Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Kim,
You're right -- the TC Lite is lower in fat (I was thinking of TC Low starch which is 6% fat). But, she really doesn't need the amount you're feeding. She should only have a cup of this feed to serve as a carrier for her supplements. I would go with Quiessence, plus a vitamin/mineral supplement such as Glanzen Lite Complete.
I'm not real clear on the NSC level of your hay. NSC is calculated by adding WSC plus Starch. NFC is always higher than NSC -- it contains pectin, a water soluble fiber, and is not included in the NSC calculation.
So, go ahead and recalculate -- I believe you'll find the numbers to be better than you thought.
Don't lose heart on the free choice feeding -- some horses take more time than others -- as long as she never runs out she will self-regulate. Be sure the hay net is not causing her frustration. And try to add some exercise into the mix -- even a short walk a few times a day will make a difference.
Pasture is not safe, I agree, while the night time temps are cold (below 40) and the days are warmer and sunny. Once the grass goes dormant, she can graze and walking around is good for her to do. In the meantime, try placing her hay in various places throughout her space to encourage movement.
Keep me posted.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
I have been giving the pony unlimited hay for 12 days now, she is still eating ~22-24 pounds of hay and getting fatter (I weigh the hay before I feed it and what is left at the end of the day). My hay has been tested, and it is high in NSC (NFC is 12.3-13.4, starch is 0.4, and ESC is 4-4.4), but it is what is available. TC Lite is only 3% fat, that's the lowest that I can find, and she does only get about a cup of it (1/2-3/4 lb.). I had already recommended Quiessence to her owner, I'm waiting for her to get it. Is there anything else I can do to get her to eat less hay (I'm using a net with small holes)? I would like her to be on pasture, but that doesn't work, she would explode!
Thanks,
Kim
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO