Understanding Hay Quality: A Buyer’s Guide

Hay is the foundation of most horses’ diets, but not all hay is created equal. Understanding hay quality helps you make smart choices for your horse’s health and your budget.

Why Hay Quality Matters

Horses evolved eating varied grasses throughout the day. Domesticated horses depend on us to provide appropriate forage. Poor quality hay can lead to nutritional deficiencies, digestive problems, and respiratory issues.

Types of Horse Hay

Grass Hay

Timothy, orchard grass, and brome are common grass hays. They’re generally lower in protein and calories than legume hay, making them suitable for easy keepers and horses prone to metabolic issues. Most horses do well on quality grass hay alone.

Legume Hay

Alfalfa and clover are legume hays with higher protein, calcium, and calories. They’re excellent for hard-working horses, growing youngsters, and lactating mares. Too rich for some horses—can cause weight gain or digestive upset.

Mixed Hay

Grass-alfalfa mixes offer a middle ground—more nutrition than straight grass hay without being as rich as pure alfalfa.

Evaluating Hay Quality

Visual Inspection

• Color: Should be green to light green, not yellow or brown
• Leafiness: More leaves mean more nutrition (especially in legumes)
• Stems: Fine, pliable stems indicate early cutting
• Foreign material: Check for weeds, trash, or debris

Smell Test

Quality hay smells fresh and slightly sweet. Musty, dusty, or moldy odors indicate problems. Never feed moldy hay—it can cause serious respiratory and digestive issues.

Texture

Good hay feels soft and pliable. Coarse, stemmy hay is less palatable and nutritious. Hay that’s too dry crumbles; too wet and it molds.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Visible mold (white, gray, or black patches)
• Dust clouds when handling
• Excessive weeds or foreign plants
• Bleached appearance (sun damage)
• Heavy, damp bales (moisture = mold risk)
• Unusual odors

Hay Testing

For a complete nutritional picture, submit hay samples for laboratory analysis. Testing reveals protein, fiber, sugar, and mineral content. This information helps you balance your horse’s total diet accurately.

Storage Matters

Even excellent hay deteriorates with poor storage. Keep hay off the ground, protected from rain and sun, with good air circulation. Properly stored hay maintains quality for a year or more.

For complete feeding guidelines and how hay fits into your horse’s overall diet, see our nutrition guide.