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.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Gayle,
Thank you for writing about your mare. Stall rest is definitely stressful for horses, so it comes as no surprise that she's not her normal self. Your feeding plan is good. I have a couple of suggestions:
1. Make sure she has hay 24/7 so she doesn't run out. This will not only help her keep her weight up, but will help prevent an ulcer. She secretes acid in her stomach all the time and if she doesn't have something to chew on (which produces saliva, and hence neutralizes acid), her likelihood of developing an ulcer is high.
2. Add Quiessence to her diet -- I would recommend 2 ounces per day for 1000 lb horse. This will calm her (without the use of medication) and will also help her maintain her weight.
3. And, finally, if she were my gal, I would give her Ration Plus to help the existing bacterial flora in her hind gut to derive more benefit from her forage. This will also calm her because these bacteria are responsible for producing important B vitamins.
I hope this is helpful.
Keep me posted,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Nancy,
It really depends on the horse and the degree of deficiency. I have seen Quiessence make a difference in as little as a week. And, for some horses, it can take a month or more.
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Thanks, Gr. Getty!
HMMM. I wonder if a couple of people I know need some magnesium added to their diets! 
Where are you from? Tennessee
How did you locate this forum? google search
Actually, many people do not get enough magnesium, now that you mention it!
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO