What hay to avoid for horses?
You should avoid moldy, dusty, or musty hay, as well as hay with weeds, foreign objects, or signs of poor curing (bleached, brown, or black). Specifically avoid Sudangrass, Sorghum-Sudangrass, and older Tall Fescue (due to endophyte fungus) for all horses, while pregnant mares must avoid fescue. Also watch for blister beetles in alfalfa and other poisonous plants in any hay, like Johnsongrass or sweet clover.What is the healthiest hay for horses?
Although the most popular legume used among horse owners is alfalfa, other legumes such as red or crimson clover, lespedeza, birdsfoot trefoil, and peanut hay are often fed, and these provide horses with high-quality nutrients.What is most toxic to horses?
10 Plants and Chemicals That Are Toxic to Horses- Ionophores. ...
- Blister beetles. ...
- Rodenticides and pesticides. ...
- Herbicides. ...
- Decaying organic matter. ...
- Fumonisin (moldy corn) ...
- Red maple. ...
- Tansy ragwort. A nondistinct yellow flowering plant, tansy ragwort grows throughout most of North America.
Can horses eat any type of hay?
Without a doubt the best hay for horses is clean hay. Hay that is moldy or dusty should not be fed to horses, even when the amount of mold or dust appears to be minor. Any hay (al- falfa, timothy, clover, fescue) that contains dust or mold can inflame the respiratory tract and impair breathing ability.What is poor quality hay?
Poor-quality hay may be damp and moldy with a musty or fermented smell. Hay that appears weathered, straw-like, or brown is likely low in nutritional value. If hay has been cut late in maturity, seed heads will be apparent in grass hay and blooms will be evident in alfalfa hay.Break up your hay for your horse before you feed it
What is the #1 killer of horses?
The most common cause of death in horses, especially for those aged 1 to 20, is colic, a general term for abdominal pain, which can stem from impactions, twists, or ruptures, often requiring emergency surgery. For older horses (over 20), while colic remains a top killer, old age, lameness, tumors (like Cushing's disease), and neurological issues become more prevalent causes, with digestive system issues still leading.How to tell if hay is good quality for horses?
To tell if hay is good for horses, check for a fresh, sweet smell, a bright green color with lots of soft, pliable leaves (not brittle or stalky), minimal dust, and no mold, weeds, or foreign objects; it should feel soft and flexible, not coarse, and have few seed heads or blooms for better nutrition. The best hay is cut early, is clean, and offers a good leaf-to-stem ratio, indicating higher nutrient content, but a lab test confirms quality for specific needs, say Kentucky Equine Research and the University of Georgia Equine Program.What is the 1 2 3 rule for horses?
Tie the placenta up with baling twine so the mare does not step on it but otherwise wait for the mare to deliver it on her own. Post Parturition Guidelines: The 1-2-3 Rule The foal should stand within one hour of delivery, nurse within two hours, and the placenta should pass within three hours.Can alfalfa hay cause laminitis?
Yes, alfalfa hay can contribute to laminitis, especially in metabolically sensitive horses (EMS/IR), not necessarily because it's high in sugar, but due to its high protein, calories, and the insulin spikes it can cause, though some horses tolerate it fine if the overall diet is managed with low non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and balanced. It's crucial to test alfalfa hay for NSC (sugar/starch) and monitor individual horse responses, as its high nutrient density requires careful feeding to avoid excess nutrient intake that triggers laminitis.Is Timothy hay ok for horses?
Yes, horses can eat timothy hay, and it's one of the most popular and trusted forages for them, known for being high in fiber, moderate in protein/calories, and low in sugar, making it great for digestive health, weight management, and suitable for most horses, including easy keepers, seniors, and those with metabolic issues, but always check for mold and ensure it's appropriate for your horse's specific needs.Why can't horses have carrots?
Dietary Restrictions or SensitivitiesCarrots have approximately 6-7.5% combined sugar and starch on a fresh weight basis, which is higher than some alternative feeds and can affect sensitive horses, such as those prone to laminitis or insulin dysregulation[1][2].
What is the number one horse killer?
The number one killer of horses is colic.Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored. Many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time.
What grass is poisonous to horses?
Johnson grass and Sudan are only poisonous if eaten or cut for hay within 24 hours after a freeze. Black Walnut and Avocado needs to be on that list. Red maple leaves after falling and drying out are the worst time for horses to consume them.What hay is not good for horses?
Types of Hay to Avoid for Horses- Perennial ryegrass and rye. ...
- Dallisgrass.
- Argentine bahiagrass. ...
- Johnsongrass, Sorghum grasses/Sudangrass. ...
- Switchgrass, which causes photosensitivity, peeling skin, mouth ulcers and liver disease.
- Foxtail Millet (aka German Millet) and Meadow foxtail.
What is the most fattening hay for horses?
For overweight horses, clover hay is generally too high in calories. For most other horses, clover should generally only be as a portion of the diet rather than as the sole hay in diets due to high protein and calcium levels.Is orchard or Timothy hay better?
Orchard grass is softer, often higher in calories/protein, and great for picky eaters or those with Timothy allergies, while Timothy hay is a classic, high-fiber staple, ideal for less active animals, though it can be dustier and trigger allergies; both offer excellent forage, but orchard offers more cuttings and leafy texture, whereas Timothy has a distinctive seed head, with the best choice often depending on the animal's needs, health, and owner's allergies, and mixing them is common.Which hay is lowest in sugar for horses?
Alfalfa is a legume forage & can be helpful for horses that need a lower sugar hay. It also has more protein & calories, making it ideal for horses that are active & need to maintain weight or muscle.Why is alfalfa not good for horses?
Growing HorsesHowever, feeding alfalfa hay on its own may provide too much digestible energy, which can lead to a fast growth rate and increase the risk of developmental orthopedic disease. Alfalfa is also a good source of calcium, needed for bone growth.
What type of horse should not be fed oats?
Even though oats are the grain lowest in sugar and starch, at around 45 to 50% starch they are still far too high in starch for horses on a low sugar and starch diet, eg insulin resistant horses, horses prone to laminitis, those with disorders like Cushings or PSSM etc, as well as many horses who are prone to ulcers, ...What is the dead horse rule?
The Dead Horse Theory is a satirical metaphor that illustrates how individuals, institutions, and businesses often persist with failing strategies instead of accepting reality. The core principle is simple: When you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.What is a red flag when buying a horse?
Red flags when buying a horse include a seller who is vague, won't let you ride first, refuses a pre-purchase exam (PPE) or vet records, rushes you, or has the horse already tacked/worked, suggesting they're hiding poor ground manners or health issues like lameness, ulcers, or sedation; also watch for inconsistent stories, bad living conditions, or lack of papers/history.What are the 3 F's for horses?
As horse owners, riders and keepers, it is our duty to provide the horses in our care with a species-appropriate life centred around their three essential needs: friends, forage, and freedom.What is the most nutritious hay for horses?
Legume hay, like alfalfa and clover, is more nutrient-dense with higher levels of protein, calcium, and energy, and is better suited for horses with higher demands such as lactating mares or performance horses.What is the 20% rule with horses?
The "20% rule" for horses is a widely cited guideline suggesting a horse can safely carry up to 20% of its body weight, including the rider, saddle, and tack, to prevent strain, fatigue, and injury, though it's a general rule with exceptions based on the horse's build, fitness, rider skill, and tack fit, with some research supporting it and others finding individual factors more important. For example, a 1,000-pound horse should carry no more than 200 pounds total.How to tell if hay is low sugar?
Laboratory testing is the only way to know if hay is low in sugars, also known as nonstructural carbohydrates or NSC. Testing sugars in fresh pasture forage is less reliable than testing hay due to day-to-day and time of day fluctuations.
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