Am I giving my mare enough hay?

[EGUSVet]

Feeding alfalfa can set up your horse for more problems as many, especially mares are extremely sensitive to it, because of the phyto-oestrogens.

correct, thank you for mentioning that. It can cause endocrine dysregulation and reproductive effects such as infertility in mares. However, if you are never planning on breeding with her, not a problem.

but good job in remembering that, I had nearly forgotten about that.

 

[CrimsonDivine]

Ok I've briefly skimmed over this while having my coffee before heading out to my own horses this morning out of curiosity after what was said in another thread yesterday.. First of all, I fail to see why the op thinks people have been nasty to her, all I see is reasonably good advice and even praises to her, or him, I'm assuming it's a her cus of their name. @loulou-Nina my advice to you right now is to control your temper. I understand that it can be worrying and frustrating sometimes, believe as I have received alot of criticism with the locals of late over my Arab. However you need to understand that not everyone is out to get you and we all care for horses at the end of the day, or at least I'd like to think so, I think some people could be debatable but then I doubt many on here are like that else they wouldn't be here would they? Anyway... I digress but seriously, I think you got the wrong end of the stick here and I do feel Lillian was right about cutting back on feed over forage and if you are keeping her in at night she really does need that hay for her mentality well-being. Please do consider the fact that horses do suffer from anxiety and stress just as we do except for different reasons, fortunately we don't have to worry about being locked away and wonder when would be the next time we're fed, unless we're in prison but then that is EXACTLY how it feels for them. No, I'm not suggesting anything bad here, not trying to be "mean", just merely explaining the overall view of this situation. If it's any consolation; yes your horse does look well, keep that up, however please please do consider other areas of her health to keep her 100% happy and healthy. Best of luck and wishes to you and your horse.