Every March my hay supplier runs-out of hay until he starts cutting hay again for the year. Last June, when the first load of hay was delivered I was asked how many horses he should plan on for the year That way he could set aside enough bales. I told him four. Little did I know that I would be providing lay-up for 4 polo horses, which brought the total to 8 horses. Of course, this meant I still ran-out of hay. I have been spoiled by my hay supplier, whom I have been using for the past 15 years. I don't even need to call him when I run low, as he stops by periodically to check on what I might need, and then just delivers, and leaves me the bill. He even loads the hay into our hay loft. This for $5 a bale, its very nice hay, and I am supporting a local farmer. No, I will not give you his name!! When my hay supply began to run low in March, I started looking around for hay to get me through until first cutting. This involves lots of searching and phone calls. You may be thinking that I should ask other horse owners who supplies their hay, but no one wants to divulge that information for fear of their horses not having hay for the rest of the season. Then I have to go to look at the hay and see if it is suitable for feeding to my horses. Prices ran from $5.75-$11.99 a bale, and this is not delivered. The expensive bales are not necessarily the most palatable hay. We did pick up 50 bales of the cheaper hay, but I did not like the people we bought it from--I know--what a ridiculous reason! I found some local hay that was advertised for $6 a bale, but by the time I called, all he had left were the big round bales, which I am leery to try, as I feel a lot would be wasted. Finally, I found on Craigslist, a supplier that had alfalfa/timothy hay that was around $10 a bale delivered and loaded, if I purchased at least 2 tons. These are big 70 lb. bales and he did deliver and stack. Wow, 2 tons is a huge amount of hay! It is very impressive when stacked! I just hope that my 8 horses don't eat 2 tons before June! Hay stretcher pellets anyone???????
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