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 Andrea,
Bermuda is a warm weather grass and is typically not found in your area, as you definitely know! 
But, that's not a bad thing -- Bermuda is not the most nutritious. You can safely feed timothy or orchard grass hays. Ideally, it is best to have your hay analyzed for its NSC (sugar and starch) or Non-Fibrous Carbohydrates (NFC), which has replaced NSC in many settings.
Grass hay, if low in starch and sugar should be fed 24/7 so your horse can have a chance to self-regulate his intake. If hay is provided at all times, horses will adjust by slowing down their intake and eating what they need.
Pasture is tricky for insulin resistant horses. The safest time of day is in the morning, after the grass has had a chance to use up the sugar during the night hours. After a day of sunlight exposure, the sugar levels are at their highest. So, you're right about the late afternoon -- that's the worst time for these horses.
I'm glad you'll be adding magnesium to the diet. Quiessence has both magnesium and chromium, so it is a perfect combination for helping him lower his circulating insulin levels, and therefore, lose body fat.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO