April 2026 Issue

April 2026 | EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN 12 The way horses eat has a direct impact on their health. Many common hay- feeding routines don’t reflect how horses are naturally designed to consume forage. In natural grazing conditions, horses eat slowly and continuously—taking in about 1.5 pounds of forage per hour. By contrast, large meals given a few times a day can lead to rapid intake, long gaps between feedings, and increased risk of digestive problems. In the wild, horses are continuous grazers, supporting a digestive system that produces stomach acid around the clock—about 16 gallons per day in a 1,000-pound horse. Without a near-constant supply of roughage to buffer that acid, levels can build quickly, contributing to gastric ulcers, colic, and laminitis. Fast consumption of dry hay also increases the risk of impaction and dehydration. Colic remains one of the leading causes of death in horses, proving fatal in approximately 11% of cases. One simple adjustment can make a meaningful difference: slow feeders. Designed to regulate intake, slow feeders encourage horses to eat more gradually, closer to their natural grazing pace. Feeders with 2.5-inch openings help control bite size, extending feeding time while reducing waste. This steady intake supports digestion, reduces stress-related behaviors, aleviate boredom, and promotes consistent energy levels. It can also support weight management for easy keepers. By mimicking the natural feeding cycle, slow feeders create a safer, more balanced approach to hay feeding—one that benefits both horse health and daily management. By mimicking the natural feeding cycle, slow feeders create a safer, more balanced approach to hay feeding. To learn more, visit www.farmco.ag or call 717-929-8825. One Tip for a Happier, Healthier Horse: Mimic the Pasture Meyer Arenas and Construction, LLC is well known as an experienced and professional Pennsylvania-based, equestrian-focused construction company. They offer clients one-stop shopping with top-of-the-line services that cater to their specific project needs andmanagement requirements, at the most competitive rates. They have extensive knowledge of horses and various disciplines, providing practical and functional planning for equestrian rings, barns, properties, animal shelters, and custom fencing solutions, including post and board, hemlock, and flex rail fencing. To enhance animal welfare, Meyer Arenas specializes in designing and constructing shed rows and run-in sheds specifically tailored for animal shelters. These structures provide safe, sheltered spaces for animals, ensuring they are protected from all extreme weather conditions. The shed rows are designed for optimal ventilation and accessibility, accommodating a variety of animal needs. There are various methods for arena building, and Meyer Arenas can construct any arena with any type of footing. They are committed to quality and practicality for your discipline and desired use. Turn to them for a dry paddock, which will eliminate mud and provide a safe place for turnout. They can pre-mix any type of footing for any discipline of riding, ensuring 100 percent consistency throughout the footing. Whether it’s an economy sand and stone blend or Grand Prix-level fiber footing, they can meet your needs. If the footing in your current arena is freezing or not draining, they can offer remediation geared to any budget. Meyer Arenas services the entire east coast from their location in Gap, Lancaster County, PA. Visit online at meyerarenas.com , email arenasandconstruction@gmail.com , or phone (717) 917-1570 to learn more. Meyer Arenas and Construction Is the Up and Coming Team 280 North Locust St. ▪ Schaefferstown, PA 17088 Phone: 717-949-8170 ▪ Website: www.keystonefencesupplyco.com NOW STOCKING TANGENT HDPE EQUINE FENCING Woodgrain Texture - Low Maintenance - Organic - 50 Year Fence We carry a full line of fence products including Horserail, Horsecote, and Bekaert Non-Climb Horse Fence! By Mitchel Zimmerman, Product Specialist Keystone Fence Supply Co is a trusted, one-stop shop for all your agricultural, equine, and game fencing supplies and accessories. We are located in Lancaster/Lebanon, PA and serve the entire USA with our quality farm fence supplies. Keystone Fence Supply Co carries tools, hardware, wire, posts, gates, energizers, electric supplies, insulators, board and rail, equine fence, tapes and twines, equipment and more from brand name manufacturers like Gallagher, Horserail, FenceGard, Bekaert, Milwaukee, Montana Post Driver, Wood Defender, Tangent, and Gripple. 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Featuring woodgrain texture, 50 year performance, and strength comparable to oak with low maintenance! Available in Black, White, and Tudor Brown colors that will never need painted! These posts and boards are solid, yet flexible, and will not shatter like wood and pvc options. The highest quality fence is built with supplies from Keystone! Ask your installer to build your fence with Keystone Fence Posts, Bekaert Wire, or Horserail Coated Wire! Don’t compromise the safety and strength of your fence by choosing lower quality products. If it isn’t from Keystone, you don’t want it! If you are a fence installer, retail store, or someone else in need of fence supplies, please consider utilizing our fast service and competitive pricing for your projects or product line. Call (717) 949-8170 or visit keystonefencesupplyco.com . For The Highest Quality Fencing, Choose Keystone Fence Supply Co Pest Control, Pastures, Hay & Fencing Special Advertising Section