Grab & Go® and Compressed Bales: Convenient, Consistent, and Nutritious Hay for Horses and Livestock

September 30, 2025

Hay is the foundation of every horse’s diet, and providing the right quality and consistency makes a significant difference in their health and performance. At Standlee, we know horse owners value not only nutrition, but also convenience. That’s why we offer Grab & Go® and Compressed Bales, an innovative way to deliver premium forage that's easy to handle, store and feed.

These products are designed to simplify your routine while giving your animals the dependable quality they deserve.

What Makes Grab & Go and Compressed Bales Different?

Large hay bales can be challenging to manage. To make feeding and transport easier, Standlee begins with full-size, 4’ x 4’ x 8’ premium forage bales, which are then sliced and compressed into 36 convenient, 50-lb hay bales measuring 16” high x 12” wide x 21” long. This process doesn’t change the nutrition, it simply creates a smaller, denser bale that's easier to move, stack, and feed.

What exactly is a Grab & Go bale you may ask? It is our signature compressed bale with a protective UV wrap that allows the bales to stay cleaner and better preserved in your barn, feed room, or trailer.

Varieties to Fit Every Horse or Need

Different horses have different needs, and our compressed Bales are available in several options to match those requirements.

Alfalfa

Nutrient-dense forage ideal for performance horses or those needing extra calories.

Timothy Grass

A softer, lower protein forage often recommended for easy keepers.

Orchard Grass

Palatable and versatile, suitable for many types of horses.

Alfalfa/Orchard Mix

A balanced combination for owners who want the best of both worlds.

Compressed bales are also available in Certified Straw – typically used for the bedding, gardening, and decorative purposes, not as feed.

Compare options using Standlee’s Forage Finder Tool.

Feeding Considerations

Even though these bales are compressed, the forage itself remains the same high quality as our traditional hay. After opening, the bale expands back towards its original form, making it easier for horses to consume. Allowing the hay to “relax” for several hours helps restore its texture.

When feeding, always measure by weight rather than volume. Horses typically need to consume 1.5 - 2.5% of their body weight in hay per day. As a general guideline, a 1,000-lb horse requires 15-25 lbs of forage daily, depending on age, activity level, and health. Use our Feed Calculator or consult your veterinarian to determine your horse’s exact needs.

Storage and Handling Tips

To preserve freshness and nutritional value:

• Store bales in a dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
• Keep them off the ground using pallets or mats to prevent moisture damage.
• Protect from pests by maintaining a clean storage environment.

When stored correctly, Grab & Go and Compressed Bales can remain in excellent condition for up to a year or more.

Premium Nutrition, Convenient Packaging

Feeding horses is more than a daily chore, it’s a commitment to their long-term health. With Grab & Go and Compressed Bales, you get the best of both worlds; the convenience of smaller packaging and the confidence of premium nutrition in every bale.

Whether you’re at home, traveling on the road, or preparing for winter storage – these bales offer a reliable way to fuel your animals without compromising quality.