Greetings Patti!

Thank you for the clarification -- I am very pleased to hear that you have been giving her pasture and hay, as much as she wants. And, that she is exercised properly for her age -- you are doing very well with her.

My concern was the amount she was being fed and also her growth needs. So, if you could make those adjustments, you'll be on an excellent path for her.

Thank you for writing about her -- your situation is likely shared by other owners of a young horse.

I'll look forward to hearing how she's doing and keep me posted on how much she ends up growing!

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Patti,
Dr.Getty has given you great advice. I would add that you should have your alfalfa hay analyzed for it's mineral content so you can adjust your feed accordingly. These youngsters have to have a balanced feed, if the calcium/phosphorus is not balanced correctly, your horse may very well develope bone/joint problems. She'll be growing over the next 2 years, horses are not fully mature until they hit 4 years old. She needs as much turn out as possible, everyday. Working her in the round pen is fine, but growing horses need as much turn out as possible to help with bone/joint/muscle/tendon development...if she can be outside all day, that would be a great benefit to her development.
She must be a looker, and I wish you great luck at the shows.

Where are you from? Wyoming

thanks for the input.

she is turned out every day. she is generally worked in the mornings and then turned loose in the pasture til evening meal and then stalled at night.

i have just changed her over to alfalfa pellets. she was wasting the baled alfalfa more than eating it. she is now getting one cup of the pellets with each feeding and i have already cut her back on the feed.

Where are you from? Yorktown, TX

How did you locate this forum? google search

Hi Patty,
Sounds good...you are getting the hang of this. I am happy to know she is turned out all day, turn out also makes for a happy horse!!
I assume you checked the what's in the alfalfa pellets, it would work the same way as having your hay analyzed...you need to compare what's in the hay pellets and what her 'grain' feed has in the way of minerals, so you are certain the cal/phos ratio is correct. Better safe than sorry.
I also assume when she's truned out, she can graze, because hay pellets will not take the place of her natural desire to munch on forage...horses need to be able to munch forage for their intestinal and emotional well being.
Way to go, Patti.

Where are you from? Wyoming

Hi Patti,

Yes, grazing is the best thing for her and alfalfa pellets are a good addition to the diet, but not as a replacement for grazing. So, I believe you're on the right track.

Joanie suggested having your hay analyzed, which is always a good idea. It's not always feasible, however, if you have a different hay provider every few weeks. But, if you have a 3 month of more supply, then consider having it analyzed for the most knowledge about what you're feeding.

If you need assistance interpreting the results or how it fits into your overall diet, feel free to let me know and we can arrange for a consultation.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO