May 2026 Issue

May 2026 | EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN 28 By Peter Hicks You’re not imagin- ing it—hay really has gotten more complex. What once felt like a straight-forward choice now includes a range of bale types, harvest conditions, and nutritional profiles. The upside is greater control—if you know how to approach it. From our perspective at Hicks Hay, it comes down to understanding your feeding setup, buying strategically, andmatching hay to your horses’ actual needs. Start with how you’re feeding day to day. For horses outdoors—especially inwinter—round bales or large square bales (3x3 or 3x4) are often the most efficient. They provide a steady forage source that helps maintain body heat through digestion and supports a natural, continuous eating pattern. Efficiency, however, depends on manage- ment. Always remove baler twine or netting to prevent entanglement, and use hay rings or slow feeders to reduce waste. Without them, horses will pull hay out and trample a surprising amount. Inmore controlled environments—stalls or dry lots—small bales are typically better.They allow feeding by the flake, making it easier to portion and adjust for individual horses.With- in this category, you’ll find both traditional small squares and compressed bales. Tradi- tional bales vary in weight, while compressed bales—often 40- or 60-pound units—offer more consistency and easier handling. Not all compressed hay is equal. Many exporters use a “hard press” that can dam- age leaves and stems. We use a “soft press” method to maintain leafiness and quality while improving space efficiency by about 30%. Another benefit: the bale’s side reveals a cross-section of the original hay, making it easier to inspect for quality and debris. Regardless of format, think in terms of weight—not bale count. Horses eat pounds, not bales. A $10 bale at 40 pounds equals $500 per ton—but if it’s actually 37 pounds, you’re paying over $540 per ton.That difference adds up quickly over a season. Timing your purchase matters. Summer is a key transition period as new hay comes to market. If buying from the field, ask: Was it rained on? What was the moisture level? Has it cured properly? “Hot” hay can mold, cause digestive issues, or even pose a fire risk. While early buying can offer value, waiting until late summer or fall often provides more options and stability. We also recommend a trial run. Before committing to a full winter supply, test a few bales. Palatability matters—what looks good to you may not appeal to your horses. It’s far better to find out early than be stuck with unused hay mid-winter. If you can’t stock up, ask your supplier about their winter plan. Many bring in hay from other regions, and knowing that in advance ensures a reliable supply when local inventory tight- ens. For those looking to fine-tune feeding, hay testing is one of the most useful tools available. Using methods like NIR analysis, you can evaluate protein, fiber, and sugar levels much like a nutrition label. For breeding horses, aim for 12%+ protein and a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio between 1.5:1 and 2:1. For weight management, higher ADF (30–45%) and NDF (40–65%) values can help control calorie intake. For metabolic horses, NSC should stay under 10% to avoid sugar spikes. The bottom line: hay isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore—and that’s a good thing. With the right approach, you can match forage to your horses, your system, and your budget. And ultimately, that’s the goal—making hay work for you, not against you. Since converting his family dairy farm into a horse facility in 1997, Peter Hicks spent over 20 years producing his own hay. Realizing that local conditions made it nearly impossible for one operation to consistently grow “perfect hay”, he began sourcing premium forage from across North America. Today, Peter and his wife Jen use those decades of hands-on experience to buy and sell the high-quality, reliable nutrition their customers depend on. From Bale Types and Compression Methods to Understanding Nutritional Value: We Share How to Create the Right Hay Buying Strategy for You “I feel like hay used to be so simple—one size, one shape, maybe a couple of types—and now there are all these formats, different cuttings, and nutritional differences to think about. How do I even start choosing the right hay for my horses and make smart decisions throughout the year?” Pi hi Produ Timothy, Western Timothy, Timot Grass Alfalfa, Mixed Hay, Orc Convenient Packs 24 small bale packs 12"x18"x24" 40 lb bales