Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Sue,
Actually, Tifton hay is a Bermuda grass hybrid and has similar nutritional quality as Bermuda coastal. Generally, it is more broad-leafed than coastal, making it more digestible. Stemy hay is not always a problem – it requires more chewing time and that’s a benefit. And, you say that they are not getting very much of it. So, keep an eye on them – the only concern I would have would be choke. Certainly, if you are uncomfortable, getting your own hay sounds like a reasonable option.
You’re doing great by feeding alfalfa and not adding grain to his diet. As long as he is maintaining a healthy weight and condition, and is able to graze and/or eat hay at all times, your situation is fine.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Sue,
Thank you for your kind words. 
Your horse needs to be able to graze on pasture grass or hay continually throughout the day. So, if he has access to pasture all day long, then one flake of hay is fine. However, if the pasture is of poor quality, or he is in a dry paddock, you’ll want to provide grass hay at all times.
Dr. Getty