Cleanliness, consistency, convenience, composition and cost-effectiveness (the five C’s) are important characteristics to consider when discussing the ideal hay for horses. Some of these characteristics are important to the health or performance of the horse, while others are important to the horse owner.

How important is hay?
Horses need fiber in their diet to maintain a normal digestive tract. For grazing horses, fiber comes from pasture, but for horses without access to pasture, hay provides the needed fiber.