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 Lina,
If you use Quiessence, that's fine, but only use 1/2 dose, since she may still be suffering from ulcers. So, that would be 1 to 2 scoops for a 1000 lb horse.
B Plex and Ration Plus may be sufficient to calm her nervousness, so I would suggest you try that first.
Regarding the breeding -- to get her in tip top shape, take a look at Body Builder. This is highly concentrated in gamma oryzanol, which is very effective in a successful pregnancy.
If she is not currently on a vitamin/mineral supplement, go ahead and give her Mare/Foal IIP now. The extra B vitamins will help protect against birth defects. If you decide to start her on B Plex, however, you can wait until she is pregnant to start Mare/Foal IIP.
If at some point you would like to meet personally, I offer phone consultations to customize diets and help individual horse owners, like yourself, go over all the details to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and foal.
Keep up the fine work! Here is the link to The Complete Foaling manual: http://gettyequinenutrition.biz/foalingmanualdescription.htm
I didn't write it (though I am currently writing a book). It is written by Theresa Jones and is one of the most highly regarding reference books for owners of pregnant mares. It is written in a very easy to understand manner, with plenty of valuable pictures and it will help you know what to expect; what's normal and what's not.
Keep me posted!
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Dr. Getty, Thank you so much for recommending these products. My mare has been on everything you recommended and is doing GREAT. Plus she is in foal! I also bought the foaling Manual. So I should keep her on this same diet until she's about 8 months along?
Thanks again!
Lina
Where are you from? Ohio
How did you locate this forum? friend
Hi Lina!
Congratulations!!! 
You would keep her on Mare/Foal IIP and even Ration Plus and Quiessence, throughout her pregnancy. The key is the last three months where she will be gaining between 1/2 to 1 lb per day! Her calorie needs will increase dramatically and therefore, you will need to give her more to eat. Certainly, grass hay 24/7 will stay the same. Add alfalfa to the mix, and give her more meals each day.
After the foal is born, her energy (calorie) needs are even greater than when she is pregnant because she is lactating. So, keep this in mind.
If, toward the end of her pregnancy, you would like to take a closer look at her diet and health, I'll be happy to visit with you to go over specifics.
Enjoy!
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO