When I have a weight problem with one of mine (generally rescue), check the teeth, take off any hard work, start them on beet pulp and/or oats (gives the "gain" without giving excess energy as some sweet feeds do) and mix it with some grain. Also I boost up their forage, either summer- all access to pasture, or winter- gradually boost up to Alfalfa or Alfalfa/mix. Alot of the young generation have a neg. opinion of Alfalfa but it's the transition from a lower to higher content that is harder on the horse than the actual eating of it. Also depends upon the quality.
Also keep in mind- FAT does not get absorbed as well as Carbs (try eating bacon fat or a cup of lard...gross...your body doesn't absorb most of it, unlike the general public's idea) so try to steer away from weight- gainers that's main ingredient is Fat. It's not going to help you as much as carbs will (wheat, oats, grains, just as bread sticks to us humans!)
Good luck, I know it's no fun. I guess we've all been there with a horse or two.
