Hay is cut grass left to dry until it contains very little moisture (usually 3-4 days) then baled.
If hay is cut too early in the year the grass is very leafy and full of moisture, which will take a while to dry out with some rotting happening so it can become dusty. Also, if cut late in the year, it may have seeded already, again making it dusty.
It must be stored in a dry place and once wet fed within hours.
To avoid colic, hay should be left for at least 6 weeks before feeding.This allows for a process called “curing”, during which sugars and fermentation settle. If the hay is very dry it can be fed sooner.
There are different types
AMeadow hay- this is from a field that has a variety of grasses (and weeds). This has many different nutrients and is generally softer and more easily digestible for a wide variety of horses.
BSeed hay- this is from a field which has been especially planted to grow a certain type of grass, generally rye. This is usually harder and more difficult to digest, but has a high nutritional value and is therefore fed to competition horses.
Hay can be dry so it is best to steam or soak it. This also makes any mould spores, that might be present, too big and heavy to be breathed in. If soaking, it is recommended to soak for only 30-60 minutes, and then drain and feed straight away. This is because it can strip the hay of nutrients and, if left wet for longer, it can restart the fermentation process. Steaming is an excellent solution. You can put the net in a dustbin, pour a kettle of boiled water over it, put on a lid and leave until cooled. This makes it less dusty but keeps the nutrients.
Hay should smell sweet and be as dust free as possible. There should be no mould or weeds and it should contain many different grasses (unless seed hay).
It is essential to look through your hay for ragwort (as pictured here) or other poisonous plants, because having been dried, they will be more palatable to your horse and could cause colic or even death.
Hay should be used within a year, earlier if the air is moist. If it smells or looks mouldy, it should not be fed.
The Good Grasses Found In Hay
Rye Grass
Timothy
Cocksfoot
Bent Grass
Yorkshire Fog
Fescue
Final Thoughts
It is very important that you learn about the hay you are feeding your horse.
This is because he can only eat what you give him and, if you feed him poor quality or even dangerous hay, your lovely horse will suffer.