To Feed Hay or Haylage to Your Horse?

Choosing between hay and haylage for your horse can feel like a bit of a minefield, can't it? 🤔 You want what's best for your four-legged friend, but with so many conflicting opinions out there, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Don't worry – we're here to break it all down for you in plain English!

Both hay and haylage have their place in equine nutrition, and the right choice really depends on your individual horse's needs, health status, and your own practical considerations. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of both options so you can make an informed decision.

Understanding the Basics 📚

Before we get into the pros and cons, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what hay and haylage actually are.

Hay is grass that's been cut and dried to at least 85% dry matter before baling. Think of those traditional rectangular or round bales you see scattered across fields in summer. The grass is left to dry naturally in the field (weather permitting!) or dried in barns for more consistent quality.

Haylage, on the other hand, is a bit different. It contains 50-70% dry matter and undergoes a fermentation process while stored in airtight conditions – usually those white plastic-wrapped bales you've probably seen. The grass is cut when it's younger and still has higher moisture content, then it's sealed up tight and left to ferment.

The Hay Story: Traditional and Tried 🌾

Hay has been feeding horses for centuries, and there's good reason it's stood the test of time. Here's what makes hay a popular choice for many horse owners:

The Good Bits About Hay

Cost-effective and practical – Let's be honest, hay is generally the more budget-friendly option. It's easier to handle than those hefty haylage bales, and you can usually source it locally without too much hassle. Plus, you can often buy in bulk during harvest season.

Long storage life – When stored properly under cover, good quality hay can last well into the following year. You don't need any special storage conditions beyond keeping it dry.

Flexibility for different horses – Hay can be soaked to reduce sugar content, making it perfect for horses prone to laminitis or those chunky monkeys who need to watch their waistlines!

Easy quality assessment – You can see, smell, and feel the quality of hay before you buy it. Good hay should smell sweet, feel dry, and look green and leafy.

The Not-So-Good Bits

Dust and respiratory concerns – This is probably hay's biggest downside. Even good quality hay can contain dust and mold spores that might trigger respiratory issues in sensitive horses.

Sugar content – Contrary to what many people think, hay typically contains higher sugar levels than haylage, which can be problematic for horses with metabolic issues.

Weather dependency – Making good hay requires decent weather conditions, which means quality can vary significantly depending on the harvest conditions.

The Haylage Alternative: Modern and Refined 🌿

Haylage might be the newer kid on the block, but it's gained quite a following among horse owners. Here's why:

Why Horse Owners Love Haylage

Dust-free feeding – This is haylage's superpower! The moisture content means dust and spores stick to the grass rather than becoming airborne. If your horse has respiratory sensitivities, this could be a game-changer.

Higher protein content – Haylage generally packs more protein than hay, which can be brilliant for horses in work, youngsters, or those who struggle to maintain condition.

Lower sugar levels – Here's something that surprises many people: haylage is normally lower in sugar than hay! The fermentation process converts those water-soluble carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids.

Highly palatable – Most horses absolutely love haylage. If you've got a fussy eater, haylage might just tempt them to clean up their forage.

Better digestibility – The fermentation process makes haylage easier for horses to digest, which can be particularly beneficial for older horses or those with digestive sensitivities.

The Haylage Challenges

Higher cost – Quality haylage typically costs more than hay, both upfront and per nutritional unit delivered.

Storage considerations – Once you've opened a bale, haylage needs to be used relatively quickly (usually within 3-5 days) before it starts to spoil.

Weight considerations – Because of the higher moisture content, you'll need to feed more haylage by weight. A horse needing 10kg of dry forage daily would need about 11.8kg of hay but around 16.7kg of haylage.

Quality uncertainty – You can't assess haylage quality until you unwrap the bale, which means you're taking a bit of a gamble.

Making the Right Choice for Your Horse 🐴

So, which should you choose? Well, it really depends on your individual horse's needs:

Haylage Might Be Perfect If:

• Your horse has respiratory issues or is sensitive to dust
• You've got a fussy eater who needs encouraging
• Your horse struggles to maintain condition
• You're feeding a performance horse who needs higher protein levels
• Your horse has digestive sensitivities

Hay Could Be Your Best Bet If:

• You're on a tight budget
• Your horse is a good doer who needs to watch their weight
• You want the flexibility to soak forage when needed
• You have excellent storage facilities for hay
• Your horse is metabolically sensitive and you need precise control over sugar intake

Special Considerations

Good doers and laminitis-prone horses often do better on soaked hay or specially made low-energy haylage. The ability to soak hay gives you more control over sugar content.

Older horses might benefit from haylage's higher digestibility, especially if they struggle with dental issues.

Competition horses often thrive on quality haylage due to its higher protein content and palatability.

Practical Tips for Success 💡

Whichever option you choose, here are some practical tips to get the best results:

For hay feeding:

• Always check quality before feeding – it should smell sweet and be free from dust and mold
• Consider soaking hay for 10-15 minutes if your horse needs reduced sugar intake
• Store hay off the ground in a dry, well-ventilated area
• Use hay within 12 months for best nutritional value

For haylage feeding:

• Check bales are properly sealed and haven't been punctured
• Use opened bales quickly – don't leave them sitting around
• Make the transition gradually over 7-10 days if switching from hay
• Store unopened bales in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Getting Your Forage Sorted 📦

At Ashurst Equestrian & Country, we understand that getting quality forage to your yard can be a real challenge. That's why we offer both local delivery within 15 miles of our Leigh, Surrey warehouse and convenient click & collect services. Whether you're after premium hay or high-quality haylage, we can help you keep your horses well-fed without the hassle of sourcing and transporting heavy bales yourself.

The Bottom Line 🎯

There's no universal "best" choice between hay and haylage – it all comes down to your individual horse's needs, your management setup, and your budget. Many yards successfully use both, feeding haylage to their respiratory-sensitive horses and hay to their good doers.

Remember: always make any forage changes gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. And here's the most important bit – always check with your vet or equine nutritionist before making significant changes to your horse's diet, especially if they have any health conditions or special dietary requirements.

Your horse's individual needs should always be the deciding factor. Some horses thrive on quality hay, while others do much better on haylage. Pay attention to your horse's condition, behavior, and overall health, and don't be afraid to adjust your approach if needed.

The most important thing is that you're providing consistent, quality forage – whether that's hay or haylage, your horse will appreciate the care and attention you're putting into their nutrition! 🐴💚