Ranchcop
Well-known member
The Holistic Horse
Written by Karen E.N. Hayes, DVM, MS
Taken from Horse and Rider
May 2002 pages 69-70
“………..CONSIDER ORGANIC HAY. Without question, “good” hay should be lush and free of weeds. However, to achieve this goal, many hay farmers apply synthetic fertilizers and herbicides--both which contain chemicals that can potentially harm your horse.
For instance, if your horse grazes in a field recently treated with synthetic fertilizer, he’s at a greater risk for colic. And, some veterinarians believe a horse that ingests chemically treated hay over a long period of time may be at a greater risk for stomach cancer and liver disease. An unborn foal may even suffer birth defects if his dam eats chemically treated hay. Plus, because such chemicals force a higher yield than normal, the soil (and thus, the hay) may have fewer beneficial minerals.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH: Search for a source for good quality, organically raised hay
( that’s grown without chemicals). Over the last 10 years, it’s become more common for farmers to use sustainable, chemical-free methods to raise their crops.
Expert Tips:
Ø If you find a faraway source, go in with other horse owners to buy a whole truckload, which will likely result in a discounted price for the hay and delivery.
Ø Before you buy, inspect several randomly selected bales to make sure they’re not dusty, moldy, discolored, and/or off smelling. Have the hay sampled and tested by an agricultural lab for mineral content and overall quality………”
Written by Karen E.N. Hayes, DVM, MS
Taken from Horse and Rider
May 2002 pages 69-70
“………..CONSIDER ORGANIC HAY. Without question, “good” hay should be lush and free of weeds. However, to achieve this goal, many hay farmers apply synthetic fertilizers and herbicides--both which contain chemicals that can potentially harm your horse.
For instance, if your horse grazes in a field recently treated with synthetic fertilizer, he’s at a greater risk for colic. And, some veterinarians believe a horse that ingests chemically treated hay over a long period of time may be at a greater risk for stomach cancer and liver disease. An unborn foal may even suffer birth defects if his dam eats chemically treated hay. Plus, because such chemicals force a higher yield than normal, the soil (and thus, the hay) may have fewer beneficial minerals.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH: Search for a source for good quality, organically raised hay
( that’s grown without chemicals). Over the last 10 years, it’s become more common for farmers to use sustainable, chemical-free methods to raise their crops.
Expert Tips:
Ø If you find a faraway source, go in with other horse owners to buy a whole truckload, which will likely result in a discounted price for the hay and delivery.
Ø Before you buy, inspect several randomly selected bales to make sure they’re not dusty, moldy, discolored, and/or off smelling. Have the hay sampled and tested by an agricultural lab for mineral content and overall quality………”
