Blog

by Hayley Lynch -

Introducing: The rectangular slow hay feeder

The Pacefeeder is a natural slow hay feeder designed for indoor stables and outdoor spaces. It allows horses and other equines to access hay over an extended period of time, thus mimicking natural grazing behaviour.

Traditional methods of two-to-three feeds a day does not take into consideration the digestive system or the natural behaviour of the horse. Scientific research proves that this method of feeding increases the risk of stomach ulcers and other veterinary problems like colic, as well as behavioural problems.

Pacefeeder, alongside the traditional triangular slow hay feeder, has now introduced to the market a rectangular unit. It has all the features of the corner unit, such as the bung and sub- floor, but now the main focus is the net grid.

The options available are a 45mm / 60mm hole size. One size holds approximately 9kg of dry hay or 290L. It is ideal for hay / haylege and/or steamed hay.

It is 35” wide (or 88 cm), 21” width (or 54 cm) and 27” height (or 70 cm).

The cost of the rectangular Pacefeeder – supplied with a netgrid – is € 295.00 (€ 363.00 including Vat).

To purchase the rectangular slow hay feeder, just click here.

Pacefeeder 6 884x1024 Introducing: The rectangular slow hay feeder
by Hayley Lynch -

Video: How the Pacefeeder works

How the Pacefeeder Slow Hay Feeder Works – Step-by-Step Guide

In our YouTube video below, we provide a detailed step-by-step guide on how the Pacefeeder slow hay feeder works.

You’ll learn about:

  • The size and capacity of the feeder
  • The mechanics behind its functionality
  • How to fill the feeder properly
  • The benefits of using a slow hay net instead of the standard grid

Using a slow hay feeder supports a horse’s natural eating habits, promoting better digestion while helping owners save time and money.

For more information or to purchase a Pacefeeder slow hay feeder, email us at info@pacefeeder.ie.

slow hay feeder, pacefeeder, horse
by Hayley Lynch -

How is the Pacefeeder secured?

Secure or unsecured; how does one do it?

The Pacefeeder is a natural slow hay feeder that can be used in both an indoor stable and outdoors. It allows horses and other equines to have access to their hay over an extended period of time, mimicking their natural grazing behaviour.

Traditional methods of giving a horse two-to-three feeds a day does not take into consideration the digestive system or the natural behaviour of the horse. Scientific studies have shown that feeding in this manner increases the risk of stomach ulcers and other veterinary problems like colic, as well as behavioural problems.

So, how does it stay in place?

Ready in the recess

The Pacefeeder is secured to the wall on both sides by a screw which is out of harm’s way in a recess. It is also out of the way of the horse’s teeth, which ensures no grinding against metal.

If you want to use additional screws, the plastic is easily drilled.

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Does it need to be secured?

The Pacefeeder slow hay feeder is designed to be freestanding also, should you wish to place it in a yard outside, or keep it in the corner of the stall but with easy maneuverability, should you wish to alter the location.

Want to know more?

For additional information or photos, please contact: info@pacefeeder.ie; or call: +353 (0)86 254 4482.

by Hayley Lynch -

Superior ‘slow feed’ hay net: Slow-graze your horse in a healthy way

Keep your horse grazing long, aiding in digestion, stimulating a healthy eating habit

In 2020, Pacefeeder introduced the Superior ‘slow feed’ hay nets as a cheaper alternative to the Pacefeeder, while still mimicking the horses natural grazing patterns.

Many veterinarians and nutritionists recommend the practice of ‘slow’ feeding hay to equines. Slowing down the intake of hay and thereby extending the period the horse has access to hay, mimics the horses natural grazing behaviour. By maintaining digestive balance, this helps to address issues such as ulcers and laminitis.

With the introduction of our Superior ‘slow feed’ hay nets, owners can take an affordable first step on this path and also reduce boredom / stress for their horses, by keeping them occupied.

These large ‘slow feed’ hay nets are made of braided knotless poly netting. This very strong, soft-to-touch netting is available in two strand sizes: 4 mm & 5 mm. The hole sizes of 30 mm, 45 mm & 60 mm are standard.

Both the 30 mm and 40 mm nets are 75 cm wide x 1 meter long; the 60 mm hole net is 1 meter wide and 750 mm long. The wide opening facilitates easy filling.

Hay capacity is approx 5kg (dry hay).

Which size hay net to choose?

The hole size 30 mm is ideal for ponies and horses on a strict feeding regime. The 45 mm hole size will suit most horses and cobs. 60 mm hole nets are for large horses, including Shires.

Our Superior ‘slow feed’ hay nets are not the same or comparable to the regular nylon twine knotted nets. They are strong and soft on the horses mouth, suitable for stable, paddock or traveling.

How much do the hay nets cost?

30 mm hole net, 4 mm strand/cord = €37.00
45 mm hole net, 5 mm strand/cord = €40.00
60 mm hole net, 5 mm strand/cord = €35.00
Introductory offer: Free postage to Ireland and the UK. Multiple net discount is available.

For more information, email: info@pacefeeder.ie.

by Hayley Lynch -

ScratchnAll: Safe relief from itching for your horse’s comfort

Give your horse the opportunity to eat healthy and stay comfortable, all in one place.

In 2020, Pacefeeder collaborated with ScratchnAll, an American-based company, to bring the ScratchnAll pads to the Irish market as a distributor. These pads provide not only horses but a variety of animals, large and small, with safe relief from itching which can be problematic in stalls and barnyards.

The ScratchnAll animal scratcher pad measures 6″ x 5″ x 1″ and is made with a type of elastomer. It is easy to install and has the ability to bend over corners and interlock. Because of its unique shape and features, you can create a pattern which best suits the animals’ enrichment needs. The pad’s 212 points can touch key acupressure areas and is the perfect self-grooming solution.

Because scratching and grooming is a self-enriching activity enjoyed by all animals, they will rub on any convenient surface or object. Ultimately, these surfaces, such as door jambs, furniture and posts, soon show wear and may even break or splinter; creating rough edges and sharp points that could puncture the skin or cause other serious injuries.

Therefore, ScratchnAll offers a safe and effective way of self-scratching so that the skin, face and especially the eyes are not harmed. Even though it’s very durable, the small nubs on the scratcher pad are flexible which is comfortable, satisfying and non-irritating to the animal, and it can touch many key acupressure points.

Not only this, but the horse’s mental welfare needs to be considered too. Those horses, which may be on stall rest, can get very depressed, anxious and particularly miss the other horses, and being groomed by those horses, which is important to them. This instead enables the horse to groom itself to a point simulating normal herd behaviour.

The ScratchnAll costs only €22.00 and they come in a variety of colours, including black, brown and green.

More information

Interested in buying one? Just click here.

Have any questions? Just email: info@pacefeeder.ie.

  • brown straight ScratchnAll: Safe relief from itching for your horse’s comfort
  • green angle ScratchnAll: Safe relief from itching for your horse’s comfort
  • black angle ScratchnAll: Safe relief from itching for your horse’s comfort
by Hayley Lynch -

Covid-19: Updates, shipping and more

Shipping local and abroad has resumed.

For those of you who have been uncertain about whether or not you can order a Pacefeeder slow hay feeder, we can confirm that as of Monday, May 18, production of the Pacefeeder unit has resumed, and we are in a position to take orders and send them abroad.

How much is delivery?

For the standard pacefeeder, delivery costs €25 to customers in Ireland, the UK or western Europe (tracker provided).

For the tall pacefeeder, delivery costs €35 to customers in Ireland, the UK or western Europe (tracker provided).

Order online today

You can place an order online by clicking here.

If you any questions or concerns, you can contact us at: info@pacefeeder.ie.

Click on the link for a list of our common frequently asked questions.

by Hayley Lynch -

Indoor and outdoor use: How best to utilise your Pacefeeder

Let your horse enjoy the good weather, while still eating in a healthy, natural way.

It’s May 21, 2020, and the sun has been out shining most days. At Pacefeeder, we recommend that our slow hay feeders can be used both indoors (during rainy times or the dead of winter) or outdoors, for those bright, sun-shiny days.

The horse can graze hay over time, allowing it to consume food in a way that suits the nature of a horse. It also prevents any hay wastage, blowing away or being trampled underfoot.

However, this doesn’t mean it has to take place indoors. Your horse enjoys the cool breeze and warm sun just like many of us do. Give them the opportunity to be outdoors, but grazing with the pacefeeder also.

They’ll be thanking you before you know it!

You can read more about all the benefits the slow hay feeder provides for horses.

Or, you can read about how the Pacefeeder slow hay feeder can benefit owners.

by Hayley Lynch -

Covid-19: Limited supply but shipping will resume soon

In light of the Covid-19 crises, Pacefeeder would like to reassure customers about our product and safe practice. We do not operate a storage facility nor products for sale within any retail establishment; all of our business is conducted online.

However, given the Covid-19 precautions taken by our fabrication facility, we have a limited supply of Pacefeeders available. At present we are forecasting additional production units – 10 days for availability Once the current situation has passed though, we will resume normal production.

In the meantime, if you are interested in our products or have any questions, please email: info@pacefeeder.ie.

by Hayley Lynch -

The where, what and why of our social media – join us today

Are you an avid user of social media? Do you prefer to keep up-to-date on your interested through Facebook, Instagram or more?

Well… Pacefeeder is on multiple channels! Join us and you can see what we have to say, show or even just laugh about!

Find us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacefeeder/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0hoLs6saOU&t=61s

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pacefeeder

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacefeeder/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Pacefeeder/

Feel free to join us on any or all social media, join in on our online discussions, or simply just shoot us a message. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Interested in a Pacefeeder?

If you have any questions, just email us at: info@pacefeeder.ie.

by Hayley Lynch -

How the slow hay feeder benefits equines

The Pacefeeder is designed to allow the horse to search, tear, chew and eat hay in a naturally continuous and slow manner in their correct body posture, ensuring the horse is getting the right amount of hay over a longer period of time.

How the Pacefeeder works

By using the slow hay feeder, not only does the hay last longer but, more importantly, the horse takes smaller mouthfuls, each of which is chewn for longer – when the pH is in balance in their stomach, the horse will stop eating.

If your horse is overweight, slow feeding using the Pacefeeder will help to regulate metabolism and insulin spikes. If your horse is underweight, the Pacefeeder can help increase digestion and absorption of calories and nutrients. Small amounts of food also reduce swollen hay stomachs.

The Pacefeeder allows for a natural head down grazing posture. This posture pulls the top line into alignment and the hind legs into the correct weight-bearing position relieving the neck, back and hock stress. It also encourages natural movement of the head and body as the horse searches, tears, chews and swallows food from the Pacefeeder.

Each small amount of hay is torn off through the Pacefeeder grid using the incisors in a natural head down posture. While eating from the Pacefeeder, the mandible is correctly allowed to slide down and forward relaxing the TMJ muscles and allowing for proper teeth contact.

Hay is pulled directly into the mouth through the holes in the Pacefeeder’s self-adjusting grid and torn off. The dust, sand, pollens, and mold are shaken loose and work their way to the bottom of the slow hay feeder subfloor. All this collects in the subfloor, out of the horse’s reach and can be emptied and thrown out later. 

By using the slow hay feeder it helps to keep them occupied and helps to eliminate boredom.

Key points:

  • Works WITH the horses natural digestive system and behaviours;
  • Horses are less lightly to suffer from ‘ulcers’ and other gastric disorders;
  • Reduces anxiety/stress levels in your horse;
  • Reduces bad stall habits and behaviours;
  • The natural position of the head and body when feeding leads to less physical problems;
  • No ingestion of dirt, sand, and parasites from the ground.

  • How the slow hay feeder benefits equines
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  • How the slow hay feeder benefits equines
  • How the slow hay feeder benefits equines

Want to know more?

If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone about purchasing the Pacefeeder, just email: info@pacefeeder.ie.