Forage is the foundation of every horse’s diet, providing the fibre needed to maintain healthy digestion, support gut function, and promote natural feeding behaviour. In the UK, the two most common conserved forages are hay and haylage. While both are made from grass, they differ significantly in moisture content, nutritional value, storage, and suitability for different horses.

Understanding these differences helps owners choose the right forage for their horse’s workload, health, and management needs.

What Is Hay?

Hay is grass that has been cut and dried in the field until the moisture content is low enough for safe storage, typically around 10–15%. Once dried, it is baled and stored in a dry environment.

 Characteristics of Hay

• Dry and fibrous texture
• Lower moisture content
• Usually dustier than haylage
• Longer shelf life when stored correctly
• Widely available and often less expensive

Nutritional Profile

Hay varies enormously depending on:

• Grass species
• Soil quality
• Time of cutting
• Weather conditions
• Maturity of the grass.

Generally, hay contains:

• Higher fibre
• Lower energy than haylage
• Moderate protein
• Lower sugar if mature meadow hay is used.

Typical UK hay values (approximate):

• Dry Matter: 85–90%
• Digestible Energy: 7–10 MJ/kg
• Crude Protein: 6–12%
• Sugar + Starch: Variable, often 8–15%.

What Is Haylage?

Haylage is grass that is partially dried before being baled and wrapped airtight in plastic. The sealed environment allows controlled fermentation, preserving the forage.

Haylage usually contains more moisture than hay, typically 20–35%.

Characteristics of Haylage

• Softer and more palatable
• Higher moisture content
• Less dusty
• Usually greener and sweeter smelling
• Requires airtight storage.

Nutritional Profile

Haylage is often:

• Higher in energy
• Higher in protein
• More digestible
• More palatable for fussy eaters.

Typical UK haylage values (approximate):

• Dry Matter: 65-80%
• Digestible Energy: 9–12 MJ/kg
• Crude Protein: 8–16%
• Sugar + Starch: Variable depending on cut and fermentation.

Modern “high-fibre” or “lite” haylage products are now available specifically for leisure horses and good doers.

Key Differences Between Hay and Haylage

Benefits of Hay

1. Lower Calorie Option

Traditional meadow hay can suit:

• Native breeds
• Good doers
• Horses prone to obesity
• Laminitis-prone horses.

2. Longer Eating Time

Its fibrous nature encourages chewing and can help reduce boredom.

3. Easier Storage Once Opened

Hay can remain usable for extended periods if kept dry and ventilated.

4. Cost Effective

Hay is often cheaper than haylage, especially when bought locally in bulk.

Benefits of Haylage

1. Lower Dust Levels

Haylage is commonly recommended for horses with:

• Equine asthma
• COPD/RAO
• Dust sensitivity
• Respiratory irritation.

2. Increased Palatability

Useful for:

• Poor doers
• Elderly horses
• Horses with dental issues
• Fussy feeders.

3. More Consistent Quality

Commercial haylage producers often analyse batches for nutritional consistency.

4. Better Digestibility

The softer forage can be easier for some horses to chew and digest.

Which Horses Suit Hay Best?

Hay may be the better option for:

• Good doers
• Native ponies
• Horses on box rest
• Horses needing calorie restriction
• Laminitis-prone horses (particularly soaked hay)
• However, quality matters greatly. Dusty or mouldy hay should never be fed.

Which Horses Suit Haylage Best?

Haylage often suits:

• Competition horses
• Horses in harder work
• Poor doers
• Veterans
• Horses with respiratory conditions
• Horses needing additional calories
• Not all haylage is high calorie. Modern low-energy haylage products can also suit leisure horses.

Feeding Advice for Hay

Weigh Forage

Many owners underestimate forage intake. Horses generally require:

• Around 1.5–2% of bodyweight daily in forage dry matter
• For a 500kg horse:
• Minimum forage intake: approximately 7.5–10kg dry matter daily.

Soaking Hay

Soaking can:

• Reduce sugar levels
• Reduce dust
• Help laminitis-prone horses
• Typical soaking times:
• 1–2 hours in winter
• 30–60 minutes in warmer weather
• Long soaking may reduce nutrients and increase bacterial growth.

Check for Quality

Good hay should:

• Smell fresh
• Be free from mould
• Have minimal dust.

Feeding Advice for Haylage

Introduce Gradually

Transition over 7–14 days to reduce digestive upset.

Monitor Weight

Haylage can provide significantly more calories than expected.

Use Quickly Once Opened

After opening:

• Small bales should usually be used within 3–5 days
• Large bales within 5–7 days in cooler weather
• Warm temperatures shorten shelf life.

Inspect Packaging Carefully

Avoid feeding haylage if:

• Wrapping is damaged
• There is mould
• It smells rancid or unpleasant.

Hay, Haylage and Laminitis

For horses prone to laminitis:

• Late-cut meadow hay is often preferred
• Soaked hay may help reduce water-soluble carbohydrates
• Some low-sugar haylage products can also be suitable.

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The Importance of Forage Analysis

Visual appearance alone cannot accurately determine nutritional value. Laboratory forage analysis provides information on:

• Sugar levels
• Protein
• Energy
• Fibre
• Mineral balance.

This can be especially important for:

• Laminitics
• Performance horses
• Metabolic horses
• Poor doers
• Horses with medical conditions.

Common Myths About Haylage

“Haylage Is Always Too Rich”

Not necessarily. Nutritional value depends on grass type and cutting stage. Some haylage is designed specifically for overweight horses.

“Haylage Causes Horses to Become Fizzy”

Behaviour changes are more commonly linked to excess calorie intake than haylage itself.

“Haylage Is Dangerous”

Good-quality haylage produced and stored correctly is safe for horses. Problems usually arise from damaged wrapping or poor hygiene.

Final Thoughts

Neither hay nor haylage is universally “better”. The right choice depends on your horse’s:

• Workload
• Weight and metabolism
• Respiratory health
• Dental condition.

And your:

• Management system
• Budget and storage facilities.

For many UK horse owners, both forage types can work extremely well when chosen carefully and fed appropriately. The key is selecting clean, hygienic forage with suitable nutritional values for the individual horse.