Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Haygain
Steaming Hay Through the Summer Months
With the abundance of summer grass, many horses will be enjoying this tasty forage source that they haven't seen much of over the winter months.
However, for horses stabled part of the time either to restrict the amount of grazing time or those competing, feeding Haygain steamed hay is still an important part of the diet.
Haygain are manufacturers of scientifically proven hay steamers, which eliminate respirable dust particles and bacteria from forage. This revolutionary concept means that horses can be fed clean hay or haylage which is highly palatable.
Regardless of whether you are feeding 'good' hay or haylage, there will still be some mould, bacteria and fungal spores, often referred to as 'dust', present in it, which can cause respiratory problems. Long fibre, hay or haylage, is such a large, important component of the horse's diet and as a result the horse spends much of its time with its nose in the forage so the hygienic quality is crucial.
Treating the forage with Haygain is an effective way to dramatically help reduce the risk of respiratory problems associated with forage allergies and other respiratory problems. The alternative is soaking hay, which is laborious, reduces the nutritional value of the hay and the post-soak water is classed as an environmental pollutant so should not be put down storm drains.
Hannah Biggs, International Dressage Rider, who uses Haygain steamers on her yard said: "I have complete peace of mind that my competition horses are getting the full nutritional value of their hay with no detrimental respiratory problems."
Indeed there are a whole host of professional riders who endorse the use of Haygain, including William Fox Pitt, Tim Stockdale and Laura Tomlinson, they too have seen the huge health benefits and cost savings.
It's not just professional riders who have seen the benefits, leisure rider Paulette Barker, from Devon has been thrilled with her Haygain steamer, saying: "I've had my HG-600 for three years now and it has cut the waste down by two thirds. It's paid for itself within the first year."
The Haygain hay steamer kills the respirable dust by thoroughly steaming from the centre outwards at 100 degrees Celsius. This is hugely beneficial to the health of the horse as it is this 'dust' that is inhaled deep into the lungs and challenges the respiratory system.
Whilst some horses don't show any clinical symptoms, in fact, 80% of horse's stabled part of the time, have some airway inflammation without showing any symptoms.
Research has shown that stabled horses may lose 30% of their maximum lung capacity, which will have detrimental effects on their health and performance.
The Haygain units are very straightforward to use and many riders comment on how easy and time saving it is. The forage is simply placed into the insulated, double skinned chest and pushed firmly down onto spiked manifolds. It takes 50-60 minutes to steam and can be fed straight away. Another advantage is the freshly steamed hay has an appealing sweet smell so is ideal for encouraging fussy eaters.
The Haygain hay steamer is available in four different sized models, ranging from the HG-2000 which is suitable for feeding four horses, down to the HG-GO which can accommodate a large hay net and is ideal to take to competitions.
So with the competition season in full swing, make the Haygain steamer an essential part of your kit.
For further information please contact HAYGAIN on (0333) 200 5233 or visit www.haygain.com