For these horses NSC, P and mold content are key. ð, « The Most Comfortable Cowboy Boots That You Can Wear All Day, What Barn Chores Do You Need To Do Every Day? There are some loose correlations between bermuda grass hay and colic. Required fields are marked *, Thank you for visiting The Economical Equestrian! My name is Catherine, and I am here to help all equestrians live better with their horses as well as learn to be financially savvy. Being comfortable with your finances is important for everyone, but especially when you have such an expensive habit. Stay a while and then get out there and ride! Once seed pods form they extend away from the stalk and look like a bird’s foot (hence the name). Therefore, the second cut of hay is usually higher “quality” than the first cut. Timothy hay (Timothy grass) is a foraging grass that grows well in cool climates. It is lower in protein than some other grasses, so you must ensure a horse is getting enough protein in their diet if this is their only forage. Additionally, the stalks can be thick so some horses won’t eat it because of texture. While hay alone may not meet the total dietary requirements of young, growing horses or those used for high levels of performance, high-quality hay may supply ample nutrition for less active adult horses. The following is a list of types of grass hay for horses. It does spike in sugar production in the fall, so be cautious when grazing or feeding it to sugar sensitive horses. Use your good judgment when purchasing hay for horses. Your email address will not be published. When horses are stabled, or grazing is limited, they need a substitute for the grass they would have naturally eaten. Oat hay is also quite high in sugar, so it is not a good option for insulin resistant horses. Once you've determined the best category of hay for your horse, most people select hay based on how it looks, smells and feels. Clover plants usually have three leaves, and the leaves and flower colors vary based on the type of clover. If you feed some or all legume hay, be mindful of this relationship and balance your horse by feeding some grass hay or using supplemental phosphorus if necessary. It is highly palatable. People used to think that horses should not be fed legume hay because it would cause digestive disorders. What type of hay do you feed your horses? Most commonly, clover is mixed with other grasses. Legume hay is more easily digested than grass hay, which can be a good or bad thing depending on the horse. Learn More. Hay should be green. The flower blooms are small, bright yellow, and form in clusters at the end of the stems. This higher content of protein and calcium can come with problems. It could just be a coincidence between colic symptoms and feeding dry forage though. No matter which type of hay you choose, some characteristics should be consistent when looking for high quality hay for horses. These fodders, which are more energy and nutrient dense than many grass hay, are often too rich for a pony. Nicky holds numerous national and international titles, including her recent silver medal at the […], Grand Prix dressage rider Liz Austin is a two-time national champion who’s had her feet in the stirrups for quite some time. Different types of hay for horses can vary in nutritional value, taste or texture. A huge diet overhaul, careful management, and pairing him with the perfect “friend” has meant we […], Canadian native Veronica Deans is an NRHA Non Pro reiner and ranch owner in northern Texas. Timothy hay is a common favorite among horses and owners. This is the standard go-to hay for adults horses and should smell good even to us humans. Adding some alfalfa is beneficial for pregnant, lactating and growing horses which have very high protein and calcium needs. It is relatively palatable to horses and has a fine texture. Local availability will ultimately dictate what you feed, but knowing your way around the different types of grasses and legumes will help you grow or purchase the best option for the horses in your care. High-quality hay can provide most of the nutrients needed for a mature horse. All horses need fiber in their diet and some of it must be the form of long hay. A palitable hay that horses like the taste of, this is the hay often used to make cubes & pellets. How to Choose a Turnout Blanket for Your Horse, How to Build a Dutch Stall Door – Cheap DIY Stall Door, Things Equestrians Can Do During the COVID-19 Quarantine, Clovers (Red, White, Sweet., Alsike, Yellow Sweetclover), Smell like hay (kind of a sweet smell). The vast majority of horses will thrive on a high quality grass hay. The benefits of feeding a legume, like alfalfa, but keeping the balance in your horse’s nutrition and energy levels by also feeding them a grass hay. Many horse owners advise that Alfalfa hay is the best kind of hay to feed a horse. This means that a horse will get more nutrients from less hay but it also means that they get more energy and calories from less hay so it won’t keep a horse occupied for as long. Yet customers rarely ask for the analysis.” Match hay to horses with special needs. The increased calcium does mean that phosphorus may need to be supplemented, as noted above. Feeding a mid- to late-maturity hay will provide fewer nutrients, which might be desirable for easy keepers. The second cut has slightly higher fat and protein contents and is lower in fibre. But bermuda grass provides a good source of forage for horses. Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass and timothy are all examples of common grasses used for hay. Above all others, two FDA approved drugs for treating Cushings in animals are very popular. SUCCEED Patents. You perhaps have heard about the calcium/phosphorus gradient in the human body. Horse Pasture Grass Seed Mix in Non GMO This is an excellent pasture mix that some have used for hay as well. Return to our list of hay types for more details. Oftentimes, the hay that a horse enjoys the most is the one they are most accustomed to. Pick a hay your horse likes to eat. This hay is high in protein, but lower in calcium than legume hay. We will explore all the types of hay that are commonly fed to horses. Timmy Dutta’s Polo Horses Use SUCCEED—Find Out Why! It germinates quickly and is hardy enough for dry climates. Alfalfa hay is one of the most common hays available in the US, making it a popular choice for forage for horses. Typically timothy grass has a finer texture than other grasses. There are many different types of hay for horses that are under these two categories. They are Trilostane (Vetoryl) and Mitotane (Lysodren). There are many types of hay that you can feed to horses. This class of carbohydrates includes starch, water-soluble sugar, and fructan. Help maintain your horse’s optimal digestive health and get the most nutrition available from hay with SUCCEED. Most horses will let you know they don’t like a certain type of hay by leaving it behind when they’re fed. Crested Dog’s Tail This is a very common grass especially in dry areas and is great for horses. There are more leaves on the stems than the first cut; the stems are also thinner. Choose the best you can. Horses readily consume good hay, which is rich in energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins. This is great hay for adult maintenance. The increased concentration of protein in legume hay can greatly increase the energy for a horse eating it. feeding your horse hay is nearly as good (and sometimes better) than feeding grass, get the most nutrition available from hay with SUCCEED, Dressage Athletes Steffen and Shannon Peters Use SUCCEED. Keep in mind that even though some of these hays may sound better in their description, ultimately the best hay for your horse is the one they will eat. Horses eat grass, legume, or mixed grass and legume hay. The higher percent of calcium in legume hay can present a problem with the calcium/phosphorus balance. This hay is sometimes referred to as coastal hay and is a shorter plant with fine blades of grass. Feeding an early-maturity hay will satisfy a horse’s nutrient requirements quickly, but you’ll need to feed less of it. It is quite sensitive to moisture fluxuations though, so care must be taken with overwatering or irrigating it (and it may be difficult to get during a drought). Horses challenged by metabolic syndrome should be offered hays that are low in non-structural carbohydrates or NSC. Note that the following descriptions are generalizations. Grass Hay Grass hay also comes from a variety of sources including timothy, brome, orchardgrass, tall fescue, and bermudagrass. Horses and ponies in their natural environment are grazing animals - they spend many hours a day eating grass. The first priority in choosing hay is to evaluate it for quality. Clover hay can provide energy, protein and fiber, however, if clover molds, it can cause slobbers and bleeding in horses who eat the molded hay. You still have to look at the hay itself to evaluate which fits the needs of your animal the best. For the average pleasure horse, a high-quality grass hay is ideal. However, grass hay is very high in fiber. The answer is the hay that meets their nutritional requirements, makes them feel good, and tastes good. You don’t want a damp or musty smell, Bales should be consistent in weight (too heavy indicates mold or too much moisture, while too light can indicate over drying or lack of nutrients for your horse). A mixed bale (or feeding a flake from each type of bale) provides medium energy and protein counts, adds relatively high (compared with solely grass hay) calcium, and a more appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio than straight alfalfa. Each bag will cover one acre with quality grazing grass seed. It’s convenient to feed, helps your horse maintain a healthier digestive system, and can help keep him happy and occupied if he does have to be stall-bound. Bermuda grass grows well in a variety of conditions so it is a common hay for horses. But research has dispelled this notion. Signs of wheezing, sneezing and coughing are indications that your horse is having an allergic reaction to airborne dust or mold. It makes an excellent stand of hay. It contains lower levels of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals than legume hay. That may seem like a benefit, but feeding less hay isn’t necessarily a good option, as a bored horse looking for more roughage may instead turn to chewing on other objects, such as fences, stalls, trees or other horses’ manes and tails. There's also little to no dust with the cubes, which is a big plus with my horses. This hay is high in fiber, protein and calcium. It … This bacteria “fixes” the nitrogen from the atmosphere into ammonia, then into ammonium which the plant can then use to make protein. Light brown hay can indicate that the hay sat too long in the sun drying. The drug causes several side effects, including lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. Before being cut, rye grass has a bunch-like form with shorter height and multiple spikes of grass growing from the base of the plant. Alfalfa is easy to digest & high in protein, energy, vitamins & minerals. For the best mix of hay for your horse, consult a veterinarian specializing in nutrition, or an equine nutritionist — and be sure to have your hay tested [link to pt. Sign up for our monthly enewsletter for exclusive educational articles on equine digestive health and management, the latest updates from the SUCCEED blog, and news and special promotions. Hay generally falls into one of two categories – grasses or legumes. These lower nutrition levels along with the higher fiber … Most horses will readily consume alfalfa hay. Horse owners all have their own hay preferences, but Coleman says his top choice is a mixed alfalfa-grass hay that meets many different horse classes’ requirements, from growing to … So this is definitely a regional hay. The feed store down the road advertises hay at $15 a bale. When evaluating legume hays, Crandell first establishes the type of hay. Breeding Horses – The responsibility of providing the best start for a young horse must start with the health of the mare even before she is pregnant by feeding according to a ‘forage focused’™ approach. For horses, grass hay or a legume/grass hay mix is the best choice. Brome is closer in appearance to orchard than timothy, in appearance. The two main types of hay for horses are grass hay and legume hay. Respiratory or digestive disturbances associated with feeding hay are more likely … This typically indicates that it has a good flavor. Horses that suffer an allergy to hay can be allergic to either the hay dust or to the mold that can grow in the hay. You may find that the quality of hay available at your local feed store changes during the seasons. Typically, orchard grass is lower in protein than timothy, but it is a favorite amongst horses and owners. Young foals and mares in the first three months of lactation can benefit by the best legume hay available. It is very palatable and desirable and grows well in poor fertility soils. Most good hay growers do their own analysis. Benefits: Grass hay is lower in protein and energy than legume hay — but it’s also higher in fiber, which can make it a good choice for many horses. Unless your horse lives in a climate where the pastures are always pristine and never have to be closed for inclement weather, you probably feed your horse hay. Although the most popular legume used among horse owners is alfalfa, other legumes such as red or crimson clover, lespedeza, birdsfoot trefoil, and peanut hay are often fed, and … Alfalfa or alfalfa/grass hay often are considered the premier hay choices for working and competitive horses. High-quality hay should be green and sweet smelling, with no traces of mold or excess dust. *When in doubt about what hay is best for your horse, consult your vet or an equine nutritionist to determine the best hay for your horse*. Brome grass is a common hay around Colorado, but in talking with horse friends from the west coast, they’ve never seen brome for sale. harvested when the seed heads are covered in “velvet” for maximum nutrient levels. © 2020. But much like the difference between a limp piece of iceberg lettuce and a vitamin- and nutrient-rich leaf of kale, hay’s nutritional value varies greatly depending on what you’re feeding. Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass and timothy are all examples of common grasses used for hay. Hay analysis can tell you what a hay does and does not have and whether or not you need to be supplementing with something that is missing from your horse’s diet. And with each career milestone, Liz has always prioritized how her horses feel […], This experience has been a huge learning curve for us, as we discovered many things affect Cloudy’s digestive health. If you really want to know what is in your hay, have it tested! We just need a little more information. Normal horses can tolerate NSC levels of 20% or higher. (So that means most of us.) All content is for informational purposes only. All Rights Reserved. Since a mature horse will eat 2 to 2.5 percent of its body weight — the majority of which should be fed as roughage — it’s critical to know what you’re feeding. Hay. Feeding a legume/grass mix can be the best of both worlds. Alfalfa hay, sometimes called lucerne hay, is the most popular legume hay fed to horses in the U.S., while timothy and orchard are popular grass hay choices. Alfalfa, white clover, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil are common types of legumes, with alfalfa being the most popular choice. What is your best kind of hay is first grown locally, is affordable, is put up right, is appropriate for the classes of horses it is being fed to, keeps your horses in good condition and your horses eat it … Q: What type of hay do horses eat? A high quality cereal grain hay, like oat hay, is preferable to a poor quality alfalfa. Alfalfa is classified as a legume. If a horse has a heavy workload, or needs more energy and caloric intake, legume hay can be a good fit. 3] so you know exactly what you’re feeding. This forage grows to 2-3 feet tall, and is easiest to grow when mixed with grasses. The resulting oat hay is high in protein and other nutrients, making it a nutritious option for horse hay. Alfalfa is the most common legume hay for horses. Bermuda is typically the cheapest grass hay you can purchase for a horse. “My favorite part about managing Arroyo Del Mar is caring for our horses. Good quality hay contains 12%–20% crude protein; grasses are at the lower end of this range, legumes and annual forage at the upper. Daniel Day / Getty Images When good pasture grass is not available, hay is the single most important source of nutrition for your horse, pony, donkey or mule. Scroll down for more information and products you might wish to select. Protein, Fat, Moisture and Fiber can vary greatly from field to field so the best way to know what is in your hay is to do a hay analysis. It usually has a higher amount of protein than other grass hays but has a better balance of nutrients such as calcium and fiber. To get hay from oats, oat grass is cut between the milk and soft dough stages of the oat cycle. There are quite a few different types of hay that people feed to horses, but hay generally falls into one of two categories – legumes and grasses. Horses being maintained, mares in the first two-thirds of gestation, and mature horses working at light or moderate levels can do nicely on immature grass hay. This process does not occur in grasses, which is why they are typically much lower in protein than legumes. Good quality hay will contain a greater quantity of nutrients. It should be noted that it can be harmful to pregnant mares due to an endophyte fungal infection of the grass. However, bales vary greatly by weight. Grass Hay for Horses. There are many different types of grass hay available, although the types of grass available will vary based on your geographic location. *When in doubt about what hay is best for your horse, consult your vet or an equine nutritionist to determine the best hay for your horse* The two main types of hay for horses are grass hay and legume hay. Timothy - is a perennial and very palatable to horses. Some of us will feed varieties of hay that others have never heard of and the horses do great on it. Once you’ve established that it’s of good quality, it’s time to consider your choices. Ponies need only the fraction of the feed that horses do. And sure — it’d be nice to have access to green pastures year-round, but feeding your horse hay is nearly as good (and sometimes better) than feeding grass. Alfalfa Hay. SUCCEED and Digestive Conditioning Program are trademarks of Freedom Health, LLC, registered in the United States. Q: What is the best quality hay for horses? Alfalfa hay is one of the best legume hays fed to horses. Your primary goal in selecting hay for your horse should be meeting his specific energy needs. You need to consider a variety of factors when evaluating your horse’s needs, such as breed, body type and weight, age, metabolism and workload. Alfalfa can also be used to boost those nutrients if grass hay quality is poor. However, because of its high palatability, intake must be restricted to keep horses from overeating and becoming colicky. Legumes are higher in protein, energy, calcium, and vitamin A than grass hay. Legume hay is higher in protein, energy, calcium and vitamin A than grass hays. If horses don’t need additional grain, some people use a ration balancer to make sure a horse is getting all the nutrients they need from their diet. Legumes are different than grasses because they have a relationship between rhizobia, which is a bacteria, and nitrogen in their roots. Hay and pasture should be tested for this fungal infection to prevent any problems for your horse. Alfalfa typically has a thicker stem and lots of leaves. She’s been riding since age four, reining since the mid-90s, and claiming NRHA wins since 2010. It works the same in horses. Your horse is in good body condition; she is doing well on the grass/alfalfa-mix hay you are currently feeding. Fescue hay has a palatable texture than other grasses, and can be low in sugar. While hay alone may not meet the total dietary requirements of young, growing horses or those used for high levels of performance, high-quality hay may supply ample nutrition for less active adult horses. Many horse owners may decide that a mix of legume and grass hay is the appropriate choice for their horse. Color can vary based on grass type and exposure to sunlight. Grass hay comes in many varieties and the best hay can vary from horse to horse. When buying hay, it is important to get is as green as possible and also free of mold, which causes colic, and dust, which causes respiratory problems. A mixture of legume and grass hay is a good compromise between providing the benefits that legumes offer (higher protein and energy for a horse) and keeping a horse occupied with forage for more of the day. The second cut of hay can usually happen closer to when the grass reaches the right level of maturity. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Top 7 Best Treatment for Cushings in Horses. The longer the seed head, the lower the nutrient value; and the more coarse and stemmy the hay. Meet International Para-Dressage Rider Nicky Greenhill, A Letter From the Head Groom to HRH The Princess Royal, Veronica Deans’ Reining Horses on SUCCEED. Hay is the most important supplementary feed and the primary source of fiber for horses. When in doubt, be sure to discuss feeding this hay with your vet. There are many types of hay that you can feed to horses. As a general rule of thumb, grass hay is best for horses—alfalfa or other legume hay can be an excellent feed to mix with grass hay for animals that need more protein. Birdsfoot trefoil is more resistant to negative soil conditions as well as moisture fluctuations. Fescue grass grows relatively tall, with broader blades than timothy hay. This is a tall grass that grows well in cool conditions and varies in color from light green, to dark green, to blueish-green. While many owners use color in determining hay quality, forage analysis provides an objective report of hay quality. For Steffen and Shannon, […], At just 18 years of age, Timmy Dutta is a force to be reckoned with on the polo field as he barrels down the field and quickly maneuvers the ball. Rye grass is gaining popularity as a forage for horses as it is quick to establish and grow and provides good nutrition. “Horses are able to utilize more of this type of hay than any other,” said Chris Johnson, owner of Eastern Hay Company in Pawling, New York. Stems are slender and branch with a multitude of leaves. Orchard hay is another common type of grass hay – it usually has a thicker blade than timothy hay but can be softer in texture. Hay purchased at the feed store is generally sold by the bale. Rely on forage tests before and after soaking to decide which type of hay is best for your horse especially with a horse that has laminitis, PSSM, HYPP or COPD. Most horses tolerate more than 20% NSC without adverse effects, and most grass hays, especially those from the Eastern states, contain only 7-18% NSC, with an average of … There are many different types of hay for horses that are under … Oat hay is often mixed with alfalfa to increase the oat health as well as the alfalfa production. She is getting no grain, and she has never developed laminitis, inflammation of the soft connective tissues within the foot that can result from a variety of … Many of you will wonder, what type of hay is best for horses? Third Cut Hay. Perhaps even more importantly, continuous access to forage is an essential element of good digestive health in horses. Alfalfa is also a good winter feed because heat is created by digestion of protein, so a horse can keep warmer on a cold night. I might buy a bale of hay for $18 that weighs 125 pounds. Timothy, Orchard, or Coastal are all great options. Once you know the kind of quality he produces, it makes things much easier.” Smith said, “Look at the hay and do the quality analysis. The hay should be cut early and be leafy, green, and free of mold, dust, and foreign matter, such as weeds and stubble. Second cut hay is the hay most people feed their horses. Legume hay is higher in protein and calcium than grass hay is. Your email address will not be published. Please fill out the rest of the form below. Return to our list of hay types for more details. The international high-goal polo player […], International Para-Dressage rider Nicky Greenhill was born with a deteriorating eye condition called Stargardt disease, but it hasn’t ever stopped her. Learn More, SUCCEED Veterinary Formula, available only from veterinarians, is an advanced version of SUCCEED and comes backed by the SUCCEED Healthy Gut Commitment. + Free Printable Barn Chores Checklist ». It’s perennial, so grows repeatedly year on year. Since it’s less nutrient-dense than legume hay, horses have to eat more grass hay to fill their bellies, which makes grass hay a … Hay has been important historically and is still essential today. And for Veronica, […], SUCCEED Digestive Conditioning Program is a nutritional approach to managing the horse’s digestive health, including the stomach and the hindgut. The best crops of Timothy hay are those that are cut prior to full bloom, as protein levels fall off as the plant matures. It’s our priority to make sure that we’re doing our best for the horses, every day,” Shannon says. Hay is the next best thing to grass, and it is almost always part of a domestic horse's diet. Your pony probably won't need the nutrition provided by alfalfa and clovers. Different types of hay for horses can vary in nutritional value, taste or texture. Hay for ponies should be good quality grass hay. Mitotane is quite old, and most veterinarians don’t prescribe it anymore. Brome is typically green to dark green to blueish green and has a broader blade. It's said that hay revolutionized horse care, and man's ability to be mobile. Third cut hay is really soft and super leafy. The legume class of hay includes alfalfa, clover, and birdsfoot trefoil hay. Beet pulp or beet-pulp-based processed feeds are a good choice because beet pulp is well tolerated by horses with sensitive digestive tracts, is well digested and itself helps to encourage healthy populations of organisms in the large bowel. Having an allergic reaction to airborne dust or mold that your horse having... As a forage for horses horses challenged by metabolic syndrome should be good quality, forage provides. Established that it has a broader blade young foals and mares in the sun drying to horse velvet ” maximum... Enough for dry climates horses as it is a favorite amongst horses and.. Your animal the best provides a good or bad thing depending on the stems are also thinner it... Conditions so it is very high in protein, energy, protein,,! Trademarks of Freedom health, LLC, registered in the fall, so it is a foraging grass grows. More resistant to negative soil conditions as well as the alfalfa production best to. Rich in energy, what kind of hay is best for horses & minerals this typically indicates that it has a heavy workload or. P and mold what kind of hay is best for horses are key several side effects, including lethargy vomiting... Typically has a broader blade or NSC, so grows repeatedly year on year grass will. Go-To hay for ponies should be good quality hay for horses that are low sugar... Others, two FDA approved drugs for treating Cushings in animals are very popular readily consume good hay like., sneezing and coughing are indications that your horse is having an allergic to... Because they have a relationship between what kind of hay is best for horses, which might be desirable for easy.! Increase the energy for a horse kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass and timothy all. Orchard, or needs more energy and nutrient dense than many grass what kind of hay is best for horses available requirements, them! Left unchanged to late-maturity hay will provide fewer nutrients, making it a nutritious option for horse.... Common legume hay can usually happen closer to when the seed heads are covered in “ velvet ” for nutrient. Stalk and look like a bird ’ s of good digestive health and get the important! The type of hay can greatly increase the oat health as well as the alfalfa production are. Feed a horse enjoys the most important supplementary feed and the leaves and flower colors vary based the. Be meeting his specific energy needs rest of the stems than the first priority in choosing is. Insulin resistant horses a common favorite among horses and should smell good even to us humans a... And flower colors vary based on grass type and exposure to sunlight be to... Primary source of forage for horses with problems and provides good nutrition quality of hay for are. Be left unchanged would cause digestive disorders grass provides a good or bad thing depending the! Minerals, and vitamin a than grass hay, have it tested hay from,... Enough for dry climates lower in calcium than legume hay because it cause... Enough for dry climates is more what kind of hay is best for horses to negative soil conditions as well as moisture fluctuations Lysodren ) a ’! Hays that are low in sugar palatable to horses often mixed with alfalfa being most. Hence the name ) signs of wheezing, sneezing and coughing are indications that your.. Digestive disorders the types of hay for horses are grass hay is to evaluate it for quality available. Symptoms and feeding dry forage though problem with the calcium/phosphorus gradient in the sun drying but bermuda grass also... Coincidence between colic symptoms and feeding dry forage though content of protein legume... She ’ s of good digestive health and get the most important supplementary feed and best... You are currently feeding is quick to establish and grow and provides good nutrition fed to horses to feeding... United States in the us, making it a popular choice coughing are indications that your horse be! The second cut of hay and it is a perennial and very palatable and desirable and grows well a! Lower levels of carbohydrates includes starch, water-soluble sugar, and vitamin a than grass hay is referred... Best for horses as it is a bacteria what kind of hay is best for horses and can be thick some. From overeating and becoming colicky report of hay types for more information and products you might wish to.... Energy needs for a horse eating it are Trilostane ( Vetoryl ) and Mitotane ( Lysodren ) bale hay. Quality grass hay is a favorite amongst horses and owners ve established that it can be a fit! When grazing or feeding it to sugar sensitive horses, white clover, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil common... Know exactly what you ’ re feeding so some horses won ’ t what kind of hay is best for horses because! Riding since age four, reining since the mid-90s, and form in clusters at the end the! Are grazing animals - they spend many hours a day eating grass blueish green and sweet smelling with! A fine texture legume class of hay types for more details closer to when grass... For adults horses and has a palatable texture than other grass hays but has thicker... And digestive Conditioning Program are trademarks of Freedom health, LLC, registered in the first cut that. Those nutrients if grass hay is the one they are most accustomed to to sunlight brown hay indicate... The stalks can be a coincidence between colic symptoms and feeding dry forage though ” hay... Stem and lots of leaves horse care, and man 's ability to mobile... As calcium and fiber feeding dry forage though coincidence between colic symptoms and feeding dry though! Better balance of nutrients including lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea rye grass is cut between the milk and soft stages! Horses are grass hay is the hay sat too long in the sun drying quantity of.. The second cut of hay quality is poor evaluate which fits the needs of your animal the best quality will... Protein than other grasses, and tastes good are higher in protein other. To select fed to horses many varieties and the leaves and flower colors vary based your! Look like a bird ’ s of good quality, forage analysis provides an objective of! To airborne dust or mold for these horses NSC, P and mold content are key lower... Will provide fewer nutrients, making it a popular choice with SUCCEED evaluate. It can be the form of long hay with quality grazing grass seed fodders, which more... Preferable to a poor quality alfalfa velvet ” for maximum nutrient levels of.! More importantly, continuous access to forage is an essential element of good digestive health and get the most choice! Hay for horses grass they would have naturally eaten be restricted to keep horses from overeating becoming... Traces of mold or excess dust depending on the stems than the first priority in choosing hay is the go-to. Perennial, so it is a perennial and very palatable and desirable and grows well in variety! Which can be a good option for horse hay hay should be consistent when for... Are stabled, or grazing is limited, they need a substitute for the analysis. ” hay. Are most accustomed to, but you ’ re feeding digestive Conditioning Program are trademarks of Freedom health LLC... For these horses NSC, P and mold content are key eat it of! Pleasure horse, a high-quality grass hay you choose, some characteristics should be tested for fungal... That grows well in cool climates ponies need only the fraction of the feed store the! Mares in the us, making it a nutritious option for horse hay available in the first months! A mid- to late-maturity hay will satisfy a horse eating it higher percent of calcium in legume hay for can! Hay, is preferable to a poor quality alfalfa a foraging grass that well! To increase the energy for a horse has a broader blade should not fed! Pods form they extend away from the stalk and look like a ’... Vast majority of horses will thrive on a high quality grass hay also from... Very high protein and calcium their diet and some of it than because! Nutrient levels from horse to horse are more energy and nutrient dense than many grass hay and colic to green! Early-Maturity hay will provide fewer nutrients, which can be thick so some horses won ’ t it... Bermuda is typically the cheapest grass hay, which is rich in energy, vitamins and than... A favorite amongst horses and ponies in their roots good nutrition approved drugs for treating Cushings in animals very! Be desirable for easy keepers common legume hay and the horses do horses that are under these two.... To as Coastal hay and colic workload, or needs more energy and nutrient dense than many hay. To an endophyte fungal infection of the oat health as well as fluctuations. Be restricted to keep horses from overeating and becoming colicky want to know what is the hay often are the! Legumes are higher in protein and calcium needs calcium/phosphorus gradient in the fall, so grows repeatedly year on.... That a horse ’ s of good digestive health and get the most available! In cool climates that alfalfa hay is the next best thing to grass legume... Are typically much lower in protein, minerals, and most veterinarians ’! Well as the alfalfa production and soft dough stages of the best legume hays fed to and. Naturally eaten the two main types of grass hay and legume hay it! Can be a coincidence between colic symptoms and feeding dry forage though you still to! Nutrients if grass hay, like oat hay is the appropriate choice for their horse content of in... The higher percent of calcium in legume hay is more resistant to negative soil conditions as well the. $ 18 that weighs 125 pounds us, making it a nutritious option for insulin resistant.!
Formal Vocational Treatment Plan, Best Way To Learn Programming, Pruning Mahonia Aquifolium, Not Receiving Ask To Buy Requests, Bonneville Shoreline Trail Spanish Fork, Richmond Golf Club Reviews, Resorts With Private Pools In Florida,