Unlike some varieties of hay, such as ryegrass hay, meadow hay contains a mixture of different grasses.

Of course! Meadow hay can be a suitable forage option for both horses and ponies. Owing to the variety of plants it contains, it offers a more varied diet with sufficient levels of fibre. Many horses and ponies find meadow hay palatable – particularly due to its softer texture and natural mix of grasses, which can enhance flavour and encourage consistent intake.

It’s important to bear in mind that the nutritional content of meadow hay depends on several factors, including its content, harvest time and storage conditions. On the whole, it’s lower in calories than other types of hay, which makes it a strong choice for horses and ponies requiring a lower-energy diet. 

Regardless, it’s important to tailor forage selections to your horse or pony’s specific requirements.

Speak to our nutritionist if you’re not sure if meadow hay is the right fit for your horse.

Soaking meadow hay is desirable for removing dust, or if you’re concerned about your horse’s weight. That’s because soaking reduces calories by washing out sugars, making it better suited for a low-energy diet. The amount of time you soak your hay depends on what you’re trying to achieve by soaking: 

• 30-60 Minutes – Soaking for a shorter time is best for reducing dust while minimising the loss of nutrients.
• 1-2 Hours – This will remove some sugars but retain most of the hay’s nutritional content.
• 6-12 Hours – A longer soak maximises the reduction of sugar, but also affects vitamin and mineral content.

Both Timothy hay and meadow hay are popular forage options for horses and ponies, but they differ in how they are grown and what they offer nutritionally.

Timothy hay is a type of seed hay, meaning the pasture is specifically sown with Timothy grass to produce a more consistent product. It’s known for its high fibre content and tends to be lower in energy and calories compared to some other grasses, like ryegrass. This makes it a good choice for leisure horses, ponies, and those that maintain weight easily (sometimes called “good doers”).

Meadow hay, on the other hand, comes from permanent pasture that contains a natural mix of grass species and plants. This gives it more variety in both texture and taste. While its nutritional content can vary, it’s often lower in energy and still provides plenty of fibre. Many horses and ponies enjoy the softer texture and flavour of meadow hay, making it a palatable and traditional choice.

Here at M&T Haylage, we supply FEMAS and NOPS-accredited haylage products to the equine market. Following years of growth, we now supply to buyers across the UK and globally, including to top racing yards.

We have a wide range of products available, including meadow hay, and our expert team would be delighted to offer advice on what’s best for you and your horses. All of our products are grown and processed on our farm and harvested at just the right time to ensure the highest nutritional content. 

Visit our products page to see our full range of hay and haylage products, or contact us today – we’d love to help you find the perfect forage.