Kennewick Horse Owners’ Guide to Choosing the Best Hay for Year-Round Care
comes to feeding them year-round. Whether you’re caring for one horse or managing an entire stable, providing the right hay is the foundation for maintaining your horses’ health, performance, and overall well-being. With the hot summers and cool winters of the Tri-Cities region, knowing which hay to choose throughout the year can make a major difference in your feeding strategy.
In this guide, we’ll explore the types of hay available to Kennewick horse owners, the nutritional needs of horses in different seasons, and how you can build a feeding plan that works no matter the weather.
(Young woman riding horse in farm on sunny day)
Understanding Your Horse’s Nutritional Needs
Every horse is different, but most adult horses need a diet made up of 1.5–2.5% of their body weight in forage each day. For a 1,000-pound horse, that means roughly 15–25 pounds of hay daily. Good-quality hay supplies the fiber your horse needs for healthy digestion while also providing key nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamins.
In Kennewick’s dry climate, pasture may not always be available year-round, especially during the peak of summer when grass stops growing. This makes hay the primary source of forage for many horses in the area, so it’s important to select hay that meets your horses’ needs.
The Most Popular Hay Types in Kennewic
Kennewick horse owners typically rely on two primary types of hay: grass hay and alfalfa hay.
- Grass Hay (Timothy, Orchard, or Brome): Grass hay is a staple for most horses. It has moderate protein levels and plenty of fiber, making it ideal for maintaining a healthy weight and gut function. Timothy hay is one of the most popular choices because it’s soft, palatable, and widely available.
- Alfalfa Hay: Alfalfa is higher in protein and calcium, making it an excellent choice for growing foals, lactating mares, or performance horses that need extra calories. However, because of its richness, alfalfa should be fed in moderation to easy keepers or horses prone to weight gain.
Many Kennewick horse owners choose to feed a mix of grass hay and alfalfa to balance energy levels while still providing enough nutrition for work and recovery.
Adjusting Your Feeding Plan by Season
The climate in Kennewick plays a big role in how much hay you’ll need each month.
- Spring & Summer: If you have access to pasture, you can supplement with less hay. However, when pastures dry out in the heat of July and August, hay becomes the main source of forage.
- Fall & Winter: Horses typically need more calories in cold weather to stay warm. Increasing their hay intake slightly during this time helps maintain body condition.
By monitoring your horses’ weight and adjusting hay types and quantities throughout the year, you can keep them healthy no matter the season.
Storage Matters: Keep Your Hay Fresh
One of the biggest challenges for horse owners is storing hay properly. Hay should be kept in a cool, dry place, off the ground, and away from moisture. Investing in a good tarp or hay shed can prevent mold growth and preserve quality, which keeps your horses healthy and prevents waste.
Partner with Ohana Farms for Your Hay Needs
At Ohana Farms, we know how important high-quality hay is for your horses’ well-being. Our carefully selected hay is grown to thrive in the Tri-Cities climate, ensuring your horses get consistent nutrition all year long. Whether you need Timothy, Orchard, or a balanced mix with alfalfa, we’re here to help you choose the right hay for your horses.
Visit our Products Page today to see what we offer and give your horses the best nutrition possible—because healthy horses start with the right hay.
