If there’s one thing you know is going to be part of your horse’s diet, it’s hay. Depending on the time of year and where you live, however, finding good-quality hay — especially at a reasonable price — can be challenging. We’re here to help with our tried-and-true tips. We’ll discuss how to find a reputable horse hay supplier and what questions you should ask when shopping for hay for your horses.
Where Can You Buy Hay?
When it comes to finding a horse hay supplier, you want to make sure you are dealing with a reputable individual. Ask for recommendations from other horse owners or industry professionals like your veterinarian, farrier, or equine nutritionist. You might also contact your local breed or discipline organization or extension program for suggestions. Facebook Marketplace and other online communities like Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and Craigslist can also be good sources for finding hay. Websites such as AllHay.com are dedicated specifically to connecting livestock owners with hay brokers. Once you have a list of suppliers, search online for reviews, which can help you narrow your list of potential hay providers.
If you need a short-term supply of hay in a pinch, visit your local feed store. You can often find good-quality hay at feed stores — just be prepared to pay more for it than bales bought in bulk.
Questions to Ask Your Hay Supplier
Before buying hay from a supplier, ask them a series of important questions so you know you’re getting good-quality hay from a reputable source:
- How long they have been in business?
- What types of hay do they offer? Some hay types, such as perennial ryegrass, bahiagrass, and Johnsongrass, are not suitable for horses.
- Can they provide information about the nutritional value of the hay they are selling?
- Can you get samples before committing to a bulk order?
- What are their delivery options? Some suppliers offer free delivery, while others require you to pick up the hay yourself or only deliver for a fee.
Smart Hay-Buying Tips
Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying horse hay:
- If you have the space to store it, consider buying your hay in bulk to save money and ensure you have a long-term supply.
- Go in on a large bulk order with a group of other horse owners.
- If you anticipate a hay shortage, such as during times of drought, locate and stock up on hay early.
- Supplement your horse’s ration with hay pellets or cubes — available at feedstores — to stretch your hay supplies. While more expensive than baled hay, they’re good options during hay shortages and when you’re getting down to the end of your supply.
- If hay is difficult to find, consider searching out of state and having hay transported to your farm.
With some careful research and thoughtful questions, you can ensure you’re buying high-quality hay from a reliable source.
