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 Rachael,
I'm glad you've been able to remove the "frustration factor" from their hay consumption. Any type of stress, whether it is the stress of an empty stomach, or the stress from frustration, leads to more fat storage. This is because of the hormonal response to stress, where cortisol (stress hormone) leads to insulin resistance (elevated insulin). And when insulin is elevated, the cells cannot relinquish fat for energy and the horse remains overweight.
As we've discussed via email, be sure the hay's NSC level is low. Ideally, it should be less than 12%. NSC is calculated by adding WSC plus Starch.
Keep up the fine work!
Happy New Year,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO