With much of the country suffering from such a severe drought this year, hay is in short supply and many horse owners are finding themselves scrambling trying to find enough to feed their animals through the winter months. In an effort to try and help in this regard, USERL has compiled a list of websites that list hay for sale, as well as to list alternative forages to help supplement your hay supply. As with any feed change, USERL strongly recommends that you speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to your feeding program.
Hay Sources:
http://www.internethayexchange.com/
www.haybarn.com/main/index.asp
The above listings are just general websites in which you can search for hay available in your state, or available to be shipped to your state. Please remember to check that it is horse quality hay and that it has been tested for it's nutrient content.
Alternative Forages:
USERL has used the following products as alternatives to hay when we have a horse that can no longer eat hay. They can be used to supplement your current hay source, reducing the amount of hay that needs to be fed. Please read the feeding recommendations on the bag as well as speak to your veterinarian before instituting any feed change.
Beet Pulp - shredded or pelleted, both must be soaked prior to feeding.
Pelleted Hay - there are three companies that make it currently, Blue Seal (Hay Stretcher), Buckeye (Wrangler Complete) and Hunter Feeds (Hay Extender). Check with your feed supplier frequently as there may be more as we progress into the winter months.
Alfalfa Cubes - You will need to be more careful with both the alfalfa cubes and pellets and they are much more rich than many horses are used to. Cubes can also make a horse more prone to choke.
Alfalfa Pellets