Horse owners are being urged to plan ahead and buy carefully as concerns grow over hay quality and availability heading into the second half of the year.
The hay and forage shortages experienced during the winter of 2025/26 continue to impact supplies across many parts of the UK, with some suppliers reporting that stocks remain tighter than usual. Recent periods of hot, dry weather have also raised concerns that summer hay feeding may once again become necessary for many horse owners, placing additional pressure on already stretched forage supplies.
With the outcome of this year’s harvest still uncertain, a number of forage suppliers and industry professionals are advising horse owners and yard managers to be proactive when sourcing forage, while remaining vigilant about quality and supplier credibility.
Lessons from Last Winter
The shortages seen last winter created significant challenges for many horse owners, with reports of rising prices, limited availability and increased competition for quality forage.
Unfortunately, the situation also attracted a number of fraudulent sellers operating through social media platforms. Horse owners reported paying deposits or full balances for hay and forage that either never arrived or did not exist. In other cases, buyers received forage that was significantly older or of poorer quality than advertised.
There were also concerns over poor-quality hay being mixed with better-quality stock and sold as suitable forage, leaving buyers unaware of the true condition of the product until it reached their yards.
As supply pressures continue, experts are reminding buyers to exercise caution, particularly when purchasing from unknown sellers or responding to adverts offering unusually low prices or large quantities of stock.
Quality Matters as Much as Availability
While securing enough forage is a concern, nutritionists warn that forage quality remains equally important.
Hay that has not been adequately dried before baling can develop moulds and excessive dust, potentially contributing to respiratory issues, digestive upset and colic. Similarly, hay cut too early or too late may contain nutritional imbalances, including inappropriate sugar levels for some horses.
Poor storage conditions can also reduce forage quality over time, particularly if bales have been exposed to moisture or temperature fluctuations.
As forage becomes harder to source, horse owners may feel tempted to purchase whatever is available. However, feeding poor-quality hay can create health problems that ultimately prove more costly than sourcing suitable forage in the first place.
What to Look for When Buying Hay
When assessing hay, horse owners should look for:
- A fresh, pleasant smell with no musty or mouldy odours
- A natural green to golden colour
- Minimal dust when opened or handled
- No visible mould, dark patches or signs of overheating
- Consistent quality throughout the bale
- Dry, well-formed bales with no evidence of moisture damage
Where possible, buyers should inspect forage before purchasing and avoid accepting loads without first checking quality.
Choosing a Reputable Supplier
Working with a trusted supplier can significantly reduce the risks associated with forage purchasing.
Horse owners should consider:
- Purchasing from established local forage producers or merchants
- Seeking recommendations from local yards and equestrian businesses
- Requesting details about harvest dates and storage conditions
- Asking for forage analysis where available
- Being cautious of sellers requesting large upfront payments
- Avoiding deals that appear significantly cheaper than market rates
Maintaining a relationship with a reliable supplier can also improve access to forage during periods of shortage.
Market Pressures Continue
Earlier this year, AnimalWeb’s Hay Availability and Pricing Survey highlighted a fragmented hay market across the UK, shaped by regional shortages, rising costs and variable quality.
While the survey found that shortages were not universal, many horse owners reported difficulties sourcing consistent supplies and increasing prices throughout the winter period. As a result, some owners adapted their feeding strategies, reduced wastage or explored alternative forage options to help manage costs and availability.
With summer weather patterns continuing to influence grazing conditions and uncertainty remaining around this year’s harvest, the survey findings suggest that forage availability is likely to remain a key concern for many horse owners and yard managers throughout 2026.
Planning ahead, buying from reputable sources and prioritising forage quality may prove essential in helping yards navigate another potentially challenging season.