The Benefits of Hay Steamers

When it comes to caring for your horse, providing high-quality, nutritious forage is a top priority. Hay is a staple in most equine diets, but not all hay is created equal. Dust, mould, and other contaminants can compromise the quality of hay, potentially leading to respiratory and digestive issues in horses. This is where hay steamers come into play. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using hay steamers and the health advantages of steaming hay for your horse.

What is a Hay Steamer?

A hay steamer is a device designed to increase the temperature and moisture content of hay, effectively sanitising it and improving its quality before being fed to horses. The process involves placing hay inside the steamer chamber, which uses hot steam to heat the hay to a specific temperature, killing mould spores, bacteria, and dust mites. This results in cleaner, more palatable hay that retains its nutritional value while reducing the risk of respiratory and digestive issues in horses.

The Health Benefits of Steaming Hay

1. Reduction of Respiratory Issues

Horses are particularly susceptible to respiratory problems, such as equine asthma (formerly known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD) and other conditions caused by inhaling too much dust, mould spores, and allergens present in hay. Steaming hay significantly reduces the presence of these irritants, making the hay much safer for horses to consume, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

2. Additional Hydration

 Steaming hay adds moisture to the forage, which can help increase your horse’s overall water intake. This is particularly beneficial during the colder months when horses might be less inclined to drink cold water. The added moisture in steamed hay can help prevent dehydration and support better digestive function.

3. Improved Palatability

 Some horses can be picky eaters, turning their noses up at dry or dusty hay. Steaming hay can enhance its smell and texture, making it more appealing to horses. This can be especially useful for older horses or those recovering from illness who might have a reduced appetite.

4. Preservation of Nutrients

 Unlike soaking hay, which can cause leaching of essential nutrients such as water-soluble vitamins and minerals, steaming preserves the nutritional integrity of the hay. This means that your horse gets all the benefits of clean hay without compromising on vital nutrients.

5. Reduced Risk of Colic

 Colic is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, often linked to poor-quality hay or dehydration. By steaming hay, you reduce the risk of your horse ingesting harmful bacteria or mould that can lead to digestive upset. The additional moisture in steamed hay also helps in promoting better digestion, reducing the risk of impaction colic.

6. Supports Weight Management

For horses that require careful weight management or are suffering from metabolic issues or laminitis we suggest first soaking your hay then steaming it, as although some sugar and starch will be lost through steaming the purpose of the steamer is to improve respiratory conditions by eliminating the dust spores and bacteria, not to reduce the nutrients. Steaming will leave you with clean, nutritious and palatable hay which smells delicious!

7. Convenient for Allergic Horses and Owners

 Horses aren’t the only ones who can suffer from hay allergies. Owners and riders can also be affected by the dust and allergens present in hay. Steaming hay not only protects your horse but also reduces the risk of respiratory issues for those who handle hay regularly.

How to Use a Hay Steamer

Using a hay steamer is straightforward – here’s our basic guide:

1. Load the Steamer: Place the desired amount of hay into the steamer. Depending on the size of the unit, this could be two bales or several sections. Steamers work best when filled, any spare can be safely kept in the chest to be used the next day.

2. Steam the Hay: Set the steamer to the recommended temperature and time settings. Most hay steamers will steam hay for about 60 minutes.

3. Cool and Serve: After steaming, allow the hay to cool slightly before feeding it to your horse. The hay will be warm, moist, and free from harmful contaminants.

How To Choose the Right Hay Steamer

Here at Elite Saddlery, we recommend a range of Nuveq Hay Steamers, however, when selecting any hay steamer, it is still worth considering the following:

• Size and Capacity: Choose a steamer that fits your daily hay feeding needs. Larger models can handle more hay at once, which is ideal for stables with multiple horses.
• Portability: If you need to move the steamer between locations, look for models with wheels or easy-to-carry designs.
• Durability: Ensure the steamer is made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use.
• Avoid steamers that are homemade or that have a wallpaper stripper as the steam generator – these are unlikely to reach and maintain the high temperatures required and can worsen matters by making the hay warm and moist – the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Nuveq Expert Pro and Nuveq Summit available at Elite Saddlery.  

Hay steamers are an excellent investment in your horse’s health, providing numerous benefits that can enhance respiratory function, improve digestion, and ensure a more enjoyable eating experience for your horse. By steaming hay, you’re not only delivering cleaner, safer forage but also promoting your horse’s overall well-being. Whether your horse has specific health concerns, or you simply want to provide the best possible care, a hay steamer can be a valuable addition to your stable routine.

“Thank you for supplying us with our new hay steamer (Nuveq Summit). Your customer service throughout the purchase has been wonderful. Thanks also for demonstrating how to use it upon delivery – I came back to the yard having been on a pleasure ride to find two very excited members of staff! We are all so pleased to have steamed hay again (humans and horses!)“

Claire Hinitt – RDA Suffolk

If you’re unsure of which hay steamer best suits your needs, you can always give us a call on 01379 588472, or email us at sales@elitesaddlery.co.uk, we will be happy to help you find what you need.