Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the thoroughbred horse capitol of the world, Charles T. Creech Inc. has become a worldwide supplier of quality hay and straw to the Thoroughbred industry. With our focus on quality and service, Creech Inc. has been supplying hay to some of the world’s most famous horses for over 30 years. By working hard to provide a reliable supply of quality hay and straw to our customers, Creech Inc. allows professional horsemen and horsewomen to spend less time worrying about the hay in the lofts and more time focusing on the horses in the stalls.
Domestic Hay
After three decades in the hay business, Creech Inc. has established sources all across North America in order to supply the finest hay being produced anywhere in the world. At Creech we realize that nothing is more important to you than the health of your horses, and any horse expert will testify that good quality hay provides the foundation for proper nutrition and the health of your horses. Creech offers several different varieties of hay in order to meet your specific nutrition program.
Western Hay
The hay produced in the Northwestern United States is likely the highest quality hay produced in the world. Good soil and very low annual rainfall allows growers to make hay that consistently offers good color and feed value. This is the best choice for horsemen wanting consistent hay that their horses will consume with almost zero waste.
Available Bale Sizes:
Conventional 3-String bales
The majority of Western hay comes in a 3-string bale (nearly twice the size of a 2-string bale), and can be delivered near Central Kentucky in quantities as small as 120 bales. Our Western Hay is also available for pickup at our plant (see directions). There is an 8 bale minimum on all pickup orders.
Note: In order to offer you the best price for you hay, we always try to get the best rate possible. So there are times when we will not have a certain type of hay available. If you are going to pick up hay, please call ahead to make sure that hay is available at that time.
Big Bale Hay
By combining the quality of Western hay with the economics of big bales, this is the best way to get premium hay for your horses. We offer Western big bale hay for both delivery and pickup. We have both Timothy/Alfalfa mixed and Orchard Grass/Alfalfa mixed. The minimum for delivery is 18 bales and the minimum for pickup is only one bale.
Grasses:
Western Timothy
Primarily originating in Oregon and Washington State, this high quality hay is recognized by Thoroughbred horsemen the world over. It has the same advantages as northern Timothy in that its long stems offer a good palatable source of roughage. Also, because this hay is raised in an area where the soil and climate are ideal for Timothy production, it is unmatched in its quality, color, and consistency.
Orchard Grass
While not as popular as Western Timothy, Western Orchard Grass makes a highly palatable grass hay and usually has a higher nutrient content than other grass hays.
Legumes:
Western Alfalfa
Originating primarily in Idaho and Oregon, our Western Alfalfa offers the same or even higher nutrient content than our Northern Alfalfa and is also more consistent and readily available. Western Alfalfa is an excellent source of both fiber and protein.
Mixed Hays:
Alfalfa/Orchard Grass
Our most popular hay, Western Alfalfa and Orchard Grass makes an excellent horse hay. It offers the high protein and palatability of the Alfalfa, while the Orchard Grass serves to keep the hay from being overly rich and provides a good source of roughage. Also, because this hay is grown under ideal growing conditions, it offers superior quality, color, and consistency.
Northern Hay
Our northern hay offers a good quality feed at a very reasonable price. The majority of our northern hay comes from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Central Canada. This hay comes in a traditional 2-string bale as well as in 3’ x 4’ x 8’ bale and is delivered in truckload lots. There are 400 to 600 of the small bales per load and 36 to 39 of the large bales.
Grasses:
Timothy
The long stem of Timothy hay provides a good source of consumable roughage.
Legumes:
Alfalfa
The most nutritionally rich hay, alfalfa is a good source of fiber and protein.
Red Clover
While not as high in nutrients as alfalfa, red clover will provide higher nutrient value than a grass hay like Timothy.
Mixed Hays:
Alfalfa/Orchard Grass
A very popular horse hay, Alfalfa and Orchard Grass mixed offers the high protein and palatability of the Alfalfa, while the Orchard Grass provides a good source of roughage and keeps the hay from being overly rich. This hay is also popular among hay growers so there is usually a good consistent supply available.
Clover/Timothy
This hay has similar benefits to Alfalfa/Orchard Grass. It offers the good clean roughage of the Timothy, while the Clover serves to increase overall palatability and nutrient content.
Domestic Straw
In addition to hay, Creech Inc. is also a supplier of straw to both the horse industry and land reclamation industry. We have straw ranging in size from traditional 2-string bales up to bales measuring 3’x 4’x 8’. Whatever your straw needs may be, you can be assured they can be met by Charles T. Creech, Inc.
Types of Straw
Wheat Straw
Wheat straw is the bedding of choice for most thoroughbred horsemen. Horse straw is golden in color and provides good soft bedding for horses. Also, because wheat straw is usually readily available, it is more economical than other types of bedding.
Rye Straw
Rye straw is longer in length than wheat straw and usually has a light golden color that can appear almost white. While rye straw makes excellent bedding, higher cost and limited availability makes it a less popular choice than wheat straw.
Note: Rye straw should never be used as bedding for pregnant mares.
Road Straw
Because of our high standards of quality, occasionally we will receive an incoming load of straw which we will grade as unusable for premium horse bedding. In this case, the straw can be used by contractors as a very economical option for seeding and land reclamation.
Rebaled Straw – more info
Seeding contractors have found that our rebaled straw often times gives them a competitive edge over their competition. Not only does it have additional nutritional value over plain straw, but the price is reason enough to consider rebaled straw. The process that the muck goes through before baling helps to ensure that the desired results will be met when spread with straw blowers.