Livery yards across the UK are bracing for a tough winter as forage and bedding prices continue to rise sharply. With little grass left in fields due to the lack of rainfall, many horses are already relying on hay outdoors, and for those being brought in to eat inside, straw costs are adding further strain.
Industry figures show hay prices have more than doubled in the past year, with small hay bales climbing from £3–£4 to £6–£7. For a typical horse consuming around 180 small bales a year, forage alone can now cost over £900. But the real financial hit comes from wastage.
Many yards feed hay in the fields over winter months when grazing may be sparse. However, due to the unusual weather this year, many yards have even resorted to feeding hay unseasonably in the summer, adding further to their livery costs. When hay is fed directly on the ground, especially in the paddock, between 15–50% is lost to trampling, mud and wind. Even at a conservative 30%, that’s £270 of wasted hay per horse, every year. Multiply that across a livery yard, and the sums quickly become eye-watering.
And with more horses being brought in due to poor grazing, and particularly low yields straw in many parts of the UK this year leading to increased prices, yards are also facing higher straw bills, meaning they’re paying extra for both forage and bedding!
One solution gaining traction is the use of purpose-built field feeders such as the Hay Hutch, designed to keep forage clean, dry and contained. By lifting hay off the ground and slowing down eating, they can cut wastage dramatically, paying back their cost within one to two winters.
For example, the cost to buy a medium Hay Hutch (costing £345) typically pays for itself in just over a year, while continuing to save hundreds of pounds per horse every year after. With many units lasting well over a decade, the long-term return is significant.
Reducing waste isn’t just about economics. Its clever design allows horses to eat in a more natural, trickle-feeding position, and to have better control over rations. Feeding in this way helps horses maintain steady weight and reduces the risk of both ulcers and laminitis, while less forage wastage means fewer resources are needed in production and transport, a win for the environment as well as for yard finances.
For livery yards already grappling with rising feed, bedding, energy and employee costs, cutting unnecessary hay loss could make a crucial difference this winter.
The HayHutch is a practical, durable feeding solution designed for yards, paddocks, and fields. Invented by Made from tough, weatherproof plastic, it keeps hay dry, clean, and contained – reducing waste and saving money. The HayHutch is the smart way to manage forage and promote healthier eating habits.
LiveryList users can now access an exclusive discount on their next HayHutch purchase. As part of our commitment to supporting yard owners and equestrian businesses, we’ve partnered with HayHutch to offer you 5% off this innovative feeding solution. See our Discounts & Offers Page for more information on all of our partner discounts