06/27/2025
Many of us have been able to harvest our first cut of hay over the past few weeks but, for those who purchase all their hay from local farmers, what should you be looking for when you buy your hay?
-Good quality hay has a pleasant, grass type scent. Avoid hays that have off odours that can signify moulding or bacteria growth.
-Horses often prefer soft and leafy hay over hay with thickened stalks, this is especially true of senior horses who have poor dentition.
-Examine inside the bales, especially in stacked hay that may be discoloured on the outside due to sun exposure.
-Avoid overly heavy bales or those that are warm to the touch as these can be indicators of high moisture content.
-Only buy what you can safely store. Hay that has been left outside and exposed to the elements before feeding quickly loses nutrients and has an increased risk of mould growth.
-Not all horses require a low NSC hay, but for those who do have these metabolic requirements, conduct a forage analysis prior to feeding.
This is in no means an exhaustive list of what you can look for in hay. If you have further questions about the best hay for your horse we recommend that you reach out to your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist for more information.
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