Hay is an essential part of every horse’s diet, providing the necessary fiber for digestion, maintaining a healthy weight, and supporting overall well-being. Horses are naturally grazing animals, and hay mimics their behavior of grazing for hours each day. Not all hay is the same, however, and understanding the different types of hay available will help you meet your horse’s unique nutritional needs. In this guide, we’ll explore common types of hay fed to horses, discussing their benefits, drawbacks, and fun facts about each.
1. Timothy
Description:
Timothy hay is a grass hay and one of the most widely used types for adult horses. It is available in different cuts, each offering a slightly different nutritional profile. The three main cuts of timothy hay are:
- First Cut: Coarse and fibrous, high in fiber and lower in sugar.
- Second Cut: Softer, leafier, and higher in nutritional value, providing a balance of fiber and protein.
- Third Cut: Soft, sweet-smelling, and low in fiber, ideal for older or more sensitive horses.
Pros:
- High in fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system.
- Low in sugar, making it ideal for horses prone to obesity or metabolic issues.
- Widely available and relatively affordable.
Cons:
- The first cut can be too coarse for picky eaters or older horses with dental issues.
- May be dusty if not stored properly, leading to respiratory problems.
Fun Fact: Horses can spend up to 16 hours a day grazing, and timothy hay provides the perfect grazing-like experience to support their natural behaviors.
2. Alfalfa
Description:
Alfalfa hay is a legume hay known for being rich in protein, calcium, and energy. It’s commonly fed to young, growing horses, pregnant mares, and those in intensive training. Alfalfa is harvested in several cuts, with the second and third cuts typically being softer and more nutritious than the first.
Pros:
- High in protein, ideal for growing horses or horses with higher calorie needs.
- High in calcium, making it great for young horses or pregnant mares.
- Helps promote healthy weight gain in underweight horses.
- Helps promote good gut health.
Cons:
- Too much protein and calcium can be harmful to adult horses not in heavy work, potentially causing kidney issues or urinary problems.
- Can contribute to obesity in horses that don’t require extra calories.
- Not recommended for horses with metabolic disorders like insulin resistance.
Fun Fact: Alfalfa is a legume that can improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen, acting as a natural fertilizer for future crops.
3. Orchard Grass
Description:
Orchard grass hay is a softer, sweeter-smelling grass hay that is ideal for older horses or those with sensitive digestive systems. It is lower in protein and rich in fiber, which makes it suitable for horses with metabolic issues.
Pros:
- Soft texture, making it easier for older or dental-challenged horses to chew.
- Pleasant aroma that encourages eating.
- High in fiber, low in protein, making it suitable for horses with metabolic concerns.
Cons:
- Lower in protein, so it may not be sufficient for young or active horses needing higher protein intake.
- Can be more expensive, particularly if harvested fresh.
Fun Fact: Orchard grass hay is beloved by horses for its sweetness, and many horses will prefer it over other types of hay due to its mild and pleasant scent.
4. Meadow
Description:
Meadow hay is harvested from natural meadows, typically containing a mix of grasses and some herbs. It varies greatly in nutritional value based on what plants are present in the meadow, and it often includes a variety of plants and grasses that may not be found in more controlled hay crops.
Pros:
- Provides a variety of grasses and plants, offering a more diverse and natural diet.
- Contains herbs that may support digestion and overall health.
- Typically high in fiber and low in calories, helping to maintain a healthy weight.
Cons:
- Nutritional content can be unpredictable, as it depends on the plant composition of the meadow.
- Quality control can be inconsistent, and some batches may contain undesirable seeds or plants.
- May be harder to find or more expensive in certain regions.
Fun Fact: Meadow hay is like a natural buffet for your horse, offering an array of flavors and nutrients found in the wild. It mimics the variety horses would find if they grazed in their natural habitat.
5. Bermuda
Description:
Bermuda grass hay is a warm-season grass hay that is commonly used for horses that need a low-calorie, high-fiber diet. This hay is ideal for horses with metabolic issues like insulin resistance or for those that require a high-fiber diet to maintain proper digestive function.
Pros:
- Low in sugar and starch, which helps manage horses prone to obesity or metabolic disorders.
- High in fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps prevent colic.
- Generally palatable and soft, making it easy for most horses to eat.
Cons:
- Lower in protein, so it may not be ideal for growing horses, performance horses, or those with higher nutritional needs.
- May be difficult to find in cooler climates.
Fun Fact: Bermuda grass hay is ideal for horses in warmer climates, and its fibrous texture naturally aids in wearing down a horse’s teeth, promoting dental health over time.
6. Teff
Description:
Teff hay is a fine, soft grass hay that is relatively new in the equine world. It is highly nutritious, offering a balance of fiber and low sugar, and is often recommended for horses with metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance or laminitis. This is what we use at Layla Rose Ranch.
Pros:
- High in fiber, low in sugar, and ideal for horses with metabolic concerns.
- Soft texture is easy for horses to chew, making it great for older horses.
- Typically dust-free, reducing the risk of respiratory issues.
Cons:
- May be difficult to find in certain regions, as it’s a more specialized hay.
- Can be expensive due to its relative rarity and fine quality.
Fun Fact: Teff hay is often compared to alfalfa for its soft texture and nutrient content, but it is far less rich in protein and calcium, making it a safer option for horses with specific dietary needs.
7. Coastal Hay
Description:
Coastal hay, also known as coastal Bermuda grass hay, is a grass hay grown in coastal regions, primarily in the southeastern United States. It is a popular choice in areas where Bermuda grass thrives. Coastal hay is highly fibrous and lower in calories, making it suitable for horses that need to maintain a healthy weight.
Pros:
- Low in sugar and calories, making it a good option for horses with metabolic concerns.
- High in fiber, which supports digestion and overall gut health.
- Easily accessible in certain regions, particularly in the southeastern U.S.
Cons:
- Can be more difficult to find in cooler climates.
- Lower in protein, so may not be sufficient for growing or performance horses.
Fun Fact: Coastal hay is often fed in regions where Bermuda grass naturally grows, and it thrives in coastal soils, offering a nutrient-rich option for horses that need fiber without the extra calories.
8. Timothy-Alfalfa Mix
Description:
A blend of timothy and alfalfa hay provides the best of both worlds: the fiber content of timothy hay and the protein boost of alfalfa. This mix can be especially beneficial for horses that need a balanced diet but don’t need as much protein as pure alfalfa provides.
Pros:
- Balances protein and fiber, providing a moderate level of nutrients.
- Offers a variety of textures and flavors, which can be more appealing to picky eaters.
- Suitable for young, growing horses or horses in light work.
Cons:
- Still too high in protein for adult horses in light work or pasture.
- May not be ideal for horses with metabolic disorders, depending on the alfalfa content.
Fun Fact: Mixing alfalfa and timothy hay is like combining the best of both worlds—each hay offers unique nutrients and qualities that support your horse’s health.
Choosing the right type of hay for your horse is crucial to ensuring its health and happiness. Each variety has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, depending on your horse’s age, activity level, and health concerns. From the high-protein alfalfa to the soft, low-calorie teff hay, understanding the nutritional needs of your horse will guide you in making the best choice.
Whether you’re feeding a growing foal, a senior horse with special needs, or a working equine athlete, selecting the appropriate hay can improve your horse’s digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. So, consider these options carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of hay to see what your horse enjoys most!
What do we Feed at Layla Rose Ranch?
At Layla Rose Ranch, we feed a diet of Teff and Alfalfa with some Timothy mixed in. Each horse receives a 1/2 to 1 flake of alfalfa d ay to promote a healthy gut. Then they are allowed as much Teff or Timothy as they like. We do not use Coastal hay.