Horse owners and livery yard managers are being warned to remain vigilant when buying hay and haylage, as reports emerge of scammers exploiting rising prices and reduced availability to target those struggling to secure supplies.
Fraudulent listings are commonplace on Facebook and other online marketplaces, with concerns that sellers are taking advance payments for forage that never arrives. Others have reportedly supplied poor-quality hay or haylage, subsequently refusing to accept returns or offer refunds. Some scammers are even creating fake business pages to appear legitimate and gain buyers’ trust.
With many owners under pressure to secure winter forage, it is easy to see how attractive prices and promises of immediate delivery can prove tempting. However, buyers risk losing significant sums of money, particularly when purchasing large quantities for livery yards.
A challenging market creates opportunities for fraud
Following shortages last winter, the hot, dry summer has left many horses requiring supplementary hay due to reduced grass availability, dipping into already low stocks for many.
The Animalweb Hay Survey, conducted earlier in the year, highlighted regional differences in forage price, quality and availability, with some areas of the UK struggling to find consistent supplies.
This is not a nationwide problem, and many reputable suppliers continue to provide reliable stock. However, shortages in some areas can leave buyers more vulnerable to fraudulent advertisements and pressure to pay upfront.
Yard owners are already battling rising costs and trying to keep overheads under control as they head into winter, traditionally one of the most expensive times of the year to keep horses, making the prospect of losing money to fraudulent forage sellers an additional and unwelcome financial burden.
How to protect yourself
Horse owners and yard managers are advised to:
- Buy locally where possible and ask other horse owners, neighbouring yards and local farmers for recommendations.
- Check sellers carefully, particularly newly created Facebook business pages or accounts with little verifiable history.
- Verify stock before paying and arrange an inspection where possible.
- Be cautious with advance payments, especially when dealing with unfamiliar sellers or those pressuring you to act quickly.
- Agree on quality and returns in advance, confirming what happens if the delivery does not match the description.
Remember, professional-looking advertisements and photographs are no guarantee that the seller or their stock is genuine.
Poor-quality forage can also put horses at risk
The concern is not just financial. Mouldy, excessively dusty or spoiled hay and haylage can pose respiratory and digestive health risks. Buyers should inspect deliveries carefully and avoid feeding forage that appears contaminated or unsafe.
Our advice is to buy from reputable suppliers, seek local recommendations and never let the pressure of finding forage override basic checks. If you suspect a scam, report the listing to the platform and contact your bank immediately if you have already made a payment.
With forage availability varying considerably across the UK, a little extra caution can help protect both your money and your horses’ welfare.