Steaming our hay had the biggest impact on Leroy’s health, but there are other tactics you can use to help make the entire environment better for your horse. Here are a few of the things you can implemented in your program:
- Put steamed hay in your horses’ paddock and remove old or uneaten hay several times per week.
- Wet your brush when grooming a very dusty horse, not only does it work better, it will keep the dust down in the barn.
- Use a watering can to wet the aisle before you sweep and don’t sweep dirt into the stall.
- Water down your shavings or explore a dust-free bedding alternative.
I am happy to report that Leroy is fully recovered, but the experience of learning about the impact hay quality has on overall health and performance has had a lasting impact on me. I know that I will be incorporating steamed hay into the stable management for all of my horses moving forward.
We did wind up qualifying for the Royal Winter Fair and we’re heading off to it this week. We’ll be there with steamed hay and a broader understanding of all the things that allow me to say “Great!” when my trainer asks how Leroy is feeling.