As autumn approaches, horse owners know it’s time to think beyond blankets and shelter. It’s also time to prepare for the dietary adjustments that come with the changing of seasons. As the temperatures drop and the luscious, green grass fades to brown, it’s no surprise that the nutritional value of that grass, also, fades. In turn, the horse owner must provide alternative forage options.
When it comes to the health and wellbeing of horses, guess work just doesn’t cut it. In order to balance the diet and ensure the horse is consuming adequate nutrition to support their bodies through age, work, condition and environment, one must start with the forage foundation. Testing the hay for simple details such as crude protein and digestible energy lays the foundation of the diet. More detailed testing can, also, provide the breakdown of micronutrients, sugars and starches to give further insight and ability to balance diets more precisely. This is especially important for those individuals struggling with metabolic issues or other specific age/medical concerns.
Hay comprises most of a horse’s diet during winter when fresh, green grass is not available for grazing. Consequently, understanding its nutritional value is key to maintaining weight, energy, and overall health. At The Mill, we encourage testing your hay at any time of the year when hay is being relied on as the primary forage source. As autumn approaches and the grass withers away, the need for hay testing becomes a reality for everyone. A simple forage analysis can help you:
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Identify nutritional gaps before they cause body changes such as unwanted weight loss or excess weight gain, deterioration of the topline, decline in hoof and coat quality or a multitude of other physical, mental or medical ailments.
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Ensure adequate energy is being provided.
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Avoid over-supplementing, which can waste money and upset digestive balance and nutritional balance.
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Tailor concentrate feed to match your hay’s specific profile and accurately balance the diet
Two Hay Testing Options at The Mill
Complimentary Hay Testing (Seasonal)
Every fall, The Mill’s Equine team offers complimentary hay testing during predetermined dates. This test gives you a broad overview of your hay’s nutritional value and is a great first step in diet planning.
2025 Complimentary Hay Testing Dates:
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Drop off hay samples and forms between October 1st – October 15th at your nearest Mill store.
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Results will be emailed by the end of the first week of November.
How to Submit Your Sample:
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Fill a quart-sized Ziplock bag with your hay sample, labeled with your name and sample name.
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Include a completed Hay Sample Intake Form (download online or pick up in-store).
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Drop off during the testing window.
Your results will include:
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Crude Protein – Specific protein levels within the hay.
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ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber) – Indicates digestibility of the hay; or how well the hay that is consumed is utilized by the body.
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NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) – Relates to palatability and intake potential; how much of the hay will likely be consumed vs found undesirable and left behind.
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Digestible Energy (DE) – Key to meeting calorie and energy needs.
Lab Analyzed Hay Testing (Year-Round)
For a more detailed evaluation, The Mill offers lab-analyzed hay testing throughout the year. This option is especially valuable for horses with metabolic issues, senior horses, or those on specialized diets.
What to Expect:
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A Mill Equine Specialist visits your barn and cores multiple bales.
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Samples are sent to an external laboratory for a full nutrient profile.
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Results are typically returned within two weeks.
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Cost: $40/test.
Your full report includes:
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All data from the Complimentary Hay Test, plus...
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Micronutrients – Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum.
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Nonstructural Carbohydrates (NSC) – Sugars and starches; vital information for horses with insulin resistance, Cushing’s, a history of laminitis of other metabolic issues.
To arrange a lab analyzed hay test, contact Michelle Jennings or Kelley Nash with The Mill.
Michelle Jennings – Email: mlsjennings@themillstores.com Direct Cell: 410-952-4681
Kelley Nash – Email: knash@themillstores.com Direct Cell: 443-981-1352
Fall & Winter Feeding Tips from The Mill’s Equine Team
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Test before you buy in bulk – A poor load can be an expensive mistake.
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Adjust concentrates based on hay results – Prevents nutrient excess or deficiency.
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Keep hay dry – Moisture encourages mold and nutrient loss.
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Maintain water intake – Cold weather dehydration can lead to impaction colic; electrolytes, heated buckets and tank heaters can be helpful in keeping horses drinking during the cold months.
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Introduce changes gradually – Sudden hay or grain switches can upset the hindgut microbiome.
Preparing for Fall and Winter
Hay testing is a proactive step that ensures your feeding program supports optimal health, performance, and condition throughout the cold season, or any time where hay is being used for the primary forage source. By utilizing accurate forage analysis to properly balance the diet for each individual horse, horse owners can keep their herds healthy and their feed programs cost-effective. Learn more and schedule your hay testing with The Mill.
