35. Understanding Hay & Pasture Analysis Results for Horses

Forage sits at the very heart of equine nutrition, yet for most horse owners, the numbers on a hay or pasture analysis can feel like a foreign language. In this deep-dive episode of the Happy Horse Nutrition Podcast, Dr Nerida sits down with Anthony Balzer and Kimberly Detmers from Feed Central and Local Ag for an enlightening conversation about what’s really in our forage, how much it changes, and why testing matters more than most people realise.

Together, they explore how hay and pasture analysis can influence everything from basic health to performance, soundness, growth, and healthy pregnancies. You’ll hear:

• Why forage can make or break a horse’s health—and sometimes an entire racing stable
• How hay and pasture testing actually works
• The critical mineral shifts that dictate whether a youngster grows sound joints or ends up with OCD
• Why nitrate levels matter (and the way it affects laminitis, broodmare health, and athletic performance)
• What “safe” NSC levels look like for laminitic horses
• Why TEFF hay is not always the low-sugar safe option many believe
• How ingredient and species diversity in forage protects gut health and reduces colic risk
• How to dilute risk by feeding multiple, tested forages
• What makes a “near perfect” performance horse hay—and why no single hay is perfect for every horse; and
• Where to send hay and pasture for analysis in Australia or overseas

With practical examples, on-farm stories, and clear explanations, this episode makes hay and pasture numbers approachable for every horse owner—from broodmare managers to everyday riders.

If you’ve ever wondered what your hay and pasture is really doing inside your horse, this episode is essential listening. Understanding forage is one of the most powerful ways to keep your horses healthy, performing well, and protected from avoidable nutrition-related issues.

📱 Download the MyHappy.Horse app:https://apps.apple.com/app/myhappy-horse/id6633422324

🔬 Find out more about hay and pasture testing or submit a sample: https://www.feedcentral.com.au/how-to-submit-a-feed-sample-for-testing/

🌱 Buy Aussie hay that has already been tested: https://www.localag.com.au/buy

🐴 Check out the analysis services from Equi-Analytical: https://equi-analytical.com

If this episode helped you feel more confident about what’s in your hay and pasture, a quick rating or review in your podcast app really helps more horse owners find the show, and more horses get fed the way that’s best 💗