Soaked hay for horses and ponies – when is it worth it?

Many horse owners are opting to soak their hay but why has this become so popular and is it really necessary? There are many options when it comes to feeding forage that making the right choice can be a bit of a minefield but there are some key benefits that may mean soaked hay is the right choice for your horse.  
What are the benefits to soaking hay?
1 To reduce the respirable particles present in the hay
Respirable particles such as dust and mould spores can wreak havoc with your horses respiratory system. If your horse is coughing and blowing their nose regularly often with a mucky runny nose then these particles might be the cause. If inhaled they can cause irritation of the airways leading to inflammation and possibly even infection. 

It is worth contacting your vet if your horse suffers with any of these symptoms to investigate further as it is possible your horse may have equine asthma. Your vet can advise you on treatment and management options but soaking your hay is a good place to start! Remember to make sure you have good quality hay that is stored in a clean dry environment to reduce the likelihood of dust and mould spores building up.
2 To decrease the content of water soluble carbohydrates WSCs
Water soluble carbohydrates are also known as simple sugars which are found in high levels in grains such as oats and barley. But they are also present in much lower levels in grasses. As the name suggests they can be dissolved in water however it also means they are easily digested in the small intestine. Horses are primarily hindgut fermenters so forages such as hay are necessary to maintain a healthy digestive tract. 
The issue arises if you have a horse who is overweight has