May/June 2025 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN May/June 2025 Page 19 Protect Your Horses with an East Coast Arenas Installation The right arena footing con- tributes to your horse’s overall health and well-being in a variety of ways. Its cushioning absorbs impact, preventing injuries and long term issues like arthritis. By providing the right amount of grip, it prevents slips and falls. It allows for easier movement, decreasing fatigue and preventing overexertion. By eliminating hard and uneven surfaces, it prevents injury. Good footing also mini- mizes dust, preventing respiratory issues. And a horse that feels secure in its footing is likely to be more confident and willing, leading to better performance and a more positive experience. East Coast Arenas is a highly experienced, innovative company that installs and refurbishes arenas and installs a variety of footings. Your arena is customized to your discipline, climate conditions, preferences and budget, while using only high quality materials. East Coast Arenas’ commitment to excellence guarantees durabil- ity and enhances the health and performance of your horses. East Coast Arenas uses eco-friendly practices and sus- tainable materials to install high quality, customized arenas at com- petitive prices. They will show you a full range of options and services, from initial consultation and instal- lation to ongoing maintenance and education. Their customer service ensures you will feel confident in your investment for years to come. East Coast Arenas serves clients on the east coast from New Jersey to Florida. In addi- tion to building and refurbishing arenas and installing footing, they handle most farm excavation and grading services, and install wa- terlines, automatic waterers, and pads for buildings and barns. Check out their Facebook page at East Coast Arenas or phone (732) 966-0847 or email eastcoastarenas@gmail.com. The onset of warm and wet spring weather in the Northeast may cause your horse’s environ- ment to harbor unfriendly germs. Spring is the time of year to focus on keeping your horse’s legs clean and dry to avoid irritating skin conditions like scratches. Scratches or pastern dermatitis/folliculitis is usually caused by a mix of bacterial and fungal organisms. Occasionally parasites can be involved as well. Scratches typically present as crusts and scabs on the skin of the lower leg - pastern, fetlock, and sometimes cannon bone. Occasionally these or- ganisms may invade deeper tissues and lead to cellulitis. Cellulitis may cause severe lameness and swelling of the entire limb. Cellulitis calls for prompt medical attention and may need to be treated aggressively Advice from Quakertown Vet Clinic: Spring Skin Diseases (Continued on page 26)