Hay to Your Horse’s Needs: Choose between grass, legume, or mixed hay depending on your horse’s diet. For instance, legumes like alfalfa provide higher protein and calcium, making them ideal for performance horses, while grass hays are better for easy keepers.
   • Maturity Matters: The stage of plant growth at harvest has the greatest effect on nutritional value. Grass hays harvested during the boot stage (when seed heads are just forming) or legumes harvested at early flowering stages retain the most nutrients.
     Learn more: Best Hay for Horses.
2. Cutting/Harvest:
   • Timing is Key:
     • Grasses: Cut during the boot stage for high nutrients and low fiber.
     • Legumes: Harvest during early flowering to optimize protein and energy. Waiting too long decreases digestibility.
       Explore further: Hay Quality and Timing.
3. Curing:
   • Proper curing reduces hay moisture to about 15%, preventing mold. Overly dry hay (<10%) can lose leaves and palatability.
4. Baling:
   • Tight bales minimize air exposure, helping to prevent mold.
     Tip: Hay Baling Techniques.
5. Storage:
   • Keep hay on pallets in a dry, well-ventilated area. Use tarps or a barn roof for protection. Allow airflow by stacking loosely.
     Read more: Hay Storage Tips.
6. Preservation:
   • Organic acid preservatives like buffered propionic acid prevent mold, especially in humid climates. While effective, some horses may prefer untreated hay.

Hay Testing Processes

Testing hay is the best way to ensure it meets your horse’s nutritional needs. While visual assessments are helpful, a hay analysis provides the precise information necessary to create a balanced feeding plan and avoid potential health risks.

Sampling: Collecting Accurate Data

• Use the Right Tool: A hay corer is essential for obtaining representative samples. Insert the corer into the center of 10–20% of bales in a single load to gather a uniform sample.
• Avoid Mixing Loads: Keep samples separate for different loads, fields, or cuttings. Mixing them can distort results.
• Prepare for the Lab: Store samples in labeled, airtight bags and send them promptly to a certified forage testing laboratory.

Learn More: How to Sample Hay for Testing.

Laboratory Analysis: Decoding the Data

Certified laboratories analyze hay for key nutrients, offering valuable insights into its quality:

• Moisture: Ensures hay is cured and stored properly.
• Crude Protein (CP): Indicates the protein content required for muscle development and energy.
• Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): Measures digestibility—lower values mean more digestible hay.
• Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): Indicates energy content—lower levels correlate with higher energy.
• Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC): Crucial for horses prone to laminitis, as low NSC reduces risks.
• Digestible Energy (DE): Provides an estimate of the energy horses can obtain from the hay.

Why These Nutrients Matter

• Crude Protein (CP): Supports muscle development, tissue repair, and energy production, particularly in performance horses or lactating mares.
• Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): Lower values mean easier digestion and higher caloric availability, ideal for horses with high energy demands.
• Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): Lower levels allow horses to consume more hay, supporting weight maintenance and energy needs.
• Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC): Reducing NSC is critical for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic issues.
• Digestible Energy (DE): Reflects the hay’s caloric content, helping maintain body condition during high activity or cold weather.

Explore Testing Options: National Forage Testing Association.

Interpreting Results: Practical Insights

Laboratory reports present results in two formats:

• As Is/As Fed: Reflects nutrient values including moisture. Useful for real-world feeding scenarios.
• Dry Matter (DM): Represents values after water removal, enabling accurate comparisons across different feedstuffs.

Use this information to adjust hay rations and determine supplement needs, ensuring a balanced diet for your horse.

Why Hay Testing Matters

• Nutritional Accuracy: Ensures hay meets protein, energy, and fiber requirements.
• Balanced Diets: Avoids deficiencies that could lead to health problems, including poor performance or chronic conditions.
• Cost-Effective Feeding: Prevents over-supplementation, saving money and reducing waste.

Once, I considered purchasing a bulk load of hay directly from a farmer. After testing, I found it lacked the protein levels needed for my performance horses. Testing saved me from expensive supplements and ensured my horses maintained peak condition. Learn more: Feeding Performance Horses.

Visual Cues for Hay Maturity

The maturity of hay at harvest is the most critical factor in determining its nutritional value. Understanding these visual cues can help you select hay that aligns with your horse’s dietary needs, ensuring their health and well-being.

Key Stages of Maturity for Hay Quality

1. Grass Hay
   • Boot Stage:
     • Description: Seed heads are just beginning to emerge. Stems are fine, and leaves dominate.
     • Nutritional Value: Highest nutrient content and digestibility, with lower fiber levels.
     • Best For: Performance horses, young growing horses, and lactating mares.
   • Heading Stage:
     • Description: Seed heads are fully formed. Stems thicken, and the proportion of leaves decreases.
     • Nutritional Value: Reduced protein and energy, increased fiber content.
     • Best For: Easy keepers, recreational horses, and ponies.
2. Legume Hay (e.g., Alfalfa)
   • Early Flowering:
     • Description: Flowers just beginning to bloom. Leaves are abundant and attached to stems.
     • Nutritional Value: High protein, calcium, and energy levels; easily digestible.
     • Best For: High-need horses, such as lactating mares and performance horses.
   • Full Flowering:
     • Description: Most flowers are fully open, with fewer leaves and thicker stems.
     • Nutritional Value: Lower protein and digestibility, higher fiber.
     • Best For: Low-need horses or those requiring weight management.

Cutting Numbers vs. Maturity Stages

While cutting numbers (e.g., first, second, or third cuttings) are often used to describe hay, they are less reliable than maturity stages in predicting hay quality. For example:

• A first cutting harvested at the boot stage may be more nutritious than a second cutting harvested at full flowering.
• Always evaluate the plant’s maturity stage rather than relying solely on the cutting label.

Why Maturity Matters

• Nutritional Content: Younger plants have higher protein, energy, and digestibility but lower fiber.
• Suitability: Mature plants are better suited for horses with low caloric needs, while less mature plants support horses with high energy requirements.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Selecting hay based on maturity rather than cutting helps avoid unnecessary supplements and ensures optimal value.

Quick Reference Table: Maturity Stages and Benefits

Plant Type	Stage	Description	Best For
Grasses	Boot Stage	Seed heads just emerging	Performance horses, young horses
	Heading Stage	Fully formed seed heads, thicker stems	Easy keepers, recreational horses
Legumes	Early Flowering	Flowers starting to bloom, leafy	High-need horses, lactating mares
	Full Flowering	Fully bloomed flowers, fewer leaves	Horses needing weight management

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When I purchase hay, I always inspect for these maturity stages. A batch of grass hay harvested at the boot stage provided excellent nutrition for my racehorses, while a heading-stage batch worked perfectly for my easy keeper pony, who thrives on lower-calorie forage.

Ensuring Hay Cleanliness: Avoiding Dust, Mold, Weeds, and Foreign Materials

The cleanliness of hay is a non-negotiable aspect of equine nutrition. Dust, mold, and other contaminants not only reduce hay’s nutritional value but can also pose severe health risks to your horse. Here’s how to ensure the hay you choose is clean and safe.

Key Indicators of Clean Hay

1. Dust
   • Why It Matters: Even small amounts of dust can irritate your horse’s respiratory system, leading to coughing, reduced performance, and chronic conditions like heaves (Recurrent Airway Obstruction).
   • How to Check: Shake the hay bale gently and observe for visible dust clouds. Dusty hay is unsuitable for feeding.
2. Mold
   • Why It Matters: Mold spores can cause severe respiratory issues, colic, and even permanent lung damage.
   • How to Check:
     • Visual Inspection: Look for black, gray, or white patches of mold.
     • Smell Test: A musty or sour odor indicates mold contamination.
     • Temperature Check: If a bale feels unusually warm, mold formation may be occurring due to excess moisture.
3. Weeds
   • Why It Matters: Weeds reduce the nutritional value of hay and may introduce toxins.
   • How to Check: Inspect for non-forage plants mixed within the hay. Learn to identify common toxic weeds like ragwort or nightshade.
4. Foreign Materials
   • Why It Matters: Non-forage items like plastic, twine, or sharp objects can harm your horse’s digestive system.
   • How to Check: Break open a few bales to look for debris that could cause injury or digestive upset.

Assessing Hay Texture

• Gently squeeze a handful of hay and note the texture. High-quality hay should feel soft and pliable, with no sharp or abrasive points.
• Coarse stems may irritate your horse’s mouth, reducing consumption and causing discomfort.
• Look for hay with a high leaf-to-stem ratio—more leaves typically mean higher nutrition and palatability.

Practical Tips for Inspecting Hay

• Always inspect hay bales before purchasing, especially if buying in bulk.
• Keep a close eye on hay you’ve stored for extended periods to ensure no mold or dust has developed.
• Use a hay steamer if you’re forced to feed slightly dusty hay. Steaming can significantly reduce dust and kill mold spores, making the hay safer for consumption.

Why Clean Hay is Crucial

1. Respiratory Health: Horses are highly sensitive to airborne particles. Feeding clean hay ensures their airways remain clear and healthy.
2. Digestive Health: Mold and debris can lead to colic, one of the most dangerous and costly conditions for horse owners.
3. Long-Term Benefits: Clean hay supports overall health and prevents expensive veterinary interventions.

I once purchased hay that seemed fine at first glance, but after opening a few bales, I discovered patches of mold hidden within. Thankfully, I caught it before feeding it to my horses, saving them from potential colic or respiratory issues. Now, I thoroughly inspect every bale before purchase or use. Learn more about inspecting hay in this detailed guide: Mold and Mycotoxins in Horse Hay.

Supplementing Your Horse’s Hay

Even the highest-quality hay may not provide all the nutrients your horse needs. Tailored supplementation bridges nutritional gaps, ensuring your horse thrives without the risk of over-supplementation.

Using Hay Testing to Guide Supplement Choices

• Why Hay Testing Matters: Hay testing provides detailed insights into nutritional deficiencies, allowing you to select supplements that precisely meet your horse’s needs. For instance, if your hay is low in protein, a ration balancer or fortified concentrate can address the shortfall.
• Avoid Over-Supplementation: Too much of certain nutrients, like selenium or calcium, can lead to toxicity or health complications. Tailoring supplements to hay testing results prevents unnecessary or harmful excesses.

Types of Supplements

1. Ration Balancers
   • Purpose: Ideal for horses that maintain weight easily (easy keepers) or those on low-calorie diets.
   • How They Work: Provide essential vitamins, minerals, and protein without adding excess energy or calories.
   • Example: If your hay lacks protein or specific minerals like zinc or selenium, a ration balancer fills the gap effectively.
2. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
   • Purpose: Correct deficiencies in key nutrients.
   • How They Work: Common deficiencies in hay include selenium, zinc, and vitamin E. Supplements target these specific gaps based on hay analysis results.
   • Example: Horses fed hay-only diets often require additional vitamin E, as this nutrient degrades quickly in stored forage.
3. Fortified Concentrates
   • Purpose: Provide extra calories and nutrients for high-performance horses, lactating mares, or growing foals.
   • How They Work: Combine energy sources like grains with essential nutrients, creating a complete feed to support demanding nutritional needs.
   • Example: If hay is low in digestible energy, fortified concentrates ensure active horses maintain their weight and performance.

Practical Tips for Supplementation

• Use Hay Testing Results: Base all supplement decisions on the deficiencies identified in your hay analysis. This ensures you meet your horse’s needs without exceeding safe levels.
• Introduce Slowly: Gradually add new supplements to your horse’s diet to avoid digestive upset.
• Consult an Expert: Work with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to develop a balanced feeding plan tailored to your horse.

I once had a racehorse that struggled to maintain weight during training. After testing the hay, I discovered it was low in digestible energy. Adding a high-quality fortified concentrate not only improved the horse’s body condition but also enhanced overall performance. This experience taught me the importance of aligning supplements with hay analysis results.

Resources

• Learn more about balanced diets for horses: Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Horses: A Guide for Owners.
• For in-depth analysis of ration balancers, visit The Scoop on Grains and Concentrates

FAQs

Conclusion: Selecting Hay for Your Horse

Selecting hay for your horse isn’t just about ticking off a box—it’s about setting them up for a lifetime of health and happiness. By learning about hay production, testing, and supplementation, you’re giving your horse the care they deserve. Remember, a little extra effort now can mean fewer vet visits and a happier horse later.

Practical Tip: Investing in a quality hay feeder not only reduces waste but also keeps hay clean and dry, saving you money over time. Learn more about the best hay feeders for horses: Best Hay Nets for Horses.

When in doubt, consulting an equine nutritionist ensures that your horse’s diet is both balanced and tailored to their specific needs. This proactive approach helps prevent costly health issues like colic, laminitis, or respiratory problems, giving you peace of mind.

We’d Love to Hear From You

What’s your story when it comes to choosing hay for your horses? Maybe you’ve learned a trick for spotting the best bales or have a memorable experience that others could learn from. I’d love to hear from you! Share your insights in the comments below or drop me an email. Together, we can keep our horses thriving and make this journey even more rewarding.

Additional Reading

For more guidance on managing costs and maximizing value in horse care, check out:

• The Cost of Hay: Factors Affecting Price
• Thoroughbred Breeding Economics: Costs, Value, and ROI
• Feeding Performance Horses: Balancing Nutrition and Cost