Can hay change behavior?

[Sondra]

I have recently begun feeding my thoroughbred a blend of hay that is 25% alfalfa and 75% orchard grass. He is starting to become more "alert" when led: head up high, nostrils wide open, a bit jumpy, etc. I attributed his behavior to the weather becoming colder, and him just naturally becoming more frisky. However, could it be possible that the alfalfa is causing his change in behavior? I am going to cut back on the alfalfa mix hay, and increase the amount of plain hay to see if it makes a difference, but I thought I would gather your opinions while I wait to see if the change in hay calms him back down.
Thanks for your input.

[jamsinthecat]

most definately! My equine chiropractor first told me about the personality altering affects of alfalfa, she reckons that it is a huge cause of alot of equine vices/aggression. (a bit like food colourings and children, she says). and once you start to look it is amazing how difficult it is to find a horse feed that doesn't have alfalfa in (it must be cheap to grow!). on my chiro's advice I have cut all alfalfa from my ponies diet and it has made an astonishing difference to her temperament. she now gets fed Easy Rider from Badminton feeds and is a calm happy pony, instead of the tense, aggressive girl she was before. A few other people on my yard have done the same thing and all have been amazed at the positive results, so I would definately suggest cutting out the alfalfa and see how you get on:)

[Fanshawe]

Yep certainly can. Didn't know about the theory about alfalfa though -will remember that!

[popdog]

Yep...it can! My friends ex-racehorse used to get very nervy on alfalfa - he would come out of his stable bucking.

[puzzles]

Ditto. :-)

xx