What to Look For When You’re Buying Hay

When you buy hay you’ll probably be buying it in bulk so it’s a good idea to look around and make sure that you inspect all of the hay that you’re buying to make sure it’s good quality.  Here are some tips that will help you figure out if the hay you’re buying is high quality or not:

• Ask what cutting the hay is.  Second and third cuttings have more protein and are usually more expensive.  Horses only need hay that has about 10-12% protein but second and third cuttings can be 18-24% protein. That’s a lot more protein then you need so don’t get suckered into paying more for a second or third cutting. First cuttings are usually just fine for horses.

• If you’re buying baled hay always inspect the middle of the bales, not just the ends, for bugs or beetles.  If you see any beetles or insects in the hay don’t buy it.

• The hay should be dry. If the hay is baled, check in the middle to make sure it’s dry all the way through.  If the hay isn’t dry then it could get moldy fast so make sure it’s dry.

• Check for mold.  If hay is left out in the rain or if there’s heavy dew then the hay can get wet and it can start to mold. If any of the hay looks moldy or if you sneeze and wheeze when you are around it, send the hay back. Moldy hay can cause serious health problems for you and your horse.

• Check the weed content.  Timothy or Orchard Grass hay will have a lot of grass and seeds mixed in with the hay but if you see a lot of weeds then don’t buy the hay. Some weeds can be poisonous to horses.  There should never be weeds in any type of hay.

• The hay should be green and healthy looking.  If the hay is dusty or looks old and faded then don’t buy it. Dust can cause respiratory problems for you and your horse and old hay has little nutritional value.

When you bring home a new horse and you are buying hay for the first time, it’s a good idea to ask other horse owners in the area where they buy hay.  If other horse owners trust a local farm to deliver high quality hay then you can be pretty sure that the hay from that farm will be good quality. 

Don’t be afraid to ask other horse owners for recommendations when it comes to things like finding a hay supplier, a grain store, a vet, or a blacksmith.