Hay vs Haylage: Which Forage Is Best for Your Horse?

Choosing the right forage is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your horse’s health and wellbeing. While hay has traditionally been the staple source of roughage, haylage has become increasingly popular across the UK. Each has its own nutritional profile, storage needs and benefits; and each can impact horses differently depending on their workload, age and health conditions such as Equine Asthma including COPD and RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction). 

In this guide we will break down the differences between hay and haylage, helping you make an informed decision about which forage is best for your horse. If you’re unsure or your horse has complex needs, it is always worth consulting a professional such as a vet. 

What Is Hay? 

Hay is grass that has been cut, left to dry naturally, and baled once its moisture content is low enough to store safely. The drying process typically removes most of the water, resulting in a stable, long-lasting feed that forms the basis of most horses’ diets. 

Pros of Hay 

Long shelf life – If stored correctly in a dry environment, hay can last through an entire winter without spoiling. Just make sure it doesn’t get nibbled by any mice or rats.  

Widely available & cost-effective – Hay is often cheaper than haylage and easier to buy in bulk. However, availability can vary and shortages are more common, pushing the price up, although still generally cheaper than haylage (2025 saw hay in very short supply!) 

Ideal for good doers – Lower moisture and energy content makes it suitable for horses that maintain weight easily, usually associated with warmbloods, ponies and native breeds. 

Works well with hay steamers – Steaming hay can significantly reduce mould spores, bacteria and dust. 

Cons of Hay 

Can contain dust and mould – Even good-quality hay can irritate the respiratory tract. This is especially concerning for horses with allergies or equine asthma. 

Variable nutritional value – The quality of the hay can depend on weather, cutting time and storage which has a knock-on effect on the quality and nutritional value for your horse. 

Needs soaking or steaming for sensitive horses – Soaking reduces sugars but creates heavy, messy wastewater. Steaming is a cleaner, more effective alternative. But won’t reduce sugars by much unless soaked first. It’s really designed to keep the nutritional value of hay. Keep in mind that soaking it for too long will lose beneficial nutrients as well as the sugar. 

What Is Haylage? 

Haylage is cut earlier than hay and baled with a higher moisture content before being wrapped in plastic to ferment. This creates a softer, more palatable forage with reduced dust levels. 

Pros of Haylage 

Lower dust content – Naturally more suitable for horses with respiratory issues, including COPD and RAO. 

 Higher energy content – Good for horses in medium to hard work or those requiring weight gain. This does depend on the variety, keep in mind that the lite and hi-fibre versions are low energy. 

 More palatable – Many horses prefer haylage’s softer texture and slightly fermented aroma. The softer texture is often beneficial for horses suffering with dental issues. The soft-cut variety is ideal for those with dental issues, some of the other varieties are quite coarse. 

 Nutrient retention – The baling and wrapping process preserves vitamins and minerals well, meaning less variation in the nutritional value. 

Cons of Haylage 

Shorter shelf life – Once opened, a bale must be used within around 3-10 days depending on conditions such as weather and storage. However, unopened haylage can last up to 12 months. However, steaming it will increase the shelf life. 

Higher cost – Typically more expensive due to production and wrapping costs but buying in bulk can help reduce the overall cost per unit. Here at Elite Saddlery, we can ship pallets of 40 bales countryside to help with the costs. 

Not ideal for laminitis – Generally higher in calories and sugars unless specifically produced as low-energy haylage. (Lite Variety considered safe for consumption for horses that suffer with laminitis.  

Storage challenges – Wrapped bales can split or puncture, which leads to spoilage. 

Which Is Better for Horses with Equine Asthma? 

Horses with asthma, RAO or IAD (Inflammatory Airway Disease) are especially sensitive to dust, mould spores and airborne allergens, so reducing exposure to these as much as possible will keep your horse in good health.  

Best Choice: Haylage or Steamed Hay 

• Haylage already contains far fewer dust particles than hay, making it a safe option. 

• Steamed hay using a high-quality system such as a Haygain hay steamer is often considered the gold standard for respiratory support. Steaming removes up to 99% of mould, fungal spores and bacteria while retaining nutritional value. 

Steaming is ideal for horses who prefer the texture of hay or need a lower-energy forage but still require dust-free feeding. 

Hay vs Haylage for Different Types of Horses 

Good Doers / Native Breeds 

• Often better on hay due to lower calorie density, unless using the lite varieties.  

• Soaked then steamed hay is excellent for weight management and additional respiratory support as it reduces the sugars. 

Performance Horses 

• Horses that work hard may benefit from haylage thanks to its higher energy content and digestibility. 

Horses with Metabolic Conditions 

• Low sugar steamed hay is usually the safest option. 

Older Horses 

• Soft haylage especially the soft-cut varieties, are easier to chew for horses with dental issues. 

• Steamed hay also becomes softer, helping horses with sensitive mouths. 

Using Hay Steamers: Why They Matter 

Whether you choose hay or haylage, a hay steamer can significantly enhance forage hygiene. 

• For hay: steaming reduces dust and allergens dramatically. 

• For haylage: steaming isn’t usually necessary with haylage, but some yards steam it for added hygiene where respiratory issues are severe and to prolong the shelf life of haylage 

If you’re feeding hay and want the cleanest, safest forage possible, investing in a Haygain steamer can be transformative for airway health, digestion and overall comfort. Here at Elite Saddlery, we can give demonstrations to highlight the effectiveness of these steamers. Just contact us to find out more.  

Summary: Which Should You Choose? 

Both hay and haylage have a place in equine nutrition; it may be worth trialling both options to see which works best for your pony or horse in the long term.  

• Hay is affordable, long-lasting and great for good doers — especially when steamed. 

• Haylage can be more dust-free, palatable and energy-rich which is better for sensitive or hard-working horses. 

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your horse’s health, workload and appetite. For horses with respiratory issues, steamed hay or good quality haylage can significantly improve comfort and performance. 

If you need low sugar hay, go for a variety such as Timothy which is naturally low in sugar, we always recommend getting your hay analysed for nutritional value if you are concerned about metabolic issues.