Thanks for a great book; I received it over the holidays as a gift. It is invaluable and I refer to it often. I recommend it to many!

I'm in Arizona and have a 1,100 Pound TB mare that I adopted a year ago. She's on Bermuda pasture 24/7. She dropped weight over the winter, so much that I was concerned and in addition to Bermuda hay, she get's 20% max (3 pnds) alfalfa pellets, 3 pounds Purina Strategy Healthy Choice. 6 oz HorseTech Nutraflax. She's gaining the weight back, especially now the Bermudas growing again.

My question...
1. Once her weight is back up, should I replace the Purina Strategy Healthy Choice with Horetech's custom product, "AZ Copper Complete." Or, continue to use the Purina Strategy to fill in any gaps. I wanted to know if have experience with that product.

2. She has a history of awful Sweet Itch on her mid-line, but also limited care prior to last year. So, it could be from multiple factors. The 6oz flax - Is that too much now the pasture is coming back?

3. She's also on 1TBL of Spirulina. Is that too little for a horse with skin allergies?

Thanks so much and for all you do! Keep writing ;)

Where are you from? Arizona

How did you locate this forum? Google

Hi Sarah,

I'm delighted to hear that you're enjoying my book. Thank you! I've answered your questions below...

Sarah J

Thanks for a great book; I received it over the holidays as a gift. It is invaluable and I refer to it often. I recommend it to many!

I'm in Arizona and have a 1,100 Pound TB mare that I adopted a year ago. She's on Bermuda pasture 24/7. She dropped weight over the winter, so much that I was concerned and in addition to Bermuda hay, she get's 20% max (3 pnds) alfalfa pellets, 3 pounds Purina Strategy Healthy Choice. 6 oz HorseTech Nutraflax. She's gaining the weight back, especially now the Bermudas growing again.

My question...
1. Once her weight is back up, should I replace the Purina Strategy Healthy Choice with Horetech's custom product, "AZ Copper Complete." Or, continue to use the Purina Strategy to fill in any gaps. I wanted to know if have experience with that product.



I like the AZ Copper Complete for Bermuda grass grown in AZ but it truly is better to have your hay analyzed first. If you have at least two month's worth, go ahead and send a sample in to Equi-Analytical Labs and get the "Equi-Tech" test along with the Selenium test.




2. She has a history of awful Sweet Itch on her mid-line, but also limited care prior to last year. So, it could be from multiple factors. The 6oz flax - Is that too much now the pasture is coming back?



Immune function is often the issue, but I have heard good things about Equine Medical's insect relief products: https://equinemedsurg.com/store


3. She's also on 1TBL of Spirulina. Is that too little for a horse with skin allergies?



I believe so -- you'll want to feed 20 grams per day -- that's approximately 4 teaspoons.



Thanks so much and for all you do! Keep writing

Glad to help!



Best wishes,
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO