July/August 2024 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN July/August 2024 Page 11 Tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian! How to Keep Your Horses Happy and Healthy with Farmco Hay Feeders Your horses are part of the family! And because of that, they deserve the absolute best. Unfortunately, some hay feeding practices put your horses at risk, potentially resulting in weight gain, behavioral issues, and even serious health concerns. However, you can elimi- nate those risks with one simple feeding tip. Natural Grazers Horses are naturally grazing animals. At pasture, they spend most of their day eating small amounts of forage. This slow and constant supply of food is crucial for their digestive health. That’s because a horse’s stom- ach produces acid continuously (16 gallons/day in a 1,000 lb horse). And without a steady supply of for- age to process, that acid builds up. When a horse’s digestive tract becomes too acidic, they may suffer anything from gastric ulcers to a painful inflammation in the hooves called laminitis. Additionally, too much dry hay eaten too quickly can become impacted in the digestive tract— potentially resulting in colic (abdominal pain) that is not only uncomfortable but can also be deadly. Luckily, the solution to all of these problems is simple. Mimic Nature The key to healthy horses is mimicking their natural grazing behavior. You can easily do that with the right feeder. “Slow Feeders” have become a popular solution. And with good reason. They limit the amount of hay a horse can access at one time, improving digestion, limiting health risks, and alleviating behav- ioral issues caused by boredom. Some slow feeders can even reduce hay waste—often paying for themselves in saved feed costs. And those that fit larger bales reduce labor and feeding chores. So, there you have it. Slow feeders align with the natural life- style of your horses. By integrat- ing them into your horses’ daily routines, you can ensure they lead a happier, healthier life. For more information, please contact Farmco at (717) 768- 7769 or visit www.farmco.horse .