I may be getting a new mare that is eating hay pellets instead of hay. I will be putting her in my pasture that still has plenty to eat but I do feed a little hay and beet pulp to my two horses to supplement.
The pasture is mostly dry but there is a varitey of stuff to eat since it is ten acres with woods. I live in a fairly mild climate on the northern California coast so we have pasture all the time,just not lush green stuff between Aug. and Feb.
How should I do this without causing her to colic or something like that? Should I take hay to the current owners house and have them start to add it to her daily feed? The pasture should be ok as the only new green grass is so tiny it should not be a problem.
Thank you so much!
Carol

Where are you from? California

How did you locate this forum? from a friend

Hi Carol,

Congratulations on your new mare!

You ask a very valid question and it is wise of you to consider the change in her diet. As with any change, it is best to move slowly. If you are able to bring some of the hay that you feed to the current owners, that would be ideal. And once you get her to your home, you can allow her to graze a little more each day until she is out there full time. You may want to consider adding a prebiotic such as Ration Plus to help the bacterial flora adjust to her new diet. The reason we take our time in diet changes is because these microbes need to become used to new feed substances. Ration Plus will just speed up the process and help prevent colic.

Have fun!

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO