Haylage for Horses | Feeding, Storage, and Benefits

If you have a horse with a sensitive respiratory system, a competition horse stabled for long periods, or simply a picky eater, haylage for horses is worth understanding. It has become a popular alternative to traditional hay across the UK and beyond — and for good reason. UK feed retailers price a 20 kg bale of small-bale haylage at around £7 to £12 depending on grass mix, with brands such as Devon Haylage, Baillie, HorseHage, Hutton Mill and Equilage all widely stocked. This guide covers what haylage is, how it differs from hay, its benefits and risks, how to choose the right type, and which UK brands are worth a look.

What Is Haylage for Horses?

Haylage is grass that has been cut, partially wilted, and then preserved through fermentation rather than drying. Unlike hay, which needs several consecutive dry days to fully dehydrate, haylage only requires around three days of wilting in the field before being baled and wrapped tightly in several layers of plastic to exclude oxygen.

The absence of oxygen triggers a natural fermentation process. Naturally-occurring lactic acid bacteria ferment the sugars in the grass, causing the pH to drop to around 5.0. This acidic environment prevents harmful moulds and fungi from taking hold, preserving the forage safely for months — as long as the wrapping remains intact.

The result is a forage with a moisture content of roughly 35–45%, compared to hay which is typically 86–90% dry matter (DM). Because of this higher water content, you will need to feed slightly more haylage by weight than hay to provide the same amount of dry matter. For example, a 500 kg horse needing 10 kg of dry matter daily would require around 14.2 kg of haylage at 70% DM, versus 11.7 kg of hay at 85% DM.

Haylage vs Hay: Key Differences

Both hay and haylage are preserved grass — the difference lies in how each is conserved, and what that means for nutritional value, palatability, and suitability for different horses.

How Hay Is Made

Hay is typically cut between June and August, when the grass is more mature and has already produced a seed head. It is then left to dry completely in the field — a process that requires several consecutive warm, dry days. In countries like the UK and South Africa with unpredictable weather, achieving the ideal 85–90% DM needed for good hay can be a real challenge. Hay baled too wet will heat, mould, and produce fungal spores that are harmful to horses.

How Haylage Is Made

Haylage is cut slightly earlier than hay, at a younger stage of growth, and only wilted — not fully dried. The grass is baled and immediately wrapped in multiple layers of plastic. The fermentation process that follows takes around eight to ten weeks to complete, after which the forage is stable and can be stored for up to a year, provided the wrapping stays undamaged.

Nutritional Differences

Because haylage is cut earlier and fermented, several nutritional differences emerge compared to hay. The fermentation process converts water-soluble carbohydrates (sugars) into volatile fatty acids, which lowers the sugar content. Research comparing haylage and timothy hay in Thoroughbreds found that horses fed grass hay had higher peak blood glucose concentrations, likely because of the greater non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content in the hay. Lower sugar on paper does not make haylage the better choice for horses prone to laminitis or insulin dysregulation, though. The ECEIM consensus on equine metabolic syndrome (Durham and colleagues, 2019) notes that insulin responses to haylage are greater than to hay of the same NSC content, and that horses tend to find haylage more palatable, so it does not recommend haylage for horses with insulin dysregulation.

Haylage also retains more water-soluble vitamins than hay and is generally more digestible, giving it a higher digestible energy (DE) content. The same Thoroughbred study found that grass hay had greater dry matter digestibility overall, so the picture is not straightforward. Horses on haylage-only diets in that study also developed free faecal water syndrome — a sign of lower fibre digestibility — which highlights the importance of monitoring each horse individually when making dietary changes.

The Benefits of Haylage for Horses

Improved Respiratory Health

One of the biggest reasons UK horse owners switch to haylage is respiratory health. Hay is a well-known source of dust, fungal spores, and bacteria that trigger airway inflammation — a leading cause of equine asthma (formerly known as RAO, COPD or heaves). Even mild asthma limits a horse’s performance by thickening airway walls, slowing airflow, and reducing the ability of oxygen to reach the bloodstream.

A study involving 43 horses fed either dry hay, steamed hay, or haylage over six weeks found clear benefits for horses on haylage. The proportion of inflammatory cells (neutrophils) in lung wash fluid was lower in the haylage group after just three weeks, and this improvement persisted for the full duration of the study. Respirable dust in the two-metre breathing zone around the horse’s nose was also significantly reduced. Airway mucus scores were lower in the haylage group by week six.

The moisture in haylage causes potentially harmful spores to stick to the grass rather than becoming airborne, so they are eaten rather than inhaled. This makes haylage particularly valuable for stabled performance horses, older horses, and any horse with a history of respiratory problems. See our full guide to coughing in horses for the wider clinical picture.

Better Omega-3 to Omega-6 Ratio

The same six-week study found that horses fed haylage had a higher ratio of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids to pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, compared to horses on dry or steamed hay. Specifically, levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 with anti-inflammatory properties, increased, while levels of arachidonic acid (AA), a pro-inflammatory omega-6, decreased. Omega-3 fatty acids are now recommended as part of managing equine asthma according to current consensus guidelines.

Slower Eating and Digestive Benefits

Research has shown that horses take longer to finish their meals when fed haylage compared to hay. This is a meaningful benefit for stabled horses, as slow, continuous forage intake is closer to their natural grazing behaviour. Longer eating times can help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers and stable vices (stereotypies) caused by boredom and an empty stomach. Haylage is therefore a particularly good option for horses that need a restricted diet but still benefit from extended chewing time.

Risks and Considerations When Feeding Haylage

Botulism Risk

The most serious risk associated with haylage is botulism. The bacteria Clostridium botulinum live in soil and can contaminate grass crops, particularly when the crop is cut too close to the ground or made too wet. The bacteria thrive in anaerobic conditions above a pH of 4.5 — conditions that can exist in haylage that has not fermented correctly. Horses are highly sensitive to botulinum toxin. Symptoms include muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, drooling, stumbling, and in severe cases, death from respiratory paralysis.

The risk is reduced by ensuring haylage is made at the correct moisture content (ideally 70–80% DM), stored to prevent damage to the wrapping, discarded if any mould is present, and fed within three days of opening a bale. Botulism vaccination for horses is not currently licensed for general use in the UK, but US BotVax B can be sourced via SQP-vet prescription if your yard has had a previous incident or you are in a higher-risk area.

Weight Gain in Good Doers

Because haylage is more digestible and generally higher in energy than hay, horses that are already easy keepers or prone to weight gain may do better on hay. Good-quality haylage fed to a native pony, for example, could easily tip the scales towards obesity or trigger laminitis. However, this is not a reason to avoid haylage entirely — there are lower-energy, high-fibre varieties specifically designed for good doers, older horses, and laminitics.

Free Faecal Water Syndrome

Some horses develop free faecal water syndrome (FFWS) when fed haylage — where watery liquid is passed separately from the formed faeces. This was observed in the Thoroughbred digestibility study and is thought to be related to the higher water-holding capacity of haylage in the gut and its effect on sodium balance. If your horse develops FFWS on haylage, consult an equine nutritionist to assess whether adjustments to the diet are needed.

Types of Haylage for Horses

Not all haylage is made the same way, and the production method has a significant impact on quality and consistency.

Big Bale Haylage

Big bale haylage is the most widely available form and is often produced by local farmers. Bales can weigh up to half a tonne and must be consumed within three to five days of opening to avoid spoilage. UK round-bale haylage typically retails through agricultural feed merchants such as Leighs Animal Feeds and Wynnstay at £35–£55 per bale. Quality and consistency can vary significantly from farm to farm, and even from bale to bale on the same farm. This inconsistency is a real concern for horses with sensitive digestive systems, as sudden changes in forage composition can trigger colic.

Rebagged Small Bale Haylage

Rebagged haylage starts as big bale haylage that is later broken down and repackaged into smaller, more practical bales — typically around 20 kg. The smaller size is more convenient for most horse owners. The downside is that exposing the haylage to air during the rebagging process increases the risk of dust contamination and secondary fermentation. Some producers add mould inhibitors or flavourings to extend shelf life, which is worth being aware of if you are competing under BEF or BHA Rules and need NOPS (Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances) certified forage.

Direct-to-Small Bale Haylage

Direct-to-small bale haylage skips the big bale stage entirely. The grass is baled directly into small bales in the field and sealed immediately, which produces the highest-quality end product. There is no risk of secondary fermentation from reprocessing, no need for preservatives, and the shelf life can be up to 18 months. This method is more expensive but provides the most consistent, dust-free result — making it the preferred choice for horses with respiratory conditions or for competition use. UK 20 kg direct-to-bag haylage retails at £8–£12 depending on grass mix.

Top UK Haylage Brands for Horses

The UK haylage market is well developed. Most regions have a local producer plus three or four national brands stocked through Wynnstay, Mole Country Stores, Millbry Hill, GB Total Equestrian, Unicorn Saddlery and Redpost Equestrian. The brands below all use direct-to-small-bale or carefully controlled rebagging, NOPS-clear where stated, and are widely available across England, Scotland and Wales:

• HorseHage — the original UK haylage brand, available in Original (ryegrass), Timothy, High-Fibre and Alfalfa. Vacuum-packed and BETA NOPS approved. Best for fussy eaters and laminitics on the High-Fibre variety.
• Devon Haylage — Devon-grown ryegrass and traditional meadow varieties. Higher moisture, suits horses with severe respiratory conditions. BETA NOPS approved.
• Baillie Haylage — Lanarkshire-produced direct-to-bag ryegrass-and-timothy mix and meadow grass varieties. £8–£10 a 20 kg bale through Wynnstay; popular in Scotland and northern England.
• Hutton Mill — Yorkshire ryegrass-based Original haylage at around £11.50 a 20 kg bale. Consistent quality and good shelf life once opened.
• Equilage — Original Ryegrass and Hi Fibre, around £10–£11 a 20 kg bag. Widely stocked through The Bedding Barn, English Pet Supplies and Cloud Equestrian.
• Burlybale — Pasture and High Fibre. Lower-DE option suitable for native ponies and laminitis-prone horses.
• Silvermoor Haylage — Northumberland producer with a strong “Veteran” variety designed for older horses and a Lite range for good doers.
• Country Haylage / Pillage / MVF High Fibre — high-fibre meadow mixes typically £8–£9 a 20 kg bag and a good compromise between feed value and weight control.
• Wrightpak Timothy Mix — popular through Leighs Animal Feeds at around £6 a 20 kg bag, the budget choice when stretched.

If you keep horses in South Africa, equivalent local options include Epol Equine Haylage and Spillers SA-imported HorseHage where stocked, but most SA owners feed lucerne or eragrostis hay rather than fermented haylage. Check with your local feed merchant before committing to a fermented forage in a hot, dry climate where wrap damage is more common.

How to Tell If Your Haylage Is Good Quality

Before feeding any haylage to your horse, it pays to do a quick quality check. Start on the outside: the wrapping should be in good condition with no tears, holes, or excessive fading. Faded wrapping may have gone porous and allowed oxygen in. Look for at least six to eight layers of wrap — each layer roughly halves the amount of air that can penetrate.

On the inside, good haylage should be a bright golden colour — like a slightly damper version of hay. It should feel soft and clean to the touch, and smell like a warm summer’s day. It should feel slightly warm when first opened, indicating it completed fermentation correctly.

Reject any haylage that is dark brown in colour (indicating overheating and reduced protein digestibility), smells putrid or rancid (a sign of Clostridium bacteria), has visible coloured moulds (dangerous and should never be fed), or feels slimy and wet (indicating the haylage was baled too wet and has not fermented properly). A vinegary smell suggests excess acetic acid, and horses often refuse to eat it. A yeasty or alcoholic smell indicates yeast growth, which compromises fermentation quality.

Choosing the Right Haylage for Your Horse

The type of haylage you choose should match your horse’s energy requirements, workload, and health status. A competition horse in full work will benefit from a ryegrass-based haylage such as HorseHage Original or Baillie Ryegrass & Timothy with medium to high energy levels and excellent palatability. A horse in light work or a good doer will do better on a high-fibre, lower-energy haylage — for example, HorseHage High Fibre, Burlybale High Fibre or one of the meadow grass varieties from Devon Haylage or Country Haylage.

Older horses, fussy eaters, and convalescents often do well on meadow grass or Timothy haylage, which has a softer, leafier texture and is easier to chew and digest. Silvermoor Veteran is a popular UK choice for senior horses. For horses with insulin dysregulation or a history of laminitis, the ECEIM consensus advises against haylage, so speak to your vet first; if haylage is still the right forage for that horse, use a specialist low-DE, high-fibre variety and always have a forage analysis done to confirm the WSC (water-soluble carbohydrate) and NSC levels before feeding.

When switching from hay to haylage, make the change gradually over two to three weeks to avoid digestive upset. The gut microbiome needs time to adapt to a new forage, and a sudden change — especially to a richer product — can trigger colic. Monitor your horse’s weight, manure quality, and general condition throughout the transition.

The only reliable way to know exactly what nutrients your haylage contains is to have it analysed. A forage test through SciencInside, Sciantec or Forageplus will tell you the DM content, energy levels, protein, and WSC — information that allows you and an equine nutritionist to balance the rest of the diet accurately.

A Note on “Wrapped Hay” vs True Haylage

One source of confusion worth addressing: in some countries, the word “haylage” is used to describe wrapped hay baled at 20–45% moisture, which has not actually gone through fermentation. True haylage has fermented; wrapped hay has not. The two are very different products. Wrapped hay retains its sugar content (making it palatable), but it also spoils rapidly once opened and must be consumed within two days. True fermented haylage, on the other hand, has had its sugars converted during fermentation, which in some regions means horses may initially be reluctant to eat it.

If you are buying haylage from a new supplier, it is worth asking about the moisture content at harvest and whether the forage has been through a fermentation process. A dry bale that smells like hay and has a sugar content of 8–12% has most likely not fermented, regardless of how it is labelled.

Is Haylage Right for Your Horse?

Haylage for horses offers real advantages — particularly for those with respiratory sensitivities, horses in regular work, stabled horses, and those needing a low-NSC diet. The evidence for its respiratory benefits is compelling, and its slower-eating characteristics make it a practical tool for managing ulcer-prone or bored horses.

That said, it is not the right forage for every horse. Easy keepers, very good doers, and horses already on restricted diets need careful monitoring on haylage, and the botulism risk — while manageable — should never be taken lightly. As with all feeding decisions, the best approach is to assess your individual horse’s needs, have your forage analysed, and work with a qualified equine nutritionist to build a balanced diet.

Done right, haylage is a high-quality, consistent, and dust-free forage that keeps horses healthy, comfortable, and well-nourished — making it a feeding choice that is well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions