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 Brooke,
Lonliness is a very real issue for a horse that does not have a buddy. Horses are herd animals and they cannot feel safe if they do not have at least one other herd animal around. I've seen horses become ill because they will not lie down to rest due to the insecurity of being alone.
I know this is not a nutritional issue, per se, but my approach in treating a horse is holistic -- looking at all aspects of the horses body and mental state. If a horse is mentally stressed, his physical body will suffer. So, please consider adding another horse (even a mini), or donkey, or if that is not possible, a goat or sheep may also work.
So, this could be why he is not eating his hay. But, it could also be due to other issues. Have you had his teeth floated recently? They need to be done at least once each year and poor teeth can make eating hay very painful.
Also, is the hay fresh and free of any mold? Is it overly stemmy? Does it have weeds or foxtails in it?
It is best to have a basic blood panel done on him to rule out any systemic illness.
Horses need hay -- all they want -- to keep the motility of their digestive tracts moving and to prevent ulcers. So, his natural instinct is to graze on forage. If he's not doing this, there is something awry and should not be ignored. So, I recommend having your vet give him a thorough exam, have blood work done, and get him a pal to make him feel secure.
Keep me posted,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO