Store hay off the ground in a dry, airy place under cover, keep hard feed in sealed vermin-proof bins away from damp, use older stock first, and check regularly for mould, heating and pests.
Keep hay dry and airy
Damp hay grows mould that damages a horse’s lungs and can cause colic. Store hay under cover, off the ground on pallets, with air able to circulate around the stack. Never feed mouldy or musty hay, however tempting it is not to waste it.
Watch for heating
Freshly baled or slightly damp hay can heat as it settles, which in extreme cases is a fire risk and always reduces quality. Store hay that is properly dry, leave gaps for airflow, and check a new stack for warmth in the first weeks.
Secure the hard feed
Store hard feed and supplements in sealed, vermin-proof bins in a dry place. This keeps out rats and mice, which spread disease and foul feed, and stops feed going stale or damp. Clean up spills promptly, since loose feed draws pests.
Rotate your stock
Use older hay and feed first so nothing sits long enough to spoil, and buy amounts you can use before they go off. Check use-by dates on bagged feed and supplements, since vitamins degrade over time and stale feed loses value.
Check regularly
Look over your stored hay and feed regularly for mould, damp, heating and signs of vermin. Feeding forage from a slow feeder also reduces waste at the other end. Good storage protects your horse’s health and saves money all year.
