Storing hay for horses properly is one of the most important jobs of the autumn, particularly in the damp climate of Lancashire, Merseyside and Cheshire. Forage makes up the bulk of a horse’s diet through the winter months. When hay is stored badly, it can become mouldy, dusty or even dangerous, and the effects on the horse’s lungs and gut can be serious. The team behind horse cremations across the region see how much a well run yard depends on getting these basics right before the weather turns.
Why Storing Hay for Horses Matters
Hay is living material when it is baled. It contains moisture, sugars and natural microbes. If it is baled too wet, or stored in damp conditions afterwards, moulds and bacteria multiply quickly. Those organisms produce fine spores that a horse breathes in every time it pulls at a haynet.
Horses are particularly sensitive to airborne dust and spores. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to equine asthma, previously known as RAO or COPD. A horse with the condition coughs, struggles to breathe during work and may develop a visible heave line along its flank. In addition, mouldy forage can upset the delicate balance of the hindgut and contribute to colic.
The North West poses particular challenges. Autumn and winter bring long periods of high humidity, and barns on exposed farmland can let in driving rain. For that reason, owners in the region need to think carefully about where and how their hay is kept.
Choosing a Good Storage Space
The ideal store is dry, well ventilated and protected from rain on all sides. A barn with good airflow is better than a sealed building, because trapped moisture encourages mould. However, open sided barns need protection from the prevailing south westerly winds, which can drive rain deep into the stack.
Bales should never sit directly on concrete or soil. Instead, they should be raised on pallets so that air can circulate underneath. A gap between the stack and the walls also helps. Meanwhile, a damp proof sheet over the floor adds another layer of protection in older buildings.
Safety matters too. Hay is highly flammable, so it should be stored away from stables wherever possible. Electrical sockets, lights and machinery near the store should be checked regularly. Smoking must never be allowed nearby. A fire extinguisher close to the store, and a clear plan for moving horses quickly, are sensible precautions on any yard.
Storing hay for horses in a separate building also limits the damage if anything does go wrong. Where space is tight, even a few metres between the stack and the stable block can make a meaningful difference. Rodent control deserves attention as well, since rats and mice nesting in hay spoil bales and attract other problems.
Spotting Problems in Stored Hay
Good hay smells sweet and looks pale green to golden. It should feel dry and springy in the hand. Poor hay, by contrast, may smell musty or sour. When a bale is opened, white or grey dust may rise from it, or there may be visible patches of mould. Black or dark brown sections are a warning sign that the bale has heated.
Newly baled hay deserves particular attention. Hay that has been baled too damp can heat up inside the stack over the following weeks. In extreme cases, this heating can lead to spontaneous combustion. For that reason, new hay should be checked regularly for warmth, especially in the first six weeks after baling. A long metal rod pushed into the middle of the stack and then felt by hand gives a simple indication.
Reducing Dust Before Feeding
Even good hay contains some dust. Soaking hay in clean water for a short period reduces airborne particles. However, soaking also leaches out sugars and nutrients, and soaked hay should be fed promptly before bacteria multiply. In winter, owners must also remember that soaked hay can freeze in nets.
Steaming offers another option. A hay steamer kills many moulds and bacteria while keeping more of the nutrients in place. As a result, steaming has become popular for horses with respiratory problems. Haylage is an alternative for some horses, although it needs careful handling, since a damaged wrapper allows mould to develop quickly.
Planning Supply for the Whole Season
Running out of hay in February is a common and stressful problem. Owners therefore benefit from estimating their needs early. A typical horse eats roughly two per cent of its bodyweight in dry matter each day, and most of that will come from forage once the grass stops growing. Buying from one trusted supplier also helps keep quality consistent through the season. Many owners in the region prefer to buy their entire winter supply in late summer, when good hay is easier to find, and then store it carefully until spring.
Before storing hay for horses in bulk, it is worth opening a sample bale from the load. Checking it for smell, colour and dust gives a fair picture of the batch, and any concerns can be raised with the supplier straight away.
Changes in forage should be made gradually wherever possible. A sudden switch between batches can upset the gut, so mixing old and new hay over a week or so is sensible.
Forage, Older Horses and the Winter Ahead
Older horses rely heavily on good forage, yet many struggle to chew long stems as their teeth wear. Some need chopped fibre or soaked feeds to hold condition. Despite careful management, a veteran horse may still lose weight steadily as the winter goes on. At that point, a vet’s view on quality of life becomes important.
For some families, the kindest path is a planned goodbye through planned euthanasia, arranged calmly at home. Afterwards, many choose individual cremation with ashes returned so the horse can come home. Others prefer cremation without ashes returned. Across West Lancashire, owners are supported through Rufford horse cremations and Maghull horse cremations. Further afield, the same care is offered through Leigh horse cremations, Knutsford horse cremations and Bamber Bridge horse cremations.
Storing hay for horses with care protects their health through the hardest months of the year. Owners who would like guidance on end of life planning for an older horse, or who need help quickly, can contact the Heavenly Pastures team on 01704 776976.