Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hello Bonnie,
Thank you for writing about your gelding. You have reason to be concerned because alfalfa, while a wonderful hay, is not meant to be fed as the main hay source. It is too high in protein, which can create more body heat. And, it's calcium level is also too high to be fed in such large amounts. He can develop stones in his kidneys and intestinal tract.
Ask your horse's caretaker to give him a mixture of alfalfa and grass hay. A 2:1 ratio where there is twice as much grass hay as alfalfa is fine and will give him the high quality protein he needs to grow, while protecting his kidneys against stones and his intestines against enteroliths.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Several months ago I purchased a 4-year WB gelding, built on the fine side. He has been working consistently for about 4 months but he has yet to gain much weight or develop topline muscles. He is also not muscling much over the shoulder. A couple of weeks ago I moved him to a new barn where the owner seems keen on putting weight on him. To this end, she has taken him off grass hay and has substituted alfalfa. He is also getting some senior pellets, Platinum supplement, and rice bran. I have noticed that since he was put on alfalfa his resting temp is higher, he is generally hotter and more nervous in temperament, and he does not look as though he is moving as freely. I am uncomfortable with these things, and want to know if I am grounded in worrying about deleterious effects related to feeding alfalfa without grass hay. He is also allowed a couple of hours of grass pasture per day. Please tell me your thoughts.
Many thanks in advance for your help.
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO