Soaking v Steaming hay?

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MyBoyChe

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I need to start soaking hay for my pony. As we have to carry water at our yard, no hosepipe, it is hard work, but doable. What are the benefits of steaming hay, I have been advised that 30 mins is long enough to soak it, how long do I need to steam it for? Has anyone rigged up a steamer. I only need to soak small amounts for 1 horse so buying one is not an option!
 
Imho steaming is far superior to soaking - when you soak hay you are effectively leeching out the nutrients - with steaming you are swelling the spores so that they do not irritate.

Really depends what you are wanting to achieve - my friend made her own steamer with a wallpaper stripper type affair :)
 
Steaming reduces the dust and spores which cause coughing, soaking reduces the sugars which cause all sorts of metabolic problems, so it all depends what you are trying to achieve. I soak in summer because I have an itcher and he is worse with too much sugar in his diet - I was told 20 - 30 minutes to get rid of the worst of it, then you need to rinse it because the contaminants are still in the water you used. Bit of a problem if you have to carry water - can't you set it up near the water source?
I know people who steam by placing a kettle full of boiling water under a net of hay in a dustbin with the lid on tightly. Leave it for as long as there is still steam and feed it once it is cool enough to eat
 
Soaking is the only option to reduce sugars, buy a huge bucket from Jewsons and put it in to that, most sugars come out in first hour, but more if left longer, some won't eat it if left for 12 hours. The water will be quite dark. Most people would rinse quickly again to get rid of any sediment.
Replace the minerals, progressive earth [ebay] sell a summer balance mineral which will be good if he is getting some grass, and add 24gms of salt.
If barefoot or has itchy skin try micronised linseed, it won't put a lot of weight on if only feeding 25gms per day though most feed 50gms in summer, 100+ in winter, it is also good for joints and is a good source of slow release energy.
Inspect everything for molasses/moglo, it is found in most pony feeds. No Licks. There are a few non molassed chaffs. Chaff, Fast fibre or Non molassed sugar beet can be used to carry the minerals. Feed wet.
 
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If only having to soak enough for 1, I would look at a Haycube. You would have the initial outlay to buy it (I think around £100) but could soak and drain hay where convenient and transport it in the Haycube. (I'm still saving up for one!)
 
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