Sainfoin Feeds is on a mission to revolutionize equine nutrition by reintroducing a centuries-old forage crop known as Sainfoin, or, as it was once called, “Holy Hay.” Founded by a team passionate about sustainable agriculture and animal health, Sainfoin Feeds combines modern nutrition science with traditional farming wisdom.
A Forgotten Treasure Returns
Sainfoin is an ancient crop originating in arid regions of Eurasia and domesticated in Europe centuries ago. The French name “saint foin” literally means “healthy hay.” Sainfoin is a plant long recognized for its extraordinary palatability and health benefits, so much so that Queen Victoria named her prized racehorse Sainfoin, who went on to win the 1890 Epsom Derby and was the sire of Rock Sand, the tenth winner of the Triple Crown in 1903. However, sainfoin fell out of favor during World War II.
“When we were over there for World War II, it was the U.S. that convinced Europe that they should be growing alfalfa instead. But now Europe is starting to switch back and get more into sainfoin again, as is Canada.”
Jodi Dallman Cornelison,
President of Marketing & Sales.
Today in the US, Sainfoin is familiar to some in parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, but remains little-known outside those regions. Sainfoin Feeds is aiming to change that.
“I have been in the animal nutrition industry for 30 years. When I was asked to join the team at Sainfoin Feeds, honestly, I had never heard of it nor could I even pronounce it,” Cornelison laughed. “After doing a lot of research, I couldn’t believe the enormous number of benefits that occur naturally from this legume. I was completely sold and knew we just had to spread the word and get Heavenly Hay introduced more widely to animal lovers and performance horse owners across the country.”
The Science Behind Sainfoin
Sainfoin’s appeal goes far beyond history. The plant’s high level of condensed tannins make it a powerful source with many natural benefits. One of the things that really sets sainfoin apart for alfalfa, is that is a non-bloating, non-gas producing hay. It is also rich in antioxidants to boost the immune system and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. The anthelmintic attributes of this incredible legume, can help animals resist parasites and worms. Learn more about the sainfoin difference.
The Land Institute of Kansas, is studying sainfoin alongside alfalfa in experimental plots at Sainfoin Feeds farm in Twin Bridges, MT.
“There’s a fenced-off area that is row of alfalfa, row of sainfoin, row of alfalfa, row of sainfoin,” explains Cornelison. “The alfalfa is eaten up by weevils and the sainfoin is not touched.”
Clean, Thoughtful Nutrition
Sainfoin Feeds has turned this remarkable crop into three flagship products under the Heavenly Hay line:
- Sainfoin Bales: Premium sainfoin hay in 1,200 lb flaked bales. Preferred over alfalfa by all animals.
- Simply Sainfoin: 100% pure, steam-pelleted sainfoin with no binders or additives. This pelleted hay can be fed to a variety of animals including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and wildlife.
- Sainfoin Supreme: A premium blend of sainfoin, oats, and chia seeds formulated for performance horses. Oats are a trusted source of digestible fiber and slow-releasing carbohydrates that provide sustained energy while supporting a healthy digestive system and maintaining your horse’s weight and condition. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, and help support joint health, improve skin, and coat condition, reduce inflammation, strengthen immunity, and improve endurance as a natural source of sustained energy for your horse throughout the day.
Our hay bales and both pelleted formulas are non-GMO and grown without herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. Every bite reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and animal wellness. Learn more about the Heavenly Hay product line.
Expert Collaboration
Sainfoin Feeds collaborates with Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D., a leading equine nutritionist known for her holistic, research-based approach to horse health. Dr. Getty has worked with horse owners for over 25 years, emphasizing nutrition as a foundation for preventing disease and promoting natural vitality.
“I highly recommend feeding Heavenly Hay. It’s a holistic, whole food approach to allowing your horse to heal himself and to be healthy for many, many years to come,” shares Dr. Getty. “In all my years of working with horses and working toward boosting their health through the use of nutrition, my goal was to maximize and optimize their protein status, among other things of course, but I had very limited amounts of foods that I could offer. I discovered Sainfoin and my eyes just lit up because now I can offer my clients a replacement for alfalfa that is so much better digested, so much better at reducing inflammation and pain and keeping their body functioning properly.”
With its roots in ancient agriculture and its sights set on the modern performance horse, Sainfoin Feeds is proving that sometimes, the best innovations come from rediscovering what nature perfected long ago.
Launching the “Holy Hay” Revolution in Vegas
Sainfoin Feeds will officially introduce its products to the equine world during the 2025 NFR
at Booth #21246 at the Convention Center. Stop by and see them to learn more and enter to win 1000 pounds of Heavenly Hay. We’re also so excited to announce that they will be a sponsor at this year’s Rio Round-Up; the ultimate NFR viewing party hosted by CLN.
Don’t miss your chance to make Rio Las Vegas your home base during the NFR! As the city’s original all-suites hotel, Rio has long been a storied destination, and now it has been completely reborn. It has undergone a significant transformation under new ownership and management, with over 1,500 refurbished suites and new rooms in the Ipanema Tower inspired by its Brazilian roots. This December, the revitalized Rio is a vibrant hotspot ready to welcome you with new pools, lounges, and restaurants. It’s the ideal place to connect with fellow fans and experience the comfort and class your WNFR trip deserves.
Last Updated on 12/10/2025 by Carly Billington
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