My eldest pony that we rescued had chronic laminitis, bad teeth and basically everything you’d expect from an abandoned pony. Everyone I met would tell me a new food to put him on to help him. My vet was out one day doing my ponies annual dental checkup and I was telling her about my ponies extensive diets. She laughed and said “You know what my horses eat? Nothing but Hay!”. So, the best diet for a horse/pony? Hay! I’m going to delve more into hay below, so keep on reading!
Since then, I’ve had my ponies on nothing but Grassy Lucerne, and the odd treat like carrots, and they’ve never been healthier! I choose the square bales so that I can limit their intake and control their weight, although I am considering trying a round bale of it soon as they do seem to stop eating when they have had enough.
For many kinds of livestock, including horses, cows, goats, and sheep, hay is a crucial source of forage. Before it sets seed, this dried, cured grass is gathered and baled. Animals benefit greatly from hay as a source of nutrition because it gives them the protein and energy they need to stay healthy and grow.
A variety of grasses and legumes, each with a distinct nutritional value, can be used to make hay. Alfalfa hay is a good option for feeding growing animals or those with high protein requirements, such as lactating cows, because it is high in protein. Contrarily, timothy hay has a higher fibre content and a lower protein content, making it a better choice for horses and older animals who may have dental problems.
Hay’s adaptability is one of its advantages. There are several ways to feed it to animals, including loose, in a round bale, or in a hay nett. To provide a balanced diet, it can also be fed in conjunction with other types of feed, like grains or supplements.
Hay is an excellent source of roughage, which is necessary for preserving an animal’s digestive system’s health. Hay’s fibrous composition keeps the digestive system healthy, promoting regular bowel movements and lowering the risk of colic. The best diet for a horse/pony? Hay!
When buying hay, it’s critical to look for high-quality bales that are clean and free of dust and mould. Look for a bright green colour, a sweet smell, and leafy material as these are signs that the hay was properly harvested and baled at the appropriate moisture level.
Hay should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area that is away from moisture and direct sunlight in order to prevent mould and spoilage.
In summary, hay is a crucial component of the diet for many different kinds of livestock. It is adaptable and simple to feed, and it offers a valuable source of nutrition that includes energy and protein. The best nutrition for their animals can be provided by farmers and horse owners by selecting high-quality hay and storing it properly.
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