Characterizing hay buying and feeding practices and attitudes among Pennsylvania horse owners.
Authors: Kenny Laura B, Smarsh Danielle N
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hay Buying Practices Among Pennsylvania Horse Owners Between October 2021 and February 2022, Kenny and Smarsh surveyed 346 Pennsylvania horse owners to establish current data on hay purchasing behaviours, attitudes, and decision-making criteria—filling a notable gap in equine market research. The respondent population was predominantly recreational horse keepers (76%) managing small herds of 2–5 horses, with small square (2-string) bales dominating purchasing patterns at 93%, primarily because larger formats presented handling and storage challenges for 70% and 60% of respondents respectively. Quality assessment centred on three sensory attributes: the absence of mould was considered "very important" by 98% of buyers, whilst absence of weeds and smell were rated similarly critical by 53% and 52%, yet notably absent from this list was any mention of nutritional analysis—63% of respondents never subjected their hay to laboratory testing for nutrient content. Direct purchasing from local farmers was the overwhelmingly preferred supply chain (90%), and a striking proportion of owners (38–50%) failed to utilise hay feeders in either stall or pasture settings. These findings highlight a significant disconnect between hay quality perception (sensory assessment only) and actual nutritional adequacy, and suggest considerable scope for educating horse owners about storage efficiency, hay analysis protocols, and the practical and economic benefits of mechanical feeding systems.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Hay producers should recognize that the Pennsylvania market is dominated by small square bales sold direct to recreational horse owners (76% of market); marketing and distribution should reflect this preference
- •Equine nutritionists have a significant educational opportunity with horse owners regarding hay analysis and nutrient management, as nearly two-thirds never test their hay
- •Veterinary practices can improve client outcomes by educating horse owners on the importance of hay quality assessment (mold and weed absence are top priorities) and discussing practical solutions for hay storage and handling barriers
Key Findings
- •93% of Pennsylvania horse owners purchase small square bales (2-string), with 75% buying exclusively by the bale rather than in bulk
- •90% of hay buyers source directly from local farmers, making this the dominant supply chain
- •Inability to transport or handle large bales (70%) and inadequate storage (60%) are the primary barriers to bulk hay purchasing
- •63% of hay buyers never have hay analyzed for nutrient content, and most do not use hay feeders (38-50% depending on location)