Timothy hay

Question
I own a 13 yr old SSH, that is compensated with a right foot club-like foot.  I have been feeding the tested Timothy hay for the past 3 years.  Last year we moved to the central part of Florida and the hay selection here is very different.  Most do not feed Timothy, but T & A or Coastal, or the round bay of hay that I always thought to be for cows.  My question is since I am unable to locate Timothy, or if I can its, yellow and brown, with mold spores, what hay would you recommend?  I have been able to find orchid/alafia, T & A, and of course alafia. Horse does have pasture time, and pastures are well maintained with bahia. He is used as a pleasure trail horse only.  Thank you.

Answer
In Texas we feed coastal. Its whats grown here, just like Florida. I don't like to feed alfalfa because the protein is so high.The Calcium is a problem too. Too much and not enough Phosphorus to go with it.  Most round bales are for cows. Hay growers make more money on squares so they don't round bale the best hay. It is usually hay that was rained on due to a change in the weather and an unexpected rain that got it wet while it was curing. Some people have horse round bales, they are very expensive. I am all the time explaining why my round bales at my feed store cost so much more than ones in the newspaper. :(

Just go with the coastal. If your horse hasn't acclimated to it yet then introduce it slowly. Its not near as good as Timothy and will be a little harder on the gut. But once its used to it you will have no problems. Make sure you get good coastal. It should be green and fine stemmed and smell nice. It should also be a little "crispy" when you roll a couple of stems with your fingers. Cheap hay is not good hay. Get what is called #1 Coastal.