WARNING! Why NOT to feed new hay to Chestnut mares!

[dozzie]

After my post two days ago i thought you'd like to know that I took peoples advice and fed a small amount of new hay to my chestnut mare! No tummy worries! All fine until..... she came out in tiny lumps all over her back!!! So an allergic reaction I suspect!!!

So shes now back on the grass instead! I'll have a fatty again!

The lumps have gone down again now but who would have thought that that is why you dont feed new hay!!!!

Dont panic everyone,I'm used to it now, this horsey is allergic to virtually everything except water!!! Typical chestnut! Bless her!!

 

[Irishcobs]

Were they like protein bumps?
Why can't you feed new hay, there is a rule about not feeding for several months but I don't know why?

 

[dozzie]

Ive no idea what protein bumps look like! They were just small bumps about 1cm diameter! Like hives but not itchy. I thought initially it was the saddle cloth but havent changed washing powder or anything. My instructor saw her today and said had I given her new hay as shed seen another horse react like this just recently. She didnt have any today and the lumps have nearly gone. So who knows but hopefully after another month she wont react.

This was quite a minor reaction tbh for her!

 

[dozzie]

Ive googled protein bumps and that is almost certainly what it is. Cheers!

Never seen them before! Ive seen hives/uticaria caused by an allergic response to fly repellent but the horse was very distressed. Presshus wasnt bothered at all.

Hopefully once the hay has sat for a while she wont react.

 

[Gucci_b]

Found this on all about .com ref hay and horses....

Q. Ive heard you shouldnt feed a horse freshly cut hayis that true?
From Katherine Blocksdorf,
Your Guide to Horses.
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Horse myths include some long held but erroneous beliefs about feeding hay.
A. This is a long held bit of lore that is untrue. If your hay is baled at an optimum moisture level of 18 to 20% it is ready to feed to your horse. It is dangerous to feed grass that is still drying (this includes lawnmower clippings you may be tempted to throw over the fence).