Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Dear Dr. Getty,
I am geting ready to move next month to my new home where my 2 boys will have 10 acres of lush grass all to themselves. I will have an additional 10 acres temporarily for a total of 20. I am tickled pink over the notion that after 5 years of boarding I will finally be making ALL the decisions for my horses. Although, I cannot complain, I have been very fortunate so far with my current barn owner.
My horses are currently on night turn out which is about 11 or 12 hours. I will continue to do this for the rest of the summer but come winter, I would like to eventually get to all day turnout. How do I know if 10 acres will be sufficient for 2 horses to graze on all day? My biggest concern is hay. I have had no choice up until now and they have only had Coastal and Tifton (2 flakes a day total). How much hay should they have and which kind? They are both perfectly healthy except for one which has had two seizures in the past (which I have gotten your advice on as well). He is not HYPP positive but I am careful with his pottassium intake anyway.
My easier keeper is on a ration balancer by Buckeye and my TB is on the same with oats added. They both get Vita Tech chelated minerals, Ration Plus and salt everyday. I am pretty happy with the regimen we are on now. What advice can you give me about the hay and turnout?
Where are you from? Florida
How did you locate this forum? surfing
Hi Sue,
Congratulations!
Yes, 10 acres is certainly sufficient for your horses to graze on all day. Keep in mind that they will likely need a good multiple vitamin/mineral supplement to fill in the gaps. And, while they are not grazing, you can supply grass hay along with some alfalfa, to graze on throughout the day. Two flakes will not likely keep them with something to chew on at all times, so please consider offering enough grass hay so that they do not run out.
For your horse that needs to have his potassium monitored, you'll want to avoid alfalfa and have your hay analyzed for its potassium level.
If you need help with analyzing the big picture for all of your horses, I'd be delighted to offer you a customized plan. Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Have fun!! Thanks for writing,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO