Water
Water is the number one nutrient in a horse’s diet. Fresh grass is more than 80% water, while hay is less than 11%. That is a big source of wasted water for the horse. A single sodden flake of hay can hold between one and two gallons of water. A horse fed 4 flakes of hay per day, which can equal up to 8 gallons of water per day from his feed alone.
Digestion
Unlike humans, horses only secrete saliva during chewing. Horses can produce 10 gallons of saliva per day. Domesticated horses, with 2 feeding times per day, only have two opportunities per day to chew. This means a significant drop in saliva production to around 3 gallons per day. That is a significant drop in moisture in the horses digestive system. By soaking the hay, you increase the moisture and digestibility of the hay.
laminitis
By soaking the hay for 1 hour, it reduces the sugar in the hay by up to 30%. Hay, even grass hay, can have up to 39% sugar. Why does this matter? Sugar has been shown to cause laminitis. Horses with symptoms of laminitis, results can be seen as early as 4-6 weeks.
Colic
There are two types of colic that hay soaking helps prevent. Impaction and Gas. For impaction, soaking the hay ensures that the horse receives enough water. A flake of hay contains between one and two gallons of water. Soggy hay is softer, more hydrated, and easier to digest.
For gas colic, scientists have been able to induce colic by injecting endotoxins into the horse. Endotoxins are the result of excess sugar in the horse’s diet. By soaking the hay for an hour, the sugar is reduced. Thus, endotoxins and your chances of gas colic are reduced.
Ulcers
Research has shown that diets high in sugar lower the pH in a horse’s system. Already prone and susceptible to ulcers, the horse needs all the help it can get. Hay has a vinegary pH and can be high in sugar. By soaking the hay for an hour, you lower the sugar levels in the hay and help neutralize the pH.
insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is a metabolic body type that requires proper diet and exercise. Just like you and me, cut out the sugar. By soaking the hay for an hour, you reduce the sugar content by up to 30%.
Cushing
Cushing’s is a hormonal disorder that depends on a healthy diet to maintain itself. Soaking the hay for one hour reduces the sugar and balances the minerals to a healthier state for the horse.
Respiratory
Soaking and steaming are treatments for horse respiratory problems. Both methods of treatment have the same effectiveness. For respiratory issues, soak hay for 30 minutes to reduce airborne particles by 90%.
He drowned
Soak hay for 30 minutes to help prevent choking and clogging. Wet hay is softer, heavier, and easier to chew. Horses have been shown to eat wet hay significantly slower than dry hay.
Behavior
Many horse owners have noticed behavioral differences in their horses when feeding them soggy hay. The reasons are unknown. One study (Nicol, Badnell-Water, et al) showed that feeding a horse a low-sugar diet made it less stressed, less fickle, more willing to perform, and more attentive to the environment.