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
Hello Lisa and RJ,
First, let me thank you, RJ, for your professional input and excellent advice. I highly recommend your regimen of magnesium and chromium as well as all the grass hay your horse wants.
Lisa, please consider not reducing the amount of hay you offer, but allow your horse to self-regulate intake by having all the hay she wants. Grass pasture, however, is not a good idea during the day and early evening. After the grass has been exposed to sunlight for a few hours, its sugar and starch levels are at their highest. So, the most dangerous part of the day to graze on pasture would be the late afternoon. The "safest" time would be during the early morning hours before dawn. You may find the website www.safergrass.org to be informative and helfpul.
Of course, this time of year, you are headed toward winter, and the pasture is becoming sparse. Grass is highest in starch and sugar after a frost, in the spring, when the nights are still cold.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you and your mare well. Please let me know if I can assist you further.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO