Affordable Feeding: How to Keep Your Hay Costs Low and Your Horses Happy

For horse owners, hay is one of the most significant expenses. However, with careful planning and smart choices, you can reduce your hay costs while still providing your horses with the nutrition they need. Here are a few strategies to save money without compromising your horse’s health.

1. Buy the Right Hay for Your Horse’s Needs

Not all horses require the same type of hay. Choosing hay with the appropriate nutritional profile ensures your horse gets exactly what it needs—without unnecessary extras that end up as waste in the manure pile.

For instance, young or growing horses may benefit from nutrient-rich alfalfa, while senior horses or those on maintenance diets might thrive on grass hays like timothy or orchard grass. 

Additionally, choosing the right hay with the proper nutrients can help you reduce grain supplementation. Grain can be a costly part of a horse’s diet, but high-quality hay can minimize this need while keeping your horse healthier overall. Fewer grains mean a more natural diet, which reduces the risk of colic and other digestive issues.

2. Opt for Locally Grown Hay

Imported hay can be significantly more expensive due to transportation costs. By purchasing locally grown hay, you can save money while supporting your local farming community.

At Meadow Ridge Supply, all our hay is grown right here in Michigan. This ensures you receive fresh, high-quality hay at a lower cost—without the added expense of long-distance shipping.

3. Buy in Bulk to Save Big

Purchasing hay in larger quantities can lead to substantial savings. Instead of buying a few bales each week, consider purchasing enough to last for months or even a full year. Buying in bulk not only lowers costs but also ensures you have hay on hand when prices rise during shortages.

To make bulk purchasing even easier, Meadow Ridge Supply offers a hay subscription service:

• We store the hay you need for a year, freeing up valuable space in your barn.
• For a small deposit, we’ll deliver the hay exactly when you need it.
• You’ll avoid paying higher prices during peak demand and eliminate the stress of scrambling for hay when it’s scarce.

Start Saving on Hay Today

Reducing hay costs doesn’t mean cutting corners on quality. By buying the right hay for your horse, choosing locally grown options, and taking advantage of bulk purchasing, you can manage expenses without compromising your horse’s health.

Let Meadow Ridge Supply be your partner in cost-effective horse care. Contact us today to explore our hay options, subscription service, and delivery or pickup arrangements. 

Start saving now while giving your horses the care they deserve. Experience the Meadow Ridge Supply difference!