Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hi Holly,
Your vet is right -- a good quality hay plus a vitamin/mineral supplement. And I would add some flaxseed meal to keep her hormonal levels (in particular, insulin) in good balance. I fear that she is not actually gaining weight, but has a hay belly (which is not fat, but gas).
So, to answer your question.. go with the timothy/orchardgrass mix rather than an alfalfa mix, since she needs to have all the hay she wants -- free choice. That way, she can self-regulate her intake and eat what her body needs. Some alfala is a good idea, but she'll have too much if combined with her grass hay. So if you can offer her alfalfa pellets or alfalfa hay as a separate meal, that would be best.
Regarding a supplement, I recommend Glanzen Complete because it is flaxseed meal based and offers her a all the vitamins and minerals she needs.
She may also require some Quiessence if she has a crestiness to her neck -- that is an indication of insulin resistance and the magnesium/chromium in Quiessence will reduce her circulating insulin levels, allowing her to avoid any related problems (in particular, the risk of laminitis).
I know you've been through a lot of changes and it's difficult to figure out the best course of action, while working with your barn manager. So, please consider setting up an appointment for a personal phone visit. That way, I can go over the big picture -- all the details of your mare's diet and environment -- to come up with a plan that will help her thrive as well as fit into your needs.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
The vet at the hospital scoped and tested her and found nothing conclusive, but thought that both my horses had haybelly and cresty necks. So she asked that I have the hay tested. The results came back showing too low protein (5.6%), low Lysine and too high fiber. Since I am a boarder we tried the supplement route. Added flake of alfalfa and Triple Crown 30%. Seemed to help some but then the pasture (lives in 24/7) started to produce some grass and both my horses gained weight and became really agitated.
I immediately thought too much protein so have since cut out the alfalfa and halved the TC 30%. So they are currently living off the pasture and a little of the low quality hay for fiber as well as their vit/min supps. Too soon to tell if this change will help.
So now I realize that I just simply (or not so) need to buy better quality hay which leads me to the confusion. What would be a better choice....orchard/alfalfa mix or orchard/timothy?
They will get mainly pasture this summer with a vitamin and my young one gets Assure Probiotic. Then as the pasture subsides I want to get them on the right forage and am so confused as to what mix is best. vet stated a good hay with 10%plus protein and vit/min supplement.
Both are easy keepers....but my younger horse with the digestive issues appears fat when she really has a hay belly and bloat. In March she lost 25 pounds and finally have hips and flanks again when I first started supplementing the poor hay.
Am I even on the right track? It seems that everytime I think I have this solved....something goes awry.
Thank you in advance for your insight.
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO