FINDING suitable forage for horses in Ireland has become increasingly difficult, especially for those with dietary needs, such as animals prone to equine metabolic syndrome, laminitis or obesity. Owners are facing a serious shortage of low-sugar, high-fibre hay like Timothy or traditional mixed meadow hay. The culprit? Ryegrass.

Ryegrass is now the dominant grass used for hay and haylage production across Ireland. While ideal for dairy and beef industries, producing lush, energy-dense fodder that fattens cattle and boosts milk yields, it’s far from appropriate for horses. For native breeds and ponies in particular, ryegrass can be dangerously rich. It’s high in non-structural carbohydrates (sugars and starches) and lacks the coarse fibre horses need for healthy digestion. In short, Ireland’s forage system has become optimised for livestock, leaving horse owners with limited, often unsuitable options.