Tiara is doing very well. She has caught up to other foals who were born at appproximately the same time.
I was already performing all the recommendations that you suggested.She was previously halter and lead broke
when I wrote you. We are now working on some light ground breaking techniques. She is spunky and full of energy and we love her dearly. We own a 3 yr.old
gelding who took her under his wing and became her big brother. I recently purchased a 9 yr.old mare to complete the family. They are all doing well.
I still have her on alfalfa hay and a weanling ration but have weaned her off the milk replacer.
How long should I keep her on alfalfa before I switch her over to the alfalfa/timothy hay that I feed the others? I am presently mixing the straight alfalfa and the alfalfa/timothy at a ratio of about 70/30.
Do I continue this and gradually increase the blended hay until she is completely swithched over?
I have been warned that the straight alfalfa hay will cause her to be hot. One fellow told me that this is why she is so spunky. I was under the impression that her energy levels were due to the fact that she is so young. We don't particularly want a foal that stands sedentary all day.We are quite happy to see her moving;running and playing.She lacked energy for so long that it is a welcome treat.

Thank You Kindly,
Dawn Brown.

Where are you from? Glenside,Sk.

How did you locate this forum? Google.ca

Hello Dawn,

What wonderful news! I am so delighted to hear that she has blossomed and is doing so well.

Yes, you can certainly start switching her over to the alfalfa/timothy mix – do it gradually.

The straight alfalfa, in my opinion, does not cause her to be behaviorally “hot.” This is a myth that has been around for quite a while about alfalfa. Alfalfa is high in protein and the myth suggests that protein causes changes behavior. Actually, a diet that is high in starch (from grains such as oats, corn, and barley), will affect insulin levels and consequently, the blood glucose levels will have sharp peaks and valleys. This can, in some horses, produce a “hot” temperament shortly after eating.

If you have any photos of Tiara, I would love to see them.

All the very best,

Dr. Getty