Forage forms the foundation of a horse’s diet - it is what horses are naturally designed to eat. Yet, not all forage is the same. From hidden dust and mould to nutrient imbalances, the quality of forage can have a significant impact on your horse’s overall health and wellbeing. In this article, we will explore the risks of poor-quality forage, what makes truly good forage, and how Thunderbrook ensures every horse receives the best nature can offer.
Why poor forage can be a problem
Forage that looks acceptable at first glance might be hiding contents that are harmful to horses. Here are some of the things to be aware of.
Dust and mould
If forage is poorly stored or harvested incorrectly, it can develop moulds and gather dust. Breathing in these contaminants can irritate a horse’s airways, leading to coughing, respiratory inflammation, or even more serious conditions, such as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO).
High sugar and fructan Levels
Grass and hay that are stressed, over-fertilised, or cut at the wrong stage of growth can be high in sugars and fructans. High levels can contribute to digestive upset, behavioural changes, laminitis, and faecal water syndrome.
Low structural fibre
Forage that is too soft, short, or leafy may not provide enough fibre. Horses rely on long, coarse fibres to stimulate chewing, saliva production, and healthy gut movement. Lack of fibre can increase the risk of colic, faecal water, and gastric ulcers.
Contamination
Weeds, soil particles, or even toxic plants such as ragwort can find their way into poor-quality hay, posing a real danger to a horse’s digestive and liver health.
In summary, bad forage not only disrupts digestion but can affect energy levels, hoof health, coat condition, and even temperament. An unhealthy horse is an unhappy horse.
What makes good forage for horses?
Clean and fresh-smelling
Good forage has a clean, grassy aroma. It should smell sweet and natural — never musty, sour, or overly sharp. If your horse isn't eating their hay, it could be because of the latter points.
Naturally low dust
Forage that is naturally clean requires no chemical treatments to reduce dust levels. Well-made hay, grown on healthy pastures, should be dust-free by nature.
Appropriate sugar balance
Good forage comes from fields managed without excessive artificial fertilisers. Healthy pasture management ensures that grass grows at a steady rate, keeping natural sugar and fructan levels low and balanced. Spikes in sugar from overly rich or stressed grass are the main cause of laminitis.
Rich in fibre
High-quality forage is rich in mature, fibrous stalks. This type of fibre is essential for the physical and microbial health of the digestive system, encouraging slow, steady fermentation in the hindgut, which is where ulcers typically appear due to bad or a lack of forage.
Careful harvesting and storage
Properly timed cutting, gentle drying, and correct storage methods are crucial. These steps preserve nutritional value and minimise spoilage or contamination.
Overall, choosing the right forage is not just about what your horse eats — it is about supporting their entire natural system.
Why Thunderbrook forage stands apart
At Thunderbrook, we are dedicated to providing forage that truly supports horses in the way nature intended.
- Grown naturally, without artificial fertilisers, herbicides, or pesticides.
- Cut and cured with care to preserve the maximum nutritional value.
- Low in sugars and fructans to support metabolic, digestive, and behavioural health.
- Naturally low dust and free from contaminants.
- Rich in essential fibres that stimulate proper chewing, gut movement, and microbial balance.
Our forages are suitable for horses of all ages, breeds, and activity levels, including those prone to laminitis, gastric sensitivity, or respiratory issues. Every feed is carefully crafted to nourish and protect, just as nature intended.
When you choose Thunderbrook, you are not just feeding forage - you are feeding health, vitality, and peace of mind.
Discover our product highlights:
Healthy Herbal Chaff
A dust-free, soft chaff made from a natural blend of alpine grasses and herbs - perfect for adding structure to meals, encouraging chewing, and supporting digestive health naturally.
Meadow Nuts
100% pure, sun-dried alpine meadow grasses, gently pressed into easy-to-feed nuts. Ideal for horses requiring low-starch, high-fibre nutrition without added sugars, molasses, or fillers.
Organic Meadow Nuts
Certified organic, these nuts provide a pure, natural source of forage in a convenient form, suitable for sensitive horses and those needing the cleanest, most natural nutrition possible.
If you believe in feeding your horse with kindness, simplicity, and purity, Thunderbrook is your trusted partner.
Discover the full Thunderbrook range and learn more about feeding by nature here >
