Animalweb Hay Forum: What’s Really Going On with Hay?
Hay is no longer a simple, predictable part of horse ownership, and this webinar makes it clear just how much things are changing.
In this live Animalweb Hay Forum, leading experts, including Dr David Marlin, Dr Katie Williams, Prof Meriel Moore-Colyer and Nikki Meggison, come together to unpack the growing concerns around hay availability, quality and cost across the UK.
Drawing on real-world data, including insights from Animalweb’s recent hay poll, this session goes far beyond anecdote. It explores what horse owners are actually experiencing on the ground, from rising prices and regional shortages to increasing variability in forage quality.
What quickly becomes clear is that this isn’t just about a “hay shortage”. It’s a far more complex issue involving weather patterns, farming decisions, supply chains and wider agricultural pressures, all of which are now directly impacting horse owners.
Speakers:
- Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer
- Dr David Marlin
- Dr Katie Williams
- Nikki Meggison
This is one of those sessions where almost every horse owner will recognise something from their own experience, but also come away seeing the bigger picture more clearly.
Watch the replay to:
- Understand what’s really driving rising hay prices and availability issues
- Hear expert analysis of whether there is a genuine shortage or a shift in supply dynamics
- Learn how forage quality may be changing, and what that means nutritionally for your horse
- Get practical, evidence-based advice on managing forage risk and planning ahead
- See how your own experience compares with other horse owners across the UK
- Cut through common assumptions and myths around hay, supply and feeding
The discussion is grounded in both science and real-world experience, making it highly relevant whether you manage one horse or an entire yard.
Webinar Programme:
TIME STAMP
00:00 – Introduction – Dr David Marlin
05:18 – Climate Change – Implications for forage production in the UK – Dr Katie Williams
26:42 – Hay Survey Availability & Cost, the Results! – Dr David Marlin
43:26 – Forage Replacement and Making Forage Last – Nikki Meggison
01:13:39 – Myth Busting: Forage Quality and Management – Prof Meriel Moore-Colyer
01:33:03 – Panel Q&A Session
Some small parts of the webinar have mild sound issues. If you are struggling to hear, then please turn closed captions on to help you follow what is being said. Simply click on the CC box at the bottom of the video player; it is next to the volume control.
