Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Dr. Getty:
I wondered if horses (especially mares who foal) ever get anemic? I assume they get LOTS more iron in their diet from the leafy green diet than the average person, but I just wondered. Just curious, because I've just been diagnosed with "significant anemia," and I was wondering if horses ever have it. 
Thanks,
Nancy
Where are you from? Tennessee
How did you locate this forum? google search
Hi Nancy,
Iron deficiency anemia is rare in horses because they do get a lot of iron from pasture grasses and hay. Anemia of this type is more common in horses with ulcers, since this leads to significant blood loss. I see anemia in retired race horses and horses that perform in speed events, for the most part, because they typically have ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.
Anemia can also be cause be a deficiency in vitamins B12 or Folic Acid, or both, even if enough iron is in the diet. These B vitamins are necessary for the production of healthy blood cells, so if a horse is diagnosed as "anemic," it's important to know the cause. The same goes for humans. 
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO