Choosing the Best Hay for Your Horse

Choosing the Best Hay is important, The Last Ride can help

Hay is a good food to feed your horse. Not only does it provide it with the nutrition that it needs, but it is also relatively easy to acquire and to keep in the barn for feedings. When acquiring hay, however, it is important to ensure you are getting quality hay that is safe and healthy for your horse. To that end, here are a few things to consider when buying and Choosing the Best Hay.

Making Sure it is Fresh

Choosing the Best Hay

Fresh hay should smell fresh and be bright green in color. It should also be free from dust or mold, as mold sports can cause permanent lung damage when breathed in by your horse. Hay that is baled when it is still too wet can develop mold. In addition, while freshly baled hay will be warm if you stick your hand into it, it should feel dry and should not be hot. Hot, moist hay can combust and, therefore, should not be stored in a barn or fed to your horses.

Check the Content

Hay should be free from weeds and should be made from a combination of grasses and legumes, such as alfalfa and red clover. The seed heads should be closed with the leaves intact. If the leaves are broken, it is a sign that the hay was baled too dry and, therefore, will be less nutritious. Furthermore, if the hay is yellow or brown, it is a sign that it has been rained on or has been bleached by the sun. In either case, the nutritional value will be compromised.

Even with the best hay possible, the time will come when you have to say goodbye to your beloved horse. When this day comes, you can count on The Last Ride to remove the body in a respectful and dignified manner.