Alfalfa is often the preferred forage for horses because of its high quality, high digestibility, and good value. Well-preserved alfalfa hay is recommended as the foundation of feeding programs for young horses, broodmares, and active horses. The new publication, Alfalfa: The High Quality Hay for Horses, describes the horse's digestive system and nutritional needs; describes how to select alfalfa hay and other products; provides information on purchasing, storing, and feeding horses; and uses science to discuss myths and realities of feeding horses. The 12-page publication emphasizes that nutrient needs of horses are affected by age and production state. Young horses require the most nutrient-dense diets because they are growing rapidly and have high requirements and limited intake capacities. As horses age, diets that are less nutrient dense are usually required. However, lactating mares and horses with strenuous physical activities have much higher requirements than horses kept at maintenance or horses that are used for light recreational riding. Therefore, early bloom alfalfa hay (or pasture) can be an excellent source of nutrients for most classes of horses, and is often the predominant feed in a horse's diet. Alfalfa: The High Quality Hay for Horses is available from the National Alfalfa Alliance www.alfalfa.org.