What to do? (Hay related!)

[K27]

I've one yearling on hay- all the other older horses on the yard are on Haylage.

I'm down to my last bale of 2009 meadow hay, despite me ringing around for over a week, I cannot source any hay that is suitable, there is a farmer locally that is selling it for £6 per bale and I went to look at it Saturday and it smelled very very new, so I didn't buy any, and thought I'd have a think of what to do.

Again, I've made further calls this a.m and still can't find any ( my usual hay supplier hasn't got enough to be able to supply anybody at all)

I'll be running out in the next couple of days- what would you do?- would you put a yearling (who is a good doer cob type) on Ryegrass mix haylage that was cut in may? (it is not my preference but if I have to I will and his hay intake is always monitored) or would you buy this years hay and give it a good soaking before feeding?

The advantage of him having haylage is that there is no problems with getting hold of it!

I dread to think what is going to happen re hay over the winter!- and I only have one horse on it!

Is anyone else having this problem?

Thanks- I'd be interested to read what you would do!

 

[danielle23]

Could you mix the haylage with good straw? I mite be totaly wrong? someone will come along with good advice :/

 

[tallyho!]

As long as hay is thoroughly dry, cut in May, I would definitely feed. There's nothing wrong with feeding horses this years hay.

 

[Aille_B]

Hi,

I was in the same situation as you...used up last years hay and could only get hold of this years hay.
My horse is 5 so not as young as yours but I have had to resort to fresh hay and I have been soaking it for 12hours plus.
He has been fine on this no stomach uspets or anything.
Hope this helps a little.
B

 

[Kellys Heroes]

I know there is hay available (fine to feed now even to our laminitic horse) around the Leigh area of Manchester, if that helps anyone at all? The woman has loaddds and its not very expensive.
K x