WHY DO HORSES NEED HAY?

Horses need hay for various critical reasons, and donating to Save the Horses Hay Drive is a valuable way to support their well-being and the mission of this rescue organization.

Here's why hay is essential for horses and why people should consider donating to this cause:

1. Nutritional Necessity: Hay is a primary source of nutrition for horses. It provides essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are vital for their overall health.
   
2. Digestive Health: Horses have a unique digestive system that relies on a continuous intake of fibrous materials like hay. Proper digestion and gut health depend on a regular supply of fiber to support the fermentation process in their gut. Without enough hay, horses can suffer from digestive disorders.
   
3. Dental Health: Chewing hay helps maintain horses' dental health. The act of grinding down hay fibers naturally wears down their teeth, preventing dental issues that can arise if their diet lacks fiber.
   
4. Weight Management: Hay is an important tool for managing a horse's weight. It can help them maintain a healthy body weight or, when necessary, gain weight gradually. Adequate access to hay is crucial for horses' weight control.
   
5. Mental Stimulation: Foraging for hay stimulates natural grazing behavior in horses, which is essential for their mental and emotional well-being. It provides mental stimulation, preventing boredom and reducing stress.
   
6. Continuous Forage: Horses have a natural instinct to graze throughout the day. Hay ensures they always have access to forage, even when pasture grazing isn't available or during the winter months.
   
7. Emergency Preparedness: A stockpile of hay can be vital in emergencies, such as natural disasters or disruptions in the supply chain. Having a reserve of hay ensures that horses can continue to be well-fed in challenging situations.
   

By donating to Save the Horses Hay Drive, individuals can directly contribute to the rescue's ability to provide this essential resource to the animals they care for. It helps ensure that rescued horses, as well as other animals in their care, receive proper nutrition and can maintain their health and well-being. Donations to the Hay Drive provide tangible support that directly impacts the lives of these animals.
Additionally, donating to this cause raises awareness about the importance of proper equine nutrition and the challenges faced by equine rescues like Save the Horses in securing these vital resources. It allows people to be part of a compassionate community that comes together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these animals, giving them a chance at a better future.

Visit our page to donate to the 2023 Hay Drive.
https://savethehorses.org/hay-drive.html