correct nutrition for a 13 year old Belgian Gelding?

Question
I have just purchased a 13 year old 18 hand Belgian gelding. And, I was wondering what type feed and blend of protein you would recommend? Also the quantity of the feed? He has been eating alfalfa hay in two week cycles. Two weeks on alfalfa hay and two weeks on orchard and timothy hay. The weeks that he was on the alfalfa. He was given about 3/4 scoop of Purina Strategy. The weeks he was on the orchard and timothy he got about 1 1/2 scoops twice a day of the Strategy. He will not be worked hard. And, will probably only be ridden an average of once a week. There are no know health or joint issues. And, we have orchard grass here locally. He will have full time access to the pasture at all times. There is grass. But, it isn't overgrown or very lush due to lack of rain here in North Carolina. I usually feed my horses with orchard grass hay and Legends 11% feed. I just didn't know if large breed horses required any additional protein or other supplements that are found in a particular feed.
               Thanks for your information,  Ric

Answer
Hi Ric,  I first would suggest feeding the same hay all the time and not in 2 week intervals.  Horses are designed to eat the same thing all the time.  Changing their diet, in this case changing hay hastily, can cause intestinal upset.  Unless your horse lacks sufficient energy for what you do with him I don't see any need in the alfalfa.  I think grass hay is much easier to digest for a horse who doesn't need the extra energy.  Alfalfa is good for many things such as coat and adding more energy/protein but if he doesn't need it for either of those things I would suggest switching him to pure timothy hay or orchard grass.  But, if you want the alfalfa then mix the alfalfa with the timothy per feeding, not alternating every 2 weeks.  Many horses colic from switching feed around too often.  As for the grain, that sounds fine to me, I also feed that and I really like it for an all around type of feed.  As for him being a large breed, that doesn't have any effect on his diet other than later on you may want to supplement him with a joint supplement.  As far as ration goes, that depends on how easy of a keeper he is.  Always feed as much hay as possible as horses are made to digest roughage naturally and not "man made grain".  So make sure he get's adequate roughage and then add the grain depending on how much weight he may need to gain or not gain.

Regards Jessica