Alfalfa linked to sensitivity to brushing and tacking up? (Best brushes for sensitive mare)

[atreutler2291]

After purchasing my ex-racer mare I had her scoped and treated for ulcers– including hindgut ulcers. She was doing well but needed some extra condition so we added alfalfa to her feed while treating ulcers with Gastrogard.

Six weeks later she was scoped clean but seemed to be a very different horse. She would flinch when being touched, didn’t like grooming (used to love it,) and overall was more sensitive as a horse and in the mouth. I just assumed the sensitivity was down to her feeling better but this isn’t the horse I recall. We had a nutritionist out and continue to work with one while having her supplemented with magnesium to ensure she isn’t deficient but there’s been no change after almost two years. We continue routine nutritionist appointments, teeth, chiropractor, physiotherapist, and keep her with an ulcer supplement however she’s still different. She gets minimal starches and sugars in her feed but does get alfalfa chaff. She‘s now in perfect condition after everything we’ve done for her besides this sensitivity.

Today while reading up on sensitive horses and which brushes are best to use I saw someone mention that Alfalfa caused their horse to suddenly dislike brushing and after removing that feed, their horse was back to normal. Has anyone else had experiences like this? Or is it more likely that she’s just changed?

Thanks

 

[YorksG]

Alfalfa can make some horses sensetive to touch, I have had two who became fruit loops on alfalfa and one of those had hives when on alfalfa. It is always worth stopping feeding someting than you think may cause a problem, just make sure that you exclude it completely for about three weeks before you decide if it has made a difference or not.

 

[scats]

I have a mare who can’t have Alfalfa. She gets scabby, itchy lumps.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

The best way to find out if the alfalfa is causing a problem is to stop feeding it. It's not really a natural feed for horses, so some struggle to digest it.

 

[windand rain]

Switch out the alfalfa chaff for grass chaff Emerald green is the best do it slowly and you will then know a few weeks later as it may take a while to clear her system

 

[SEL]

I did the same as you when mine had ulcers - it's low sugar / starch and supposed to be good for their guts.

Following summer we had horrible photo sensitivity issues and I knew it could cause that so stopped feeding it. Within a month my mare likes being groomed again. She can tolerate a little but not as her main chaff

 

[Goldenstar]

the high level of Calcium in Alfalfa makes it a valuable acid buffer for horses with ulcer trouble .
However horses are sensitive to it so try excluding it and see .

 

[paddy555]

I would remove it and see. If you want a decent gut supplement have you considered equishure. Not cheap but it is very good for horses with gut issues. It really does make a lot of difference.