Tag: pacefeeder

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.

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.

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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.

Welcome to the Pacefeeder monthly blog, where we aim to keep you updated on new and exciting news about the Pacefeeder, equine health trends and how the slow hay feeder can help benefit your equine.

What is the Pacefeeder?

The Pacefeeder slow hay feeder is both an indoor stable and an outdoor slow hay feeder that allows horses and other equines to have access to their hay over an extended period of time, mimicking their natural grazing behaviour.

Where did it all start?

In 2011, Pacefeeder was asked to assist in the development of a product which would enhance the welfare of stabled equines by way of extending their eating time. The problems of a limited feeding regime for stabled horses (when at large they graze between 16–18 hours a day) are well documented. 

We conducted extensive research and development around designing a product solution, which also needed to accommodate the inclined position of the equines head and neck whilst mimicking grazing. In addition, a simple mechanism was required and designed to prolong the period of availability of hay.

What next?

Five years on, we have created what we believe is a product which responds to equines’ feeding habits and needs. It is robust, weatherproof, easy to use and simple to fit. 

Our product, the Pacefeeder, is manufactured in Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Two corner models were launched at Tattersalls International Horse Trials in June 2015 (Pacefeeder is a registered design).

Today?

To-date, our product has been installed extensively across Ireland, the UK, France, Belgium, and Germany. 

We have successfully exhibited in Equus, Tattersalls, the National Ploughing Championships and the RDS-Dublin Horse Show. 

Customers have reported significant savings – no waste due to trampling/soiling – in excess of 20%. Taking note of customers’ feedback is part of a process for continuous improvement.

Get in touch today

Want to get in contact with us? Just email: info@pacefeeder.ie with any query you have.