If you are looking to set up a feeding program for your horse or horses there are a lot of choices available to you. There are so many choices that the decision can be overwhelming. Of course any good program is going to begin with hay. Horses are grazing animals, and their digestive systems are meant to process the roughage found in hay.

Alfalfa hay, fed for years by horsemen, has many benefits. It also has it’s drawbacks, not limited to cost and availability. Feeding too much of this fine, rich, nutrient packed hay can potentially cause health and possibly behavioral issues. A little bit of alfalfa will go a long way.

Grass based hays such as Timothy, Alicia, Russell or Orchard grass are good choices in quality forage. The Timothy hay seems to be somewhat heavy in stalk especially if it is baled late in the season. By contrast Orchard grass hay is a softer hay with wider blades and horses seem to prefer this type over the Timothy.

Alicia and Russell hay, grown primarily in the south east, are good forage choices as well. Alicia hay is a finer grass, that tolerates heat and drought quite well. Russell hay is a bit thicker, with an overall higher protein content. Coastal Bermuda hay is also an excellent choice for a nice grass type base to your feeding program.

Finding a good hay producer can sometimes be difficult. Talk with the farmer about his crop first, and inspect the hay before buying. No matter the type, all hay should have a good green color, a fresh smell, no dust, and no mold. (This last is particularly important.) Buying poor hay will not save you money in the long run, as you will end up with unnecessary vet bills.

Have your local agriculture extension agency test the hay first. This knowledge can help you make the best decision possible.

When setting up this program, take into account your horse’s age, his activity level, and often times his breeding. Some breeds are harder keepers- meaning they require more supplementation in their diet to maintain proper weight- than others. You’ll need to be aware of this, so that you can plan accordingly for their dietary needs.

Basically, to keep your horse in optimum health find a good quality hay then provide whatever supplements they may need. Always have plenty of fresh clean water, a mineral block and exercise.

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Tags: Horses