Types of Grass Hay for Horses

The horse is a forage animal. The best way to keep a horse healthy is feed them closely as possible to the way that nature intended them to eat. Provide them a good source of hay at all times for them to "graze." Knowing what types of grass hay are best can be helpful.

  1. Bermudagrass

    • This grass is more common in the Southern and Western states and is an excellent choice for grass hay. It runs at a moderate protein level, 6 to 11 percent. If cut when still fine and not at the mature, thick-stemmed stage, it is very easy to chew and digest. It cures and bales well and is an excellent choice for horses.

    Timothy

    • Horses will often treat good Timothy hay like candy. When cut at early maturity when stems are fine and still at their best nutritionally, Timothy hay carries an excellent low-protein, high-quality nutritional content. Protein usually ranges from 7 to 11 percent. Midwestern states produce a lot of Timothy.

    Orchardgrass

    • Orchardgrass has curly stems when dried. Orchardgrass has the same rough protein level as Timothy, 7 to 11 percent, and is a popular choice in Northern states. Horses love it and will stay fat when allowed free choice to eat it.