Hi, I am a brand new horse owner....so much to learn.
I have a 6-yr. old Friesian/Andalusian horse and just recently moved to a new barn. I was informed to feed my horse grass hay only.

Can you please tell me if rye grass is good to feed both am and pm (2 flakes ea.)? I read that rye grass may cause a neurological and coordination problems.

Can you please tell me what hay is best to feed him? (Also in reading various posts, it appears that my horse, at times, lifts his left hind foot when he is in cross ties). Could this be the onset of EPSM

Thanks for your fine assistance.

Best regards,

Leslie (in California)

First of all, congratulations on your new horse. What a great breeding! As to hay, some people prefer grass hay, others prefer alfalfa hay, and both have pluses and minuses. The bottom line is that either are fine provided they are good quality hays. Rye grass can cause a neurologic problem called Rye Grass Staggers. This isn't due to a problem with the rye grass itself, but rather is caused by a fungus that can infect the rye grass and produce a toxin. Most cases of rye grass staggers occur when horses graze affected grass on pasture. It is less common (although still possible) to occur from eating rye grass hay. It appears that the toxin breaks down in hay. This is a very uncommon condition and I would not hesitate to feed good quality rye hay. Be sure, though, to check with your veterinarian, as he or she is most familiar with the hays and grasses in your area. As to the "hike" behind, this might be nothing but it could also be early shivers. I'd recommend feeding an EPSM type diet, watching to make sure he does not gain unwanted weight, and see how he is doing in 6 months or so. Be sure to give him plenty of turnout and exercise, and I'd give a vitamin E supplement (can't hurt, might help) and check whether your area is selenium deficient. I hope this helps, and do let us know how things go with him!