hay low in nsc is provided in place of pasture. ideally, hay should be tested and purchased based on known nsc levels, only using hays less than 10% nsc. hays higher than 10% nsc may be used, but it is recommended to soak it for at least one hour before feeding in cold water, which can help reduce nsc levels, although this method is not always a reliable way to adequately drop them to acceptable levels. obese horses are usually fed hay at a level of 1.5% ideal body weight, which may be dropped to 1% of body weight if no weight loss is realized after 30 days. however, feeding less than 1% of body weight in forage is not recommended, since secondary problems such as hyperlipemia and stereotypies can occur, and insulin resistance may actually be worsened.