Tarter Equine Pro Galvanized Hay Feeder

Hay Testing

Enhance Your Horse's Diet for Optimal Nutrition

To maintain a happy horse with a healthy gut, the average horse must consume 1.5-3% of its body weight in forage a day. Thus, the foundation to any equine diet starts with a quality forage program. Whether you grow your own hay or purchase elsewhere, it is crucial to know the details of that foundation in order to develop the appropriate feed program to fit the needs of your horse(s).

We recognize and encourages the vital importance of this information and offers 2 different testing options. While the Complimentary Hay Testing is only offered in the fall, the Lab Analyzed Hay Testing is available year round.

Complimentary Hay Testing:

A broad overview of the hay to give a baseline in balancing a horse’s diet. Only available during predetermined dates in the fall.

Customers will need to:

  • Drop off a quart sized, Ziplock bag sample of your hay & the Hay Sample Intake
    Form     to The Mill store nearest you during the drop off timeframe.
  • Be sure to write your name and the hay sample name on the Ziplock bag.
  • Hay Sample Intake Forms can be printed off using the link above or will be available to fill out at the store.

Results include:

  • Crude Protein – Specifies protein levels within the hay.
  • ADF – (Acid Detergent Fiber) Indicated digestibility of the hay; or how well the hay that is consumed is utilized by the body.
  • 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.
  • Equine Digestibility Fiber or kcal/lb – (Digestible Energy) Key to meeting caloric and energy needs.

Lab Analyzed Hay Testing:

A detailed analysis of the hay for more finetuned and specific diet
balancing.Highly recommended if managing horses with metabolic conditions. Available Year-Round. $40/test.

  • We will come to your farm and core multiple bales of hay
  • Samples are sent to an outside laboratory for analysis
  • Results, typically, within 2 weeks

Results include:

  • Crude Protein
  • ADF
  • NDF
  • Digestible Energy
  • Complete breakdown of the micronutrients

    a. Calcium
    b. Phosphorus
    c. Magnesium
    d. Potassium
    e. Sodium
    f. Iron
    g. Zinc
    h. Copper
    i. Manganese
    j. Molybdenum
  • Nonstructural Carbohydrates – Sugars and Starches
    These are VERY important to be aware of and to manage, especially for horses with metabolic issues or are prone to tying up.

How to arrange for testing:

Call one of our Equine Specialists, Michelle Jennings or Kelley Nash, to arrange for testing:

  • Michelle Jennings - 410-952-4681
  • Kelley Nash - 443-981-1352

Michelle Jennings

Equine Specialist

mlsjennings@themillstores.com 410-952-4681

Hey there! I am Michelle Jennings, Equine Nutritionist and Director of Equine Nutrition and Sales here at The Mill. I have spent my entire career helping to find solutions for horses battling against nutrition related issues. This passion stemmed from the extensive research and years of dealing with horses of my own with digestive problems. Realizing as a young adult how intrigued I was by the science of it all, I obtained my degree in Equine Science with an emphasis in Equine Nutrition from Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. Since graduating in
1995, I have worked extensively with several widely respected Equine Nutritionists and Equine Feed Companies; namely Pennfield, Kentucky Equine Research and McCauley Brothers before landing at The Mill, fulltime, in 2007. Today, my husband, J.B. and I reside here in Harford County along with our two children, J.W. and Kate. They keep my non-working hours packed full of horses, hockey and lacrosse. I am committed to staying abreast of today’s latest research and products to offer our customers the most recent and updated advice on the market.

Kelley Nash

Equine Specialist

knash@themillstores.com 443-981-1352

Hi!  My name is Kelley Nash. I have been with The Mill since 2019 as an Equine Sales Manager. Flexibility is the name of the game in my roll and I love the variety. My focus is to provide support for our team, as well as, our customers.  While I spend one-on-one time with customers on farms and on the racetracks, helping to connect them with the right information and/or products relevant to their situation; you will also find me assembling job aides for our team members and developing presentation materials for in and out of house trainings.

My responsibilities on the Equine Team are just as eclectic as my personal and professional career experiences. I was raised on a small farm in the Midwest. Horses and dogs have always been a huge part of my life. Thus, lending to my pursuit of two degrees in Equine Riding and Training from Northwest College in Powell, WY and Animal Science with a specialization in Equine Science from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. I also worked for the Wyoming Fish and Wildlife Service tracking wolves after the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone Park.

Since graduating in 2004, I have worked as a Hospital Manager at one of the top 10 Equine Hospitals in the country in Oconomowoc, WI (Wisconsin Equine Clinic & Hospital); been a Ranch-Hand on a large cow/calf and performance horse operation in northern Montana (Cowan Select Performance Horses); a Stallion Manager for a large Quarter Horse Ranch in Guthrie, Texas (6666’s Ranch); and Barn Manager/Assistant Trainer at Fair Hill Training Center in
Elkton, MD.

Currently, I live in Lancaster County, PA with my five dogs.  I enjoy working with and grooming my pups, tending to my indoor and outdoor plants and flower gardens and watching Christmas movies regardless of the time of year.  With decades of hands-on horse experience in both personal and professional settings and a desire for organization, efficiency and communication, I am dedicated to serving our customers and our team by providing personalized solutions and assistance.