Forage should be the foundation of every horse ration. The value of
hay is determined by the composition of nutrients in the hay rather than the hay's
appearance. The closer the nutrient composition of the hay matches the requirements of the
horse being fed, the fewer supplements needed and the more economical the total ration.
Dairy farmers have been testing their hay for years, the equine world is just starting to realize the importance of this practice as well.
Hay sampling and testing is less daunting than you might think. If you live in eastern Pennsylvania we can help you take a core sample and send it out for testing. You could also rent our core sampler, or you can purchase your own for around $120.00 (we recommend the Penn State Forage Sampler). Numerous, random samples of at least 15 bales is necessary, grabbing handfuls of hay will not give you accurate results.
We send our samples to Equi-Analytical Labratories.
You can also do some great research on hay analysis and the importance of knowing how your hay tests, at the safergrass.org website.
