Hi Dr Getty,

I have been researching your site looking for supplements for my horses. I have 4 quarter horses ranging in age from 3 to 8. One of my 5 year olds is pretty laid back and I'm not sure he needs any supplementation. My others however can be a little high strung, especially the 3 year old who came from an abusive background and is pretty nervous and skittish when he is taken to a new place or is around situations he is unsure of (which is most situations). The other 5 yr old (mare) and 8 yr old (mare) who I run barrels on can both get a little hot at times. I try to keep them quiet as much as I can though.

I am feeding Safechoice and Coastal/Bermuda grass hay twice a day. All are kept in stalls with good sized runs. No pasture turnout is available. I try to ride 3 to 4 days per week.

Also, my 3 yr old is a little underweight. I just brought him home from pretty intense reined cowhorse training 2 weeks ago and had his teeth done, wormed, etc. He's put on a little weight after having those things done to him...plus I don't ride near as much as he was getting at the trainer so hopefully weight gain won't be an issue.

I am most interested in giving something that would help with the nervousness, especially with the 3 yr old. After researching the products on your site, I was thinking that the best supplements would be the Quiessence and the Glanzen Complete. What do you think? Also, do you think all of them should have both supplements? Or do you think something else would better suit them?

I'm sorry this is so long. I wanted to be sure you had a complete background so you can give me your advice on the supplements that would best help my horses.

Thanks so much,
Tracy

Where are you from? Texas

How did you locate this forum? search engine

I also wanted to add that the nervousness isn't the only reason I want to give the supplement. I want to be sure they are all getting the proper nutrition and was looking for a good all around supplement which is why I thought the Glanzen Complete looked good. The Quiessence looked like it may help a little more with the nervousness issue.

Thanks again!

Where are you from? Texas

How did you locate this forum? search engine

Hi Tracy,

Thank you for writing about your horses. Yes, Quiessence would be my first choice for the behavior you're describing since more horses do not get enough magnesium.

And, to fill in the gaps, Glanzen Complete would be excellent for a hay diet.

The third aspect of behavior, in terms of nutritional needs, is to feed your horse the way nature intended -- and that is to allow grazing 24/7. Since your horses are not on turnout, that translates into letting them have all the hay they want. If this is not allowed, they are uncomfortable, stressed, and even in pain because the stomach produces acid constantly. Unlike our stomachs that only secrete acid when we eat, horses' stomachs release acid all the time and they do this because they are meant to eat all the time. Just pass by any pasture where there are horses -- and you'll see their heads to the ground virtually all day.

So, hay 24/7, additional magnesium, and Glanzen Complete to offer additional nutrients. If you are feeding the SafeChoice according to directions, you'll want to feed less Glanzen Complete, but most people do not feed as much commerical feed as recommended, so a supplement is useful.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

P.S. If you find that you'd like to go over each horse individually, please consider a personal phone visit so I can address each need and customize a feeding plan.

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO