November 7, 2023

Which Hay Shall I Feed My Horse or Pony?

Have you been wondering which forage is best for your horse or pony? Here at M&T Haylage, we don’t only offer a range of different grasses, but we also now offer both 12.5kg and 25kg hay bales. If you are unsure which size is right for you and your horse or pony, the following article will help you decide.

Choosing the correct hay for your horses, is likely to be dependent on several factors, including:

• Forage intake

• Storage options

• Weight and condition

• Level of work

Bagged 12.5kg Hay Bales VS Strapped 25kg Hay Bales

At M&T Haylage, we have always offered 12.5kg bales as an affordable but premium forage choice. These bales are compressed, dust-free and available in different cuts of grasses depending on your horse or pony's specific requirements.

Our new double-compressed hay bales, weighing approximately 25kg, offer a more accessible feed, being a traditional sliced bale, while still being dust-free and compressed for convenience.

We are now commissioning double compressed bales with one-of-a-kind machinery in the UK.

There is a wealth of benefits to opting for 25kg size bales, including:

• Greater convenience – the bales are built of 8 slices, making feeding them to your horse or pony easier.

• Long stem hay - the leaf and stem are preserved better in the 25kg format.

• Dust free

• Available in various grasses - Timothy, Meadow, Ryegrass and Alfalfa.

• More convenient for exporting hay worldwide (20-25 tonnes on a 40HC container)

Which forage is right for my horse?

Now you better understand the benefits of each hay bale size, it is time to pick the right forage for your horse. We offer a wide range of options:

M&T Double Compressed Timothy Hay

The most suitable forage option for laminitis-prone horses and ponies and those needing to control their weight. Despite using the least energy ( >10%), it’s still high in fibre, exceptionally palatable, and perfect for fussy eaters.

M&T Double Compressed Meadow Hay

For those horses and ponies who conduct moderate work. Our Meadow Hay provides moderate levels of protein, energy, and fibre and supports the requirements of the working horse for energy and muscle development.

M&T Double Compressed Ryegrass Hay

Perfect for supporting the working horse, our Ryegrass Hay is palatable and provides a variety of nutrients for horses and ponies from rest up to moderate levels of work. This product is dust-extracted, so it is a great option to help maintain a healthy respiratory system.

M&T Double Compressed Alfalfa Hay

Suitable for a range of exotic animals like giraffes, black rhinos and elephants, M&T’s Alfalfa Hay adds a boost to overall nutrients. It can be a great option for those with increased workloads or breeding stock, as it is higher in protein.

For more advice on which forage to feed your horse and how much to feed them, speak to our nutritionist today.