Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Marsha,
I would be delighted to go over your horse's situation in detail and a personal phone visit would be the best way, since to adequately answer all your questions here would be beyond the scope of this forum.
But I can offer you some suggestions. First, and foremost, if you do nothing else, give him all the hay he wants. If he runs out, his stomach continues to secrete acid, which leads to an ulcer, and weight loss. He also runs a high risk of developing colic. Horse's digestive tracts are designed for 24/7 forage flowing through their system to keep acid at bay, protect hindgut bacterial flora, and keep gut motility normal. He needs to chew to produce saliva, a natural antacid. Don't worry about his gaining weight -- when given the chance, he'll self-regulate his intake and only eat what his body needs. The key is to not give more, but to give it free-choice. If you feed more, he'll eat more. If you give it free-choice, he'll eat a lot for a few days and then he'll see that he can walk away and the hay is still there. He'll calm down, relax, and eat enough to maintain a normal weight.
You asked about corn oil. I don't recommend it. It is very, very high in omega 6 fatty acids, which increase inflammation of joints and muscles. Go with canola oil. Or, add the following supplements:
1) Nutra Flax, for omega 3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation and add fat (calories) from flaxseed meal.
2) Ration Plus, to boost the health of the bacterial flora in the hind gut so he can derive more calories from his hay.
Please let me know if I can assist you further.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
I have a four year old Thoroughbred gelding that just doesn't seem to gain weight. He's 17.1 and under light exercise (lunging for 20 minutes then riding mostly at a walk for 20 minutes).
I feed 3 scoops (approx. 7 1/2 lbs.) of a 12% sweet feed twice a day with 2-3 flakes of grass hay.
He, and my other horses, are current on their rotational worming. He will have his teeth floated in the early spring when the others get theirs done, but he doesn't seem to be quidding. He is turned out in a paddock for at least 2 hours every day (paddock has very little grass).
I don't want him to be overweight but he really is too lean. I had several questions... Would corn oil help him? And if so how much? Would it be better than a commercial weight builder? Am I feeding too much at a feeding? Should he maybe eat less grain at one time but split into 3 feedings instead of the current 2? Should I try to find better quality feed/hay for him? Should I give him beet pulp to add bulk to his grain ration? (Ack!!! Question overload!)
Sorry about that, but as you can see I've given the matter quite a bit of thought. Any direction you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much,
Marsha
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO