If you own horses, then you probably know that it is important for you to purchase hay regularly. After all, horses have to forage in order to be healthy. If you don't know much about buying hay, you may want to follow these four tips. Soon, you should find that it's pretty easy to purchase the hay that your horses need.
1. Learn About the Different Types of Hay
First of all, you should learn about the different types of hay. Alfalfa hay is a popular legume hay option. You can find many alfalfa hay bale suppliers. There are also a few grass hays that are really popular, such as Timothy or orchard hay. Learn a little more about the different hay types so that you can choose the hay that will provide ample nutrition for your horse.
2. Learn How to Check Hay for Quality
Next, you should learn how to check hay for quality. Before purchasing bales of hay, it is important to perform a quick inspection of the hay bales. Avoid buying hay that is moldy or that has an unpleasant smell. Additionally, you will probably want to avoid buying hay that is overly dusty. Hay should be green but slightly faded in appearance. Typically, stems that are smaller in diameter indicate higher-quality hay, too.
3. Find a Great Supplier
Depending on where you live, there might be multiple hay suppliers in your area. It's a good idea to compare a few different hay suppliers so that you will always know who to get your hay from. For example, you will probably want to look for a supplier who consistently has good-quality hay. Additionally, you will probably want to look for a supplier who regularly has hay so that you don't have to worry about running out. Also, compare pricing between suppliers; after all, horses often eat a lot of hay, so you can save a lot of money by finding a supplier who offers good pricing.
4. Choose a Good Place to Store It
Next, you should make sure that you have a good place to store your hay. You'll want to make sure that your hay is covered so that it will not get wet when it rains, and you should also make sure that it has ample room for air circulation.
As a horse owner, it is important for you to learn how to properly purchase hay. Then, you can make sure that your horses' nutritional needs are met, all while making purchasing a hay a little bit easier for yourself.
