Hay quality variation significantly affects horse nutritional welfare, with inadequate or moldy hay being a common but underappreciated cause of respiratory and digestive problems.
Hay quality has direct welfare implications that are often invisible until disease develops. Mold exposure from poorly stored or harvested hay causes chronic respiratory inflammation that progresses to irreversible heaves in susceptible horses. Regular hay analysis enables targeted supplementation of nutritional gaps, while appropriate storage in dry, well-ventilated conditions preserves quality. Soaking or steaming hay reduces dust and mold spore levels for horses with existing respiratory sensitivity.