What is hay soaking?
Soaking hay means fully submerging hay in water for a set amount of time (usually 30 – 60 minutes), then draining it. This makes hay safer to eat for horses with certain health conditions by reducing levels of sugars and starches -- as well as dust and bacteria -- in the hay.
Why should I soak hay?
Soaking hay reduces the levels of sugars and starches in it, as well as dust and bacteria, so it helps with these conditions in horses:
- Laminitis and founder
- Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, Hyperinsulinemia
- PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) and other muscle issues
- Being obese or overweight
- Chronic breathing issues such as “heaves” or Equine Asthma Syndrome
- Soaking also reduces the levels of potassium (K) in hay, so it can be helpful for horses with HYPP. Also, some people like to provide soaked hay for their horses to help keep them hydrated. Others have found that their senior horses have an easier time chewing soft, wet hay.
How do I soak hay?
Place hay in the basket (provided) and place the basket in The HAY SOAKER tub. Put the hold-down tray on top to keep the hay fully submerged then close the lid. Program the included timer with desired fill and drain times and your hay will be soaked and ready to feed when you are!
