Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.
And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Debbie,
Most horses will chew on wood, walls, or whatever is available in a stall when they are bored. The best thing to alleviate the problem is to allow 24 hour turnout. However, if this is not possible, make sure she has access to quality hay and water all of the time.
In addition, you can add some entertainment by putting a ball feeder in the stall that spills small amounts of pellets when she plays with it. A mirror is helpful, too – a shiny stainless steel one, not one that is glass. If you put a mirror in the stall, make sure it’s positioned so she doesn’t see herself while she’s eating. Otherwise, she’ll feel like she’s competing with another horse.
A good nutritional supplement to ease her stress is very important, as well. Give her Ration Plus to help her bacterial flora produce more calming B vitamins.
Let me know how she’s doing.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
