What is quality forage?
Short answer
Forage is your horse’s main source of calories, so it’s vital that the quality and composition are appropriate for your horse’s individual needs. Hay and processed forages vary widely, and not all types are a good match for all horses. In general, forage should be free of mold, excessive dust, foreign materials, and should provide appropriate energy and sugar levels for your horse. As the bulk of your horse’s diet, it’s worth the effort to research what your specific horse needs, and provide the best foundation possible.
To dive deeper in learning what type of forage your horse needs, check out this guide.
Real-Life Example
You have two bales of hay that look similar.
One is leafy, brighter green, smells fresh, but tests high in NSC (13%).
The other is a bit more stemmy and dull, maybe seems less appealing, but tests lower in NSC (10%).
If you’re managing a metabolic horse, those two bales create very different outcomes, even if they cost the same. In this case, the lower NSC option is necessary for the metabolic horse. Both options would still require proper balancing through supplementation.
It Depends
Determining quality and what type of forage is best for your horse can depend on:
• Metabolic status – Horses with metabolic concerns often need lower NSC forage.
• Age and dental health - Older horses may require softer or easier-to-chew forage.
• Workload - Horses in heavier work need forage that supports higher energy demands.
• Protein needs - Growing horses, lactating mares, or those rebuilding muscle may need higher protein forage.
• Regional growing conditions - Soil, climate, and harvest timing affect hay’s nutrient content.
• Storage and handling - Moisture, mold, dust, and storage conditions can all reduce hay quality.
When to Seek Guidance
Consult your veterinarian if your horse shows:
• Chronic coughing
• Inconsistent weight loss/gain patterns
• Recurrent laminitis
• Poor (dull) coat and shedding patterns or hoof quality worsening
• Hind gut discomfort, bloating, sensitivity to touch along the abdomen
Sources:
American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) – Forage Guidelines
Merck Veterinary Manual – Equine Feeding Management
National Research Council (NRC) - Feeding Guidelines
