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 Kris,
All minerals interact with each other and too much of one often times creates a deficiency in the other, as with the case of iron. Yes, all parts of the body can be affected.
Softening the water will not remove the iron, it will only lessen the calcium deposits on the side of your water tank. To remove iron, you will need to install a filter, that is designed to remove this mineral, on to your water system.
I would suggest that you speak with your vet and have your mare's bloodwork done for high iron levels. This will give you a better idea how she's doing.
Regarding her bagging up after all this time, this, too, would be a question for your vet. It certainly is not a healthy situation for her to still be producing milk after 14 months.
After you have bloodwork done, you may want to consider a phone consultation to go over any imbalances and ways to improve your mare's overall condition (e.g., dry skin, poor hooves). This way I can get the big picture and offer suggestions on how to customize her diet.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
P.S. I am leaving town in the morning, so any questions that you may post on this forum will be answered when I return.
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO