Timothy or Orchardgrass Hay
For most healthy adult horses in light to moderate work -- timothy and orchardgrass are the standard cool-season grass hays, balanced for maintenance without excess calories.
Runner-up: Bermudagrass Hay · Retake the quiz
Why this fits you
- Your horse is a healthy adult in light to moderate work.
- You're in the Northeast, Midwest, or Pacific Northwest where these grasses grow widely.
- You want a balanced, widely available maintenance hay.
Timothy and orchardgrass are the benchmark cool-season grass hays for horse owners in much of the US -- moderate protein (8-10%), moderate sugar, and widely available, making them a safe default for a healthy adult horse without special dietary needs. They're a good starting point when you're not sure what else applies.
How it compares
| Hay type | Protein | Sugar/starch risk | Typical use |
| Timothy or Orchardgrass Hay | 8-10% | Moderate | Healthy adult maintenance |
| Low-Sugar Hay | Varies (tested) | Tested under 10% | Metabolic/laminitis horses |
| Alfalfa Hay | 15-20% | Low-moderate | Growth, lactation, heavy work |
| Grass-Alfalfa Mix Hay | 10-15% | Low-moderate | Moderate work, ulcers, seniors |
| Bermudagrass Hay | 7-10% | Generally low | Southeast maintenance |
| Hay Cubes or Chopped Forage | Varies by type | Varies by type | Dental/chewing issues |
Buying checklist
- Check for good color (green, not brown/bleached) and a fresh, sweet smell
- Avoid hay with visible mold, dust, or weeds
- Second or third cutting is typically softer and leafier than first cutting
When this isn’t the right fit
Timothy or orchardgrass is not enough for growing, nursing or hard-working horses with higher nutrient needs, and it is not a safe default for a metabolic horse unless the hay has been tested. It may also be hard to find in some regions.
Other results from this quiz may suit your situation better:
- Hay Cubes or Chopped Forage: for horses that drop wads of hay, chew slowly, or have missing teeth
- Alfalfa Hay: for young growing horses, nursing mares, or horses in heavy work
- Grass-Alfalfa Mix Hay: for moderate work, older horses, or gastric-sensitive horses
- Bermudagrass Hay: for horse owners in the Southeast and Gulf Coast
- Low-Sugar Hay: for metabolic horses (insulin resistance, EMS, Cushing's/PPID) or those with a laminitis history
Because this touches your horse’s health or comfort, check with your veterinarian before you act on a general guide like this one.
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between timothy and orchardgrass?
Both are similar cool-season grasses with comparable nutrition; orchardgrass is often slightly higher in protein and more palatable to some horses, but the difference is usually minor.
How much timothy hay does a horse need daily?
Roughly 2% of body weight per day in total forage is the standard guideline -- a 1,100 lb horse would need about 22 lb of hay daily if hay is the only forage source.
Is timothy hay good for all horses?
It's a solid default for healthy adults, but horses with metabolic conditions, very heavy work, or growth/pregnancy needs may need different hay -- check your horse's specific situation.
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