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 Christy,
An all forage diet is the best place to start. It's best, however, to mix alfalfa with a grass hay. Alfalfa is very high in protein and calcium and should not be fed exclusively. I generally recommend 20 to 30 percent of the total hay ration as alfalfa.
A good vitamin/mineral supplement that provides additional omega 3 fatty acids, along with vitamin E (for hay diets) is worth considering since there are many nutritional gaps with feeding the same thing day in and day out. I recommend Glanzen Complete.
Your older horse would also benefit from the flaxseed meal found in Glanzen Complete, since omega 3s reduce inflammation. So, aging joints do well with additional omega 3 fatty acids. In addition, I recommend adding Vitamin C to an older horse's diet because he no longer produces enough of it as he ages.
I hope this is helpful. If you need additional assistance going over your horses' specific needs, please consider a personal phone consultation. That way I can review the big picture and treat your horse from a holistic perspective.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO