By Pocket Yard · Updated 14 October 2026 · Practical organisation guide
When should a horse yard reorder hay and bedding?
Reorder when usable stock falls to the amount needed for the supplier’s lead time plus your chosen delivery buffer. Calculate hay and bedding separately using actual yard usage.
The calculation
Reorder level = daily usage × (delivery lead time + buffer days). Use consistent units throughout. Count only usable stock and confirm current lead time with the supplier.
Fictional example: a yard uses 4 bedding bales a day. Delivery takes 5 days and the yard chooses a 3-day buffer. Its reorder level is 4 × (5 + 3) = 32 bales. With 40 usable bales remaining, it reaches that level in about 2 days. This is a planning example, not a recommended bedding allocation.
Weekly review sheet
| Item | Usable stock | Daily usage | Lead time | Buffer | Reorder level | Responsible person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hay | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Bedding | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Make the estimate more useful
- Record usage over representative days and check it again when horse numbers or routines change.
- Separate ordered stock from delivered stock so a delayed delivery does not inflate what is available.
- Record damaged or unusable material separately.
- Give one person responsibility for confirming the order and delivery date.
Stock planning does not determine an individual horse’s feeding or care needs. Follow the yard’s agreed care instructions and professional advice.
Use the free stock calculator · See Pocket Yard stock records