Timothy hay and Orchard grass hay are two of the most popular choices among horse owners. 

Timothy hay is a long-time favorite known for its consistency and balanced nutrition. Orchard hay, on the other hand, is softer, leafier, and often more palatable. 

So which one should you feed? 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, so you can pick the best option to help your horse thrive.

Timothy vs Orchard Hay: Key Takeaway

The best option depends on your horse’s needs. Timothy hay is lower in calories and sugar, making it ideal for easy keepers and horses with metabolic issues. Meanwhile, Orchard hay is softer, higher in protein, and often more palatable – great for performance horses or picky eaters. 

What Makes a Good Horse Hay?

Before comparing Timothy and Orchard hay, it’s important to know what makes any hay “good” for horses. The following are the top four qualities of good hay;

• Fresh smell and clean look – Good hay smells sweet and earthy. It should never smell musty, moldy, or sour. The color should be green or light green, not brown or gray.
• Soft texture – Horses prefer hay that’s soft, leafy, and easy to chew. Coarse, stemmy hay can be hard on their mouths and teeth.
• Nutrient balance – High-quality hay offers a good mix of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Too much sugar or too little fiber can upset the digestive system.
• Proper harvest timing – Hay cut too early may be too rich, while hay cut too late can be overly fibrous and low in nutrients.

Thankfully, both Timothy hay and Orchard grass hay meet these high standards and are trusted worldwide. But, they each bring something unique to your horse’s diet – and that’s what we’ll explore next.

What is Timothy Hay?

Timothy hay is one of the most popular and widely recommended hays for horses. It’s known for its consistency, balance, and excellent fiber content. 

Indeed, many veterinarians and nutritionists consider it the “gold standard” of horse forage.

Timothy hay comes from a perennial grass called Phleum pratense. It grows best in cool climates and is commonly grown in regions such as the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe. 

The hay has long, fine stems, fluffy seed heads, and a pleasant, sweet smell.

Nutritionally, Timothy hay offers a steady mix of fiber, protein, and minerals. It’s also rich in digestible fiber, which supports gut health and keeps the digestive system working smoothly. 

Timothy hay is moderate in protein – usually around 7-11% – and low in calcium and sugar, making it safe for most horses, including those prone to metabolic issues.

There are different cuts of Timothy hay:

• First-cut: Coarser, more fibrous, and lower in calories. Great for easy keepers or horses on a weight-control diet.
• Second-cut: Softer, leafier, and more nutrient-dense. Often, the most balanced option for most horses.
• Third-cut: The softest and most palatable, often used for picky eaters or horses with dental problems.

Overall, Timothy hay is valued for its balance. It offers steady energy, excellent fiber, and a clean taste that most horses enjoy.

Pros of Timothy Hay

• High fiber supports healthy digestion and helps prevent colic.
• Low in calories and protein, ideal for easy keepers and overweight horses.
• Offers reliable, balanced nutrients in every bale.
• Easy to find and often more affordable in many regions.

Cons of Timothy Hay

• The coarser texture means some horses, especially older ones, may find it less palatable.
• Lower protein and calcium levels may mean it does not meet the needs of growing, lactating, or performance horses.
• Less variety in taste: Some picky eaters may prefer softer, sweeter hay types.

What is Orchard Grass Hay?

Orchard grass hay is another top choice for horse owners. It comes from a perennial cool-season grass called Dactylis glomerata. Like Timothy, it’s grown in many regions across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

This hay has a fine, leafy texture, fewer stems, and a greener appearance. 

It’s often softer than Timothy hay, which makes it easier for horses to chew, especially seniors or horses with dental issues. The pleasant smell and taste also make it a favorite for picky eaters.

Nutritionally, Orchard hay is slightly higher in protein and calories than Timothy hay. It contains 10–14% protein, depending on the cut and growing conditions. 

It’s also rich in fiber, though its fiber content is often slightly lower than Timothy’s. This makes Orchard hay a good option for horses needing a little extra energy or help maintaining weight. 

Orchard hay has a balanced mineral profile, with moderate levels of calcium and phosphorus. 

It’s gentle on the digestive system and well-tolerated by most horses. However, because it can have higher sugar levels depending on harvest time, it’s best to test it before feeding to horses with metabolic issues like insulin resistance or laminitis.

Pros of Orchard Hay

• The soft and leafy texture makes it highly palatable and easier for horses to chew. 
• A higher protein and energy content makes it great for performance horses, lactating mares, or those needing to gain weight.
• A rich aroma and sweetness encourage better appetite and consistent hay intake.
• Good fiber content supports digestive health while offering more calories than Timothy hay.

Cons of Orchard Hay

• A higher sugar content makes it undesirable for horses with metabolic issues like laminitis or insulin resistance. 
• It can lose leaves easily, thus requires careful handling and storage to maintain quality.
• Not readily available in some regions, so it can be pricier or harder to source than Timothy hay.

Timothy Vs Orchard Hay: Head-to-Head Comparison

The following is a head-to-head comparison to help you pick the best option for your horse.

Orchard Hay vs Timothy: Appearance

While both are high-quality grass hays for horses, Orchard hay and Timothy hay look noticeably different. 

Orchard hay is typically softer, greener, and leafier, with fine, flexible stems and a rich, sweet aroma. It feels smooth to the touch and has a lush, uniform texture that many horses find appealing.

Timothy hay, on the other hand, is coarser and more fibrous. It often contains a mix of stems, seed heads, and leaves, with a more straw-like look. The color ranges from pale green to light brown.

Orchard Hay vs Timothy: Nutritional Comparison 

Both Timothy hay and Orchard hay are high-quality grass hays. But they offer slightly different benefits depending on your horse’s needs.

Protein content

Orchard hay contains more protein than Timothy hay. It contains 10–14% protein, while Timothy has 7–11% protein.

Since extra protein helps build and maintain muscle, Orchard hay is a good choice for performance horses, young horses, or those recovering from illness. Meanwhile, Timothy’s lower protein is often a better fit for easy keepers or horses prone to weight gain.

Fiber levels

Timothy hay is higher in fiber. Orchard hay, while still fibrous, is usually softer and slightly lower in fiber, making it easier to chew and digest.

Remember that fiber is essential for digestive health and helps regulate weight. Therefore, horses that need to stay lean or have sensitive digestive systems often do better on Timothy.

Calories and energy

Orchard hay provides more energy per pound because it’s slightly richer in nutrients. This makes it ideal for horses in training, growing foals, or mares in late pregnancy.

Timothy hay has fewer calories, which helps control weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions like laminitis.

Sugar and starch (NSCs)

Both hays can vary in sugar content depending on harvest timing. However, Timothy hay tends to have lower levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), typically under 10%. Orchard bales range from 10–14% NSC or more.

Thus, for horses with metabolic issues, insulin resistance, or Cushing’s disease, Timothy hay is often the safer choice. Always test your hay to know for sure.

Minerals: Calcium and phosphorus

Both hays have good mineral balance, but Orchard is slightly higher in calcium. This can be beneficial for growing horses or lactating mares needing more minerals.

Meanwhile, Timothy’s lower calcium makes it ideal for balancing diets that already include fortified feeds or alfalfa.

Timothy vs Orchard Hay: Palatability and Digestibility 

Orchard hay often wins in this category. It’s naturally softer, leafier, and sweeter-smelling than Timothy hay. Therefore, many horses find it easier to chew and more enjoyable to eat. 

This makes Orchard hay a great choice for picky eaters, older horses, or those recovering from dental problems.

Meanwhile, Timothy hay is slightly coarser. Nevertheless, it has a pleasant, grassy flavor that most horses still like. 

It’s especially good for horses that need more chewing time to slow down their eating and aid digestion. It’s higher in fiber, which also helps keep the digestive system active and healthy.

Digestibility is another key factor. Horses digest Orchard hay a bit more easily because it’s softer and slightly lower in fiber. This allows for smoother breakdown in the gut and better nutrient absorption.

Timothy hay, on the other hand, takes longer to chew and digest. But that’s not a bad thing – it helps prevent boredom, promotes saliva production, and supports gut motility.

Timothy vs Orchard Hay: Availability 

When it comes to availability, Timothy hay often has the upper hand. It’s one of the most widely grown and easy-to-find hay types across Europe and North America. 

Because of its popularity and consistent demand, Timothy hay is also more commonly sold in various cuts and bale sizes.

Orchard hay, while increasingly popular, isn’t grown as extensively in many regions. It thrives in cooler, wetter climates, so its availability can vary depending on location and season. In many areas, it is harder to find.

Indeed, if you live in an area where Timothy hay is the standard, Orchard hay might need to be specially sourced. But both are generally accessible year-round through reputable hay dealers or online suppliers.

Timothy vs Orchard Hay: Cost 

Assuming equal availability, Timothy hay is usually more expensive. It grows more slowly and requires cooler climates, limiting its production areas. 

Moreover, it’s on high demand because it’s a long-time favorite for horse owners, small animal owners, and even export markets. All these factors push up the price.

Orchard hay, on the other hand, tends to be more affordable wherever it’s grown. It grows faster and can be harvested multiple times a year, which helps keep the supply steady.

That said, prices for both hays can fluctuate throughout the year. Droughts, heavy rain, or poor growing seasons can raise costs and reduce quality. 

Related read: Timothy Vs Alfalfa Hay. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Timothy and Orchard Hay

In the end, choosing between Timothy hay and Orchard hay depends on your horse’s specific needs and your feeding situation. Here’s a summary of the most important factors you need to think about:

Nutritional needs

Timothy hay is lower in protein, calories, and calcium, making it perfect for easy keepers or horses on maintenance diets. 

Meanwhile, Orchard hay offers more energy and nutrients, making it ideal for growing horses, broodmares, and active performance horses.

Digestibility and fiber

Timothy provides more structural fiber, which supports gut health and helps prevent digestive upsets. On the other hand, Orchard hay is softer and more digestible, making it ideal for older horses or those with dental issues.

Palatability

Most horses find Orchard hay tastier because it’s sweeter and leafier. However, some horses prefer Timothy hay’s coarser texture, especially if they’re used to it.

Health conditions

Horses with Cushing’s disease, laminitis, or insulin resistance usually do better on Timothy hay due to its lower sugar content.

Availability and cost

Timothy hay is widely available and consistent in quality. Unfortunately, Orchard hay may be less common in some regions, which makes it slightly more expensive.

Storage and handling

Timothy’s coarse stems make it easier to store and less prone to leaf loss. Meanwhile, Orchard hay needs gentle handling to preserve its leaves and nutrient value.

Horse preference

Ultimately, some horses simply prefer one over the other. If your horse cleans up every bit of Orchard but leaves Timothy, that’s your answer.

Which Hay Is Best for Your Horse Type? 

Every horse is different. What works for one may not work for another. For this reason, choosing between Timothy hay and Orchard hay often depends on your horse’s age, activity level, metabolism, and health.

Senior horses

Older horses often have dental issues and slower digestion. They need hay that’s soft, easy to chew, and gentle on the gut.

Orchard hay is usually the better choice here. Its fine texture and leafy consistency make it easier for seniors to eat and digest. It also provides more energy.

Performance or working horses

Horses in training, competition, or heavy work need higher energy and protein levels to support muscle and stamina.

Orchard hay provides slightly more calories and protein, making it a solid option for performance horses. It fuels energy and aids recovery.

Easy keepers or overweight horses

If your horse gains weight easily, Timothy hay is the smarter pick. It’s lower in calories, protein, and sugar, which helps manage weight without sacrificing fiber.

Timothy hay also keeps horses chewing longer, promoting saliva production and better digestion.

Horses with metabolic issues

Horses with Cushing’s disease, insulin resistance, laminitis, and other metabolic issues need low-sugar forage.

Timothy hay generally has lower non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) than Orchard hay, making it safer for these conditions.

Growing foals and pregnant mares

Foals and pregnant mares need more protein, calcium, and energy to support growth and development.

Orchard hay provides those extra nutrients naturally. It’s higher in protein and often more digestible, helping support strong muscles and steady weight gain.

Horses with dental or chewing problems

Horses missing teeth or struggling to chew benefit from Orchard hay. It’s soft, leafy, and breaks down easily when moistened or chopped.

Timothy hay can be too coarse for these horses, leading to waste or digestive issues if not properly chewed.

Picky eaters

Some horses simply refuse coarse hay. For these, Orchard hay is often irresistible. Its sweetness and tender leaves make it more palatable. 

Timothy-Orchard Mix: The Best of Both Worlds? 

If you can’t decide between Timothy hay and Orchard grass hay, you don’t always have to choose. A Timothy–Orchard hay mix provides the perfect balance of nutrition, texture, and taste.

This combination blends the best qualities of both hays. Timothy adds structure and fiber to support digestion. Meanwhile, Orchard brings softness and higher protein for better palatability and muscle maintenance. 

The result is a hay that’s nutritious, gentle, and appealing to almost every horse.

A Timothy–Orchard mix works especially well in multi-horse barns. Easy keepers, performance horses, and seniors can all benefit from it.

FAQs

Timothy Vs Orchard Hay: Conclusion

Both Timothy and Orchard hay are top choices that can keep your horse healthy and happy when fed properly. So you need to focus less on the name and more on quality, nutrition, and suitability. 

The right hay isn’t about popularity – it’s about what helps your horse thrive every single day.