The Complete Guide to Horse Hay in South Florida
Everything you need to know about choosing, feeding, and storing hay for your horses in Florida's unique climate. Written by hay professionals who've served South Florida's equestrian community for years.
Horse Hay Types Compared
Not all hay is created equal. Each type has distinct nutritional profiles that make it better suited for different horses and situations. Here's how our hay types stack up side by side.
| Hay Type | Protein | Fiber | Sugar (NSC) | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timothy | 8-11% | 32-35% | 8-12% | Medium | Maintenance, easy keepers, metabolic horses |
| Alfalfa | 15-22% | 25-30% | 10-14% | High | Performance, growing, lactating, underweight |
| Orchard Grass | 10-14% | 30-34% | 10-15% | Medium | Picky eaters, all-around maintenance |
| Teff | 9-13% | 30-34% | 6-10% | Low-Medium | Metabolic horses, IR, laminitis-prone |
| Alfalfa/Orchard Blend | 12-16% | 28-32% | 10-14% | Medium-High | Moderate work, balanced nutrition |
How Much Hay Does Your Horse Need?
The foundation of equine nutrition is simple: horses need 1.5-2% of their body weight in forage daily. Here's a quick reference based on body weight and workload.
| Horse Weight | Maintenance | Light Work | Heavy Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 lbs | 12-16 lbs/day | 14-18 lbs/day | 16-20 lbs/day |
| 1,000 lbs | 15-20 lbs/day | 18-22 lbs/day | 20-25 lbs/day |
| 1,200 lbs | 18-24 lbs/day | 20-26 lbs/day | 24-30 lbs/day |
| 1,400 lbs | 21-28 lbs/day | 24-30 lbs/day | 28-35 lbs/day |
These are general guidelines. Adjust based on body condition score, pasture availability, grain supplementation, and your veterinarian's recommendations. In South Florida's warm climate, some horses may eat slightly less during peak summer heat.
How to Judge Hay Quality
Knowing how to evaluate hay quality protects your horses and your investment. Here's what to look for — and what to avoid — when inspecting hay before feeding.
Color
Smell
Texture
Dust
Mold
Weeds
Our Quality Guarantee
Every load of hay we deliver has been inspected for color, smell, texture, and overall quality. Our Idaho-sourced hay is grown in ideal conditions and cured in dry mountain air — so it arrives at your property meeting or exceeding every quality indicator above. If you're ever unsatisfied with a delivery, we make it right immediately. That's our promise.
Storing Hay in Florida's Climate
Florida's heat and humidity are the enemies of hay quality. Proper storage is the difference between hay that stays fresh for months and hay that molds within weeks. Here's how to protect your investment.
Elevate Off the Ground
Always store hay on pallets or a raised platform. Ground moisture wicks up through concrete and dirt floors, causing bottom bales to mold. Even a few inches of elevation makes a significant difference.
Maximize Airflow
Leave gaps between bale stacks and walls. Open-sided structures are ideal in Florida — they provide rain protection while allowing air circulation that prevents moisture buildup. Avoid sealing hay in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
Protect from Rain
A roof or tarp is essential. Even brief rain exposure can ruin outer bales. If using tarps, ensure they don't trap condensation — leave the sides open or use breathable covers.
Choose Compressed Blocks
Our 1000lb and 500lb compressed blocks resist Florida humidity significantly better than loose bales. The tight compression reduces air pockets where moisture can accumulate, extending shelf life by months.
First In, First Out
Rotate your hay stock. Use older hay first and stack new deliveries behind existing inventory. This prevents any bales from sitting too long in Florida's conditions.
Inspect Before Feeding
Always break open a bale and check the interior before feeding. Good hay should smell sweet and grassy. Any musty, sour, or ammonia smell means mold — do not feed it to your animals.
Horse Hay Challenges Unique to South Florida
Feeding horses in South Florida comes with challenges that horse owners in other regions don't face. Understanding these helps you make better decisions about your hay program.
Blister Beetle Risk
Blister beetles are found in hay grown throughout the Southeast and can be fatal to horses if ingested. Even a few beetles in a bale can cause severe colic and death. This is the single biggest reason we source from Idaho — the cold winters there completely eliminate blister beetle populations. Every bale we deliver is guaranteed blister beetle free.
Year-Round Feeding
Unlike northern states where horses graze lush pastures 6-8 months per year, South Florida's sandy soil and seasonal drought mean most horse properties need supplemental hay year-round. Even properties with pasture typically need hay during the dry winter months (November through April) when grass growth slows significantly.
Humidity & Mold
South Florida's average humidity of 70-80% creates ideal conditions for mold growth in stored hay. This is why proper storage is critical and why compressed blocks outperform loose bales in our climate. Moldy hay can cause respiratory issues, colic, and allergic reactions in horses.
Heat Stress & Reduced Appetite
During peak summer heat (June through September), horses may eat less hay as their bodies work to stay cool. This doesn't mean they need less forage — it means feeding timing matters. Many Florida horse owners feed the bulk of their hay in early morning and evening when temperatures drop, ensuring horses maintain adequate fiber intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hay for horses in Florida?
How much hay should I feed my horse per day?
Is Idaho hay better than Florida hay for horses?
How do I store hay in Florida's humidity?
What hay is safe for a horse with laminitis?
Do you deliver horse hay to Wellington FL?
Ready to Feed Your Horses the Best?
Premium Idaho hay delivered free to your property throughout South Florida. Same-day and next-day delivery available. Better bulk pricing for larger orders — call for your custom quote.