As the UK faces an anticipated shortage of hay and forage this coming winter due to unusually poor yields caused by unpredictable weather, many horse owners are reconsidering their feeding strategies.
One key decision is whether to use large round hay bales—often called “Hestons”—or smaller rectangular bales. Both options come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks, particularly in terms of storage, cost, labour, and horse health.
Storage and Handling
Large round bales are typically bough in bulk, and stored outdoors since their tight wrapping and size protects the hay better from wind and moisture. This can be especially beneficial when space is limited or indoor storage is unavailable. In contrast, small rectangular bales are more suited to dry, sheltered storage to avoid spoilage and mould, which can demand more space.
When it comes to manual labour, smaller bales are much easier to handle individually, requiring less physical strength or equipment to move, but it does mean moving them more regularly, and often in greater number. Large round bales, weighing several hundred kilograms, usually need machinery like tractors or bale handlers for delivery, transport and feeding, and dedicated large spaces to store even a single bale once opened and in use.
Cost and Sharing
Large round bales often provide better value for money on a per-kilogram basis because they are produced and sold in bulk. However, their size can be a downside for smaller yards or owners who only need small amounts of hay. Splitting a large bale between multiple owners can be difficult without proper equipment, whereas smaller rectangular bales can be easily divided and shared among several horse owners, offering greater flexibility in purchasing and budgeting. This also makes it easier to split costs or keep a track of who is using what, because varying sized nets filled from large bales are hard to keep note of, whereas small bales can be sold individually for sole use by each livery, and to be kept in their own dedicated storage area, and can also easily be split into ‘slices’ for the purpose of rationing without the need to weigh each and every net.
On the other hand, if used to top up grazing in the winter, a large Heston can be much easier to manoeuvre into the paddock either loose or in a feeder, than having to transport multiple small bales, and distribute bale by bale around the paddock, as well as causing less mess and loose hay.
Health Considerations
Feeding from large round bales can pose some health risks. Often the larger bales are dustier, which is not ideal. Because these bales take longer to consume, hay exposed to the elements during use may become damp, increasing the chance of mould growth. Both mouldy and dusty hay can trigger respiratory problems such as equine asthma or allergic reactions. Additionally, there is a concern that poorly stored or spoiled large bales could harbour botulism spores, posing a serious health threat to horses.
On the other hand, smaller bales are generally used up more quickly, reducing the risk of mould or bacterial contamination. Their compact size allows for better inspection of hay quality before feeding.
Conclusion
With the looming threat of hay shortages due to this year’s poor yields, horse owners must carefully weigh their options. Large round bales offer convenience in storage and cost savings but demand machinery and pose potential health risks if not managed carefully. Small rectangular bales provide flexibility, ease of handling, and possibly safer feeding but require more storage space and tend to be more expensive per kilo.
Ultimately, choosing between large and small bales depends on each owner’s individual circumstances, including available storage, equipment, herd size, and budget. Regardless of bale size, ensuring hay quality and proper storage is vital to keep horses healthy through the challenging months ahead.
Horse owners and carers should ensure that regardless of whether they choose large round bales or small rectangular bales, they are purchasing high-quality hay. With supplies expected to be limited this season and many regular suppliers facing low stock, options may be scarce. If sourcing hay from an unfamiliar supplier, it’s especially important to thoroughly check the quality before or at the time of delivery. Poor-quality hay not only risks being wasted if horses refuse to eat it, but it can also lead to serious health problems down the line. Taking the time to inspect bales for mould, dust, or unusual odours can save both money and prevent feeding issues during a difficult winter.