10/08/2026
Someone just asked us why we're paying $185 for a bale of hay and why we're so stressed about raising money for hay every single day.
We think it's a fair question, and I want to share some numbers because they really put into perspective what we're facing right now.
First, these aren't your typical small square bales. We purchase large 3×3 bales weighing approximately 800–850 pounds each. We go through an average of **24 of these bales every single week** to feed our rescued herd, including the horses we hand-feed individually.
Now, let's look at what has happened to our hay costs in just one year.
Last year, we were purchasing semi loads of hay, 84 bales at a time, for approximately $6,900–$7,500 per load. That worked out to roughly $82–$89 per bale. (we were actually paying by weight last year versus by the bale)
Today, at $185 per bale, that same semi load would cost us $15,540!
Here's what that means for Journey with Equus:
**LAST YEAR:**
- Weekly hay cost: $1,971–$2,143
- Monthly hay cost: $8,543–$9,286
- Annual hay cost: $102,514–$111,429
**THIS YEAR:**
- Weekly hay cost: $4,440
- Monthly hay cost: $19,240
- Annual hay cost: $230,880
Let that sink in for a moment. We're looking at an additional $120,000–$128,000 PER YEAR JUST FOR HAY!
And that doesn't include grain, supplements, veterinary care, farrier services, medications, or any of the other costs associated with caring for our rescued animals.
Now, I absolutely believe that when we can raise enough money to purchase hay by the semi load again, we can negotiate better pricing with suppliers. That's one of the things we're working toward with our larger fundraising campaign.
The least expensive hay we've been able to purchase this year was $150 per bale, delivered. Unfortunately, the protein content was too low for the needs of our herd, and our horses weren't doing well on it. Saving money doesn't help if we're compromising their nutritional needs or creating additional health problems. These animals have already been through enough. They deserve proper nutrition, and that is not something we're willing to sacrifice.
So when you see me asking for donations day after day, THIS is why.
We're not sitting around waiting for someone to rescue us. We're working tirelessly to create sustainable revenue, build partnerships, develop programs, and find long-term solutions so we don't have to live in this constant cycle of emergency fundraising.
But those solutions don't happen overnight, and our horses can't go without eating while we build them.
Imagine your grocery bill more than doubling in a year, but you still have the same number of mouths to feed. That's exactly what has happened to us.
And here's the other part of this. We have amazing veterinarians, farriers, hay suppliers, and other professionals who help us care for these animals.
They deserve to be paid, too. When hay consumes nearly every dollar coming in, it makes it incredibly difficult to keep up with everything else.
This is why our $100,000 fundraising campaign is so important. It isn't just about getting through today's feeding. It's about getting ahead, purchasing hay in bulk at better prices, taking care of the people who take care of our animals, and giving this sanctuary some much-needed breathing room.
We need partners. We need people who can make larger gifts. We need businesses, foundations, hay producers, and people willing to help us build a sustainable future.
And we need YOU to help us find them.
Who do you know? Who has donor-advised funds they are looking to put to good use? Who knows someone who could sponsor a semi load of hay? Who knows a hay producer willing to work with a nonprofit?
Please don't underestimate the power of sharing this post or making one introduction. One connection could change everything for these animals.
We're not asking because it's easy. We're asking because 100+ rescued equines are counting on us, and walking away from them is simply not an option.
**Saving the Forgotten. Healing the Hurting.** That's our mission, and we're not giving up. ❤️
Donate to Journey with Equus:
https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PLX4LK7H7E6RA
Venmo: -with-equus-1
Journey with Equus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 47-4878985.
