Nutrition: hays

Timothy hay: Pros

Good quality hay with an 8% protein level depending on when cut

Timothy hay: cons

Lower protein level may not be high enough for performance horses if the only hay fed

Timothy hay: seasonal variations

First cutting has more weeds, litter, dead leaves than second cutting, which is richer with more legumes if included in the field. Third cutting is stemmier with less nutrients so good for winter months when they need to eat more hay to stay warm. Must harvest before seed heads mature for highest protein level

Alfalfa hay: pros

More vitamins, minerals, and protein than grass hays. Averages about 17% protein depending on when cut

Alfalfa hay: cons

Be careful not to overfeed since very rich and high in calcium. Too rich for overweight horses and ponies.

Alfalfa hay: seasonal variations

First cutting has more weeds, litter, dead leaves than second cutting. Second and third cutting of mixed hays will have more alfalfa than the first cutting

Fescue hay: pros

Can be fed in greater quantities than richer hays to provide sufficient roughage for overweight horses

Fescue hay: cons

hard-keeper horses need more nutrients than provided. Some strains of fescue are infected with a fungus

Fescue hay: seasonal variations

First cutting has more weeds, litter, dead leaves than second cutting, which will be richer with more legumes if included in the field. Third cutting is stemmier with less nutrients so good for winter months when they need to eat more hay to stay warm/

Orchardgrass hay: do you use why/whynot, cost

Yes because it is what my barn offers. It is available from local feed stores. It costs around $8 a bale

Orchardgrass hay: pros

Good quality hay with a 10% protein level depending on when cut

Orchardgrass hay: cons

gets tough and unpalatable after early bloom

Orchardgrass hay: seasonal variations

First cutting has more weeds, litter, dead leaves than second cutting, which will be richer with more legumes if included in the field. Third cutting is stemmier with less nutrients so good for winter months when they need to eat more hay to stay warm. Must harvest before seed heads mature for highest protein

Alfalfa cubes: pros

17% protein, easy to transport and store, less waste

Alfalfa cubes: cons

can contain trash picked up from the ground during the harvesting process. Fiber length is short so chewing urge is not fully satisfied but better than pellets

Alfalfa pellets: pros

Usually 17% protein with a high calcium content so can be used as a protein supplement, easy to handle and stor

Alfalfa pellets: cons

More expensive than buying alfalfa hay. Does not satisfy chewing need of horse