Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hi Dr Getty, we have recently aquired 3 horses that are 20 something years of age. When we got them they were in very poor condition, we did manage to get them to put weight on, feeding sheded hay twice daily, and allowing them to graze all day, however during the winter months they seem to have lost weight and are in poor condition. One of the old guys has his 2 front teeth missing. They are wormed around every 5 weeks, I have purchased salt licks for them, and also extra vitamin and mineral powder that is added to their feeds once daily. Starting tommorow I will be feeding three times daily, and adding some rice pellets as well. Are we doing the right thing? They are ridden very lightly at the most twice weekly by our children.
Where are you from? Queensland Australia
How did you locate this forum? Google
Hi Rachel,
You've made an excellent start. They will, however, require more than grass hay to gain weight. So, in addition to grass hay, offer them lucerne (alfalfa).
The rice pellets sound good. Most rice pellets are very high in phosphorus and low in calcium, unless they are fortified with extra calcium. So, the addition of lucerne will help balance the rice pellets, since lucerne is high in calcium.
I would also suggest a fat source such as a high fat top dressing that you can add to their rice pellets.
Keep up the fine work! And, please let me know how they're doing.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Hi
Only 5 days on and we can see a big difference in the condition of our horses. In addition to adding rice pellets we have also added equilibriam, 3 other types of pellet feeds and molases for a treat. Our horses have gained weight already and their coats are slowly starting to look glossier. Can't wait to see the difference in a months time.
Thanks again
Rachel
Where are you from? Queensland
How did you locate this forum? Internet search engine
Hi Rachel,
Super! Just let me caution you about giving too much sugar. If they were to gain too much fat, they may become insulin resistant. So, try to help them gain weight more from fat than starch and sugar.
Keep me posted!
Dr. Getty