07/04/2026
Good important information
๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐... The recent weather has seen many a farmer out making hay in the fields (๐) so you may be finding yourself wondering when you can begin feeding this new crop of hay.
Newly made hay continues to under-go changes even after it is baled. Traditionally, new hay was never fed to horses until Michaelmas at the end of September โ when it was termed old hay.
When hay supplies are running low, or what is left is poor quality, you may need to feed the season's hay sooner. Please do not feed new hay until it has been baled at least 6 weeks and even then, keep a close eye out for any signs your horse is not happy with it. This could be loose droppings, being bloated and gassy, or even colic.
To help minimise the risks, introduce new hay gradually, ideally mixing the old supply with the new one, over the course of a week or so.
Not all horses are affected by new hay, and not all new hay is equal, but it is not worth risking a gassy colic. Similar guidelines apply to haylage as well โ you should wait until that has been baled and wrapped for at least 6 weeks.
If you are out of old hay and are not prepared to risk feeding new hay just yet, ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ provides a good alternative to tide you over. Or let your horse have more grass if that is suitable for them. But donโt leave your horse short of forage as long spells without eating can result in serious digestive issues.