How to save money on hay: 8 proven tips to reduce waste

8 practical ways to save money on horse hay

It’s no secret that hay prices have skyrocketed following recent dry summers. For many horse owners, finding quality hay isn’t just expensive—it’s becoming a huge challenge.

To help you stretch your budget further, here are eight tips to reduce hay waste and keep your feeding costs under control.

1. Optimise your feeding method

If your horse tends to “redecorate” their stable by trampling hay into their bedding, you’re essentially throwing money away. Stop the waste by switching to elevated feeders. Options include:

• Slow-feed hay nets: Great for mimicking natural grazing.

• Hay racks or bags: Keeps forage off the floor and clean.

• Corner Feeders: A premium option for reducing dust while containing every strand. Have a look at these ones by HAYGAIN.

2. Transport hay efficiently

It sounds simple, but loose hay dropped between the barn and the stable adds up. Instead of carrying hay by hand, use a wheelbarrow or a decent hay net. Not only does this save money, but it also cuts your sweeping time.

3. Invest in hay shelters or feeders

Feeding outdoors? Rain and wind are your biggest enemies. Using a hay shelter or a “Hay Hutch“ protects your hay from the elements and prevents it from being trampled into the mud. Adding a large-scale net over a round bale can also significantly slow down consumption.

4. Use rubber mats or platforms

If you must feed on the ground, do it on rubber matting. Raising the hay even an inch off the dirt or bedding prevents moisture from soaking into the bottom layer, ensuring your horse eats the whole pile rather than leaving the “mucky” bits.

5. Consider forage substitutes (supplement feeding)

You can reduce your total hay requirement by introducing high-fiber hay replacers. When introduced slowly, products like Allen & Page “Fast Fibre” provide excellent nutrition and hydration, allowing you to feed less physical hay per day without compromising digestive health.

6. Precise portion control

Are you feeding by “the slice” or by weight? To truly save money, weigh your hay. Feeding smaller, frequent portions throughout the day prevents the horse from getting bored and using the excess as a bed.

7. Be cautious of scams

As always be aware of scams circulating online, there are a lot of deals on Facebook that seem ‘too good to be true’ and often that is the case. Don’t make payment before seeing the product, get reviews and references, or find more information about the seller.

8. Consider making your own hay

If you can, it’s certainly worth making your own hay in the long run! You can hire a farmer to make it for you or buy your own machinery to have a go yourself!

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Disclaimer: Always consult a vet before changing your horses diet. Ensure that alternative feeders or troughs are fit safely and securely. Pocket Horse Sales Ltd is not liable.