October 2025 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN October 2025 26 Visit us online at www.eastcoastequestrian.net Every horse owner prioritizes nutrition, veterinary care, and exercise, but one critical factor is often ignored: stress. Like humans, horses under chronic stress suffer from impaired digestion, weak- ened immunity, poor muscle recovery, and reduced learning ability. Ahorse trapped in “fight-or-flight” mode, with elevated cortisol and adrenaline, risks gastric ulcers, weight loss, compromised immunity, and behavioral issues that threaten safety. Studies show 60–90% of performance horses and even yearlings develop gastric ulcers, often linked to stress. Helping your horse relax isn’t just about improving performance—it’s about safeguarding long-term health and fostering a safer, more joyful bond. Simple, achievable techniques can transform your horse’s well-being. For instance, teaching head-lowering triggers the “rest and digest” response, boosting parasympathetic activity to lower heart rate and cortisol levels. Other methods, like grounding, tapping, and hind leg crossing, help regulate emotions and promote calm. These practices aren’t complex, yet they create a calmer, healthier horse, enhancing nutrient absorption, recovery, and emotional balance for safer, more enjoyable interactions. While these techniques are powerful, mastering them requires guidance. Imagine the difference a relaxed, trusting horse could make in your daily rides or training sessions. Curious about unlocking these benefits? Scan the QR code or visit http://bit. ly/48s6FN8 to access the HelpingYour Horse Relax guide. This barn-ready booklet offers step-by-step exercises and QR-coded demo videos, giving you the tools to transform your horse’s health and deepen your partnership. Transform your horse’s life —explore the path to true equine wellness now. Relaxation: The Key to Equine Health Pastured horses need access to a clean, safe, con- sistent source of water. Bar-Bar-AHorse and Livestock Drinkers offers a non-electric automatic water source for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, bison, deer, elk, and hogs. With 35 years in the business, they provide clean, safe, fresh water on demand. The waterers eliminate standing water that can attract rats and provide a breeding area for mosquitoes. They do not need electricity to keep from freezing in the winter. “We are firm in our belief that animals, water, and electricity do not mix,” said Marketing Director Dave Anderson. “We have seen many times where an electric automatic waterer has been the sad reason in either kill- ing an animal or making them sick because of dehydra- tion. Some electrical currents are not detectable to the human hand or current meters but are very noticeable to the animal’s nose and delicate nervous system; causing them to stop drinking. Our units are not only free of these worries but are easy for the animals to learn to use and low maintenance for the caretaker.” Water stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Horses drink more because the temperature is always palatable. The waterers are low maintenance, so you can take that worry off your list, and self-cleaning as well. Bar-Bar-A drinkers work in barns as well. Call 800-451-2230 or visit horsedrinker.com to purchase. Give Your Pastured Horses Clean Safe Water Year-round