feed for mare in foal

Question
I have just brought a mare. I have been told that she had a foal in August 2009 & then they put her back in foal about 8 weeks later. She is only 12 hands & a cob. She is 6 years old & very nervous. I asked if she as seen a vet at all & they no. I only got her tonight & I can see she need feeding.  Can you please advice me the best feed & vitamins to give to build her up. Many thanks for any help you can give to me. Rosie

Answer
Hi Rosie,

             I have a few suggestions  First have the Vet check her teeth to make sure that they are ok. You will also want the have him/her do a fecal to check for worms. Give the horse free choice, good quality hay. Add oil to her diet, starting with a1/4 cup per day and increasing over several weeks up to 16 ounces.

I would suggest that you put her on a pelleted feed. They do not have sugar in them. You should also add some beet pulp as it is good for weight gain. You will want to give her three or more meals a day.

Lisa