Shall I cut hay back regardless?

[_HP_]

Yes...if they are eating their bed then I would reduce their hay especially if they are leaving some anyway.

 

[twiggy2]

as in my last post soak hay for 24hrs rather than reduce quantity-colic is high risk if less hay more straw eaten if you soak hay compacted colic is less likely even if they eat the straw due to the increased moisture due to hay being wet

 

[Megibo]

as in my last post soak hay for 24hrs rather than reduce quantity-colic is high risk if less hay more straw eaten if you soak hay compacted colic is less likely even if they eat the straw due to the increased moisture due to hay being wet

I can't soak hay at my livery yard, otherwise I would so. Thanks for the suggestion though

 

[Wagtail]

Straw can be every bit as high in sugars as some hay. I found this out when I switched some of my late mare's hay rations to chopped straw and it brought on laminitis. So yes, eating their beds will give them as many calories as some hay.

 

[exracehorse]

Rubber matting and just a small amount of straw where they usually wee.

 

[Megibo]

Rubber matting and just a small amount of straw where they usually wee.

Of course! I did this before. Thanks
The beds are big and deeper at the moment to dry off legs when they come in wet and muddy from the field but as soon as I can afford leg wraps for the big girl I'll cut bedding right back.