Feeding horses in Central Texas is not the same as feeding horses in other parts of the country. Our long, hot summers, unpredictable drought cycles, sandy soils in some areas and heavy clay in others all affect pasture quality and hay availability.
When I had 28 horses on my ranch in Bastrop, I baled my own round bales just to make it through winter. Even with good pasture management, Texas summers can stress grasses and force supplementation earlier than expected. Coastal Bermuda is common here, but quality varies depending on rainfall and cutting timing. In drought years, sourcing consistent, clean hay becomes one of the biggest challenges for horse owners.
Many owners rely on a combination of round bales for maintenance feeding and square bales for stall horses or performance animals. Alfalfa is often brought in for added protein or for hard keepers and seniors. Extruded feeds can also be helpful for aged horses or those needing easier digestion.
Another important factor in Central Texas is storage. Humidity, sudden rainstorms, and heat can quickly ruin improperly stored hay. Covered storage, good airflow, and elevated pallets make a big difference in reducing waste.
Reliable local feed stores and hay suppliers are essential. Delivery options can save time and protect your back, especially when managing multiple horses or larger acreage properties.
I recently put together a guide highlighting feed stores and delivery services in Bastrop County, Fayette County, and surrounding areas. If you're looking for dependable hay sources or equine supply resources, you can read the full list on my website .
As someone who has bred Paint horses for as long as I’ve sold real estate, I understand that proper feeding is part of responsible horse ownership — and it’s also part of evaluating a horse property. Pasture quality, hay storage space, and access for delivery trucks all matter when buying or selling an equestrian property.
If you are considering buying or selling a horse property in Central Texas, I would love to help guide you through the process with real-world horse experience behind the advice.
Deb Dahlberg-Rowland
Realtor® | Horse Property Specialist serving Bastrop, Bastrop County, Fayette County and surrounding counties in Central Texas
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