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  Discussion on Selecting hay for large boarding facility
Author Message
Member:
catrine

Posted on Monday, Jun 16, 2008 - 12:40 pm:

My partner and I are taking over a large boarding facility at the end of the month, and I am in the process of ordering the first large shipment of hay. The current operators have been feeding a very variable quality 1st cut timothy. I have heard a lot of positive talk about orchard hay, and would love some input. A huge part of my expense will be shipping, so I am willing to spend a little more on getting better quality product. There is a wide variety of horses at the barn, both in age and activity level. I need something that is suitable for all, so will be choosing a grass type. In addition I will buy some alfalfa to supplement my own show horses and others that can tolerate the higher energy content. Some advice please
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Jun 16, 2008 - 6:36 pm:

Hi ponypal, congrats and good luck with the boarding barn.

I think the type of hay horses like varies horse to horse...bale to bale....crop to crop. So it's kind of a crap shoot. I think on average it has about the same nutritional value.

If the horses are eating the timothy why not stick with it, that way you don't risk some turning up their nose at the orchard. OR maybe get a shipment of half orchard half timothy and see what they like best.

The old timers always said timothy was the best grass for horses...tho I don't know why.
Not much help am I


Good luck
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 - 7:27 am:

Timothy's strong suit is that it is the most palatable grass hay for horses which often results in less wastage but it is less nutritious than some other hays. The pros and cons of different grass hays is covered in the article on "Overview of Forages". The large overlap of properties that depend on the quality of the hay strongly suggests that you buy the "best quality" and not a particular "type" of grass hay.
DrO
Member:
catrine

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 - 9:23 am:

Thank you both for your input I'll be sure to read the article.
Member:
stevens

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 - 9:47 am:

I would recommend consulting with the boarders BEFORE making any change in the hay. I left a barn once that just decided to switch from hay to pellets without consulting the boarders.

The boarders may have selected that particular facility based on the feeding program. At any rate, I'm sure they would appreciate being included in the discussion. Of course, it's up to the management to do what is best (financially) for the facility, however, most boarders don't like surprises or changes so be prepared for some fallout.
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 - 10:06 am:

Hi,

One other thing to consider, if possible, is the odds of maintaining a consistent supply of whatever you feed.

Wow is it a pain to switch hay in a large facility. There is research to suggest that consistency in the hay is significant to colic prevention, so I would be trying to think in terms of setting up a long-term hay plan, if feasible, rather than going load by load. I realize that this isn't always possible, but may be worth doing if you can pull it off.
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