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 Karla,
I think it would be wise to ease them on to pasture. Since they are both healthy and not overweight, they can likely be on pasture at all times, but for now, it would be best to remove them, if possible in the late afternoon when the sugar and starch levels are at their highest. During a sunny day, the grass produces sugars and starch and the amount peaks toward the end of the day. During the dark hours, the grass consumes the sugar and starch for energy, so that by early morning, the levels are at their lowest.
Having your pasture tested would be a good idea -- I like Equi-Analytical. Test it in the late afternoon on a sunny day.
About your pony -- cribbing is a result of the stress he endured and I would suggest that you approach this both environmentally and nutritionally. A few months of freedom will definitely help, and may eventually remove the problem. To assist in getting his nervous sytem back to normal, consider giving him a BComplex known as BPlex and additional magnesium in a product called Quiessence.
I hope this is helpful.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO