Is it possible for the hay that you give your horse to be a source of infection-for something like a fungal infection perhaps? I've been overhearing talk, a neighbour blaming an infection on the hay, and it seems a little like she's actively looking to push the blame onto someone.

It's very possible, especially if they hay was wet when harvested because the moisture allows moulds and fungi to grow on it. The saying says 'make hay while the sun shines' for a reason!

You know, I never heard that phrase before but it certainly makes sense. Lots of things can be a source of infection for our animals, including us humans who care for them. We have to be careful with everything!

The phrase and the truth both make sense. When I read it the first thing I thought of is when a friend went to plant new sod in their yard and somehow a crazy fungi was in the sod and the whole family was sick.

Oh wow babs, that's horrible! I would be a little concerned about a company that was selling turf that was in that condition in all honesty!

I can see that the sun would dry it out but would it really take away that risk?

It would reduce it a lot. Hay is dried because those fungi need moisture to grow, so it's either kept in a shed or wrapped up in plastic. Horses can also pick up fungi or bacterial toxins from silage that hasn't been fermented properly.

Basically, any time you try to feed a horse something other than grass, there's a risk. Mind you, I can think of a few potential problems feding grass too!

What's life without a little risk?

I agree its possible although unlikely. Some things to keep in mind is how much hay she had already fed from that cutting/field and how long it took the horse to show issues. Whether or not the infection came from the hay its your responsibility to inspect it before feeding it to your horse. Bad hay smells it and looks it. It would be like feeding your kid a rotten apple.

Yes, anything that's growing fungus will smell off. The fungus digests the hay and leaves waste products behind-and they have an odor. It might also feel damp and slippy.

Maybe she was cutting corners because of cost issues lately?