I got 10 bales of Tiffton 44 (a type of coastal bermuda hay) for Spanky early October. I knew it had been left to dry too long (looked like last year hay!) but he's just starting in the hay business and I wanted to experiment.
Welllllllll........that hasn't turned out to be such a good idea.
Spanky is all ribs, hip bones and bony toplines. Coat is rough and I'm going to have to treat for rain rot. I've only had issues with his coat when he is too thin, so I know that's what it is. So I'm going to have to figure out a way to bathe him and dry him out quick. I'm going to check out the bathing room at Tractor Supply (TSC) and see how it's set up. If they have a Turbo Drier, I may just try to do him there. I'll let y'all know how that works out.
As for hay, I think I'll go back to buying from the feed store, since I have just the one mini AT THIS MOMENT....
My husband has finally agreed to consider a round bale. (More secret hand rubbing and chuckling.....
) If it looks and smells like last years did, I'll use that as my base, add alfalfa and continue with the senior feed that I haven't yet finished. My plan is to start conditioning him now, so I can get to a couple of rated shows next year. I really want to try him in the stock horse division. If it wasn't required to show in a harness class, I'd keep him for the draft classes.
I'll update here as we go along with the new feed plan. Remind me to post some progress pictures.