Grass & forage analysis - Q's!

[Spyda]

I keep my horse at a large farm with 40+ horses on site. I would like to get my horse's grass and forage analysed but.........

If I take a grass sample from my horse's current paddock, will that give a good indication of the surrounding paddocks too? The yard move the horses regularly and without notice several times a year. Would it give enough of an indication for potential problems, I mean?

Same goes with the hay I am using. For the past 3 years I have used the yard's home made hay (as do all the other 40+ horses), but this year I helped make some for a friend about a mile away and am using the free hay I got in lieu. My point is, do I have to get both hay batches sampled? Could become rather expensive and how reliable is a spot analysis? Do you find it's enough of an accurate gauge for a whole barnful of hay?

Brownie Points and many thanks to anyone who can advise!!!

 

[itsonlyme]

If you get the grazing analysed, you have to collect (using scissors) s**t-loads of grass, then dry it all in the oven (low heat for a few hours). If i were u, i would collect some from each field your horse is likely to graze, then mix it all together. You'll get a better idea then. And if your hay is cut from the same area (especially if owned by the same farmer), the mineral content is likely to be similar. Id just get the grazing done for now & see how u go.
Ps, drying grass in an oven is uber messy! Don't use your mums like i did - she'll shout!!