Which horse calmer

Studies in mice suggested that supplementing with magnesium could have an antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like anxiety reducing effect. However, the amount of magnesium given was very high and was given directly into the body cavity by injection and not fed to the mice. A different study in mice showed that feeding a deficient magnesium diet produced an increase in anxiety.

However, magnesium deficiency in horses is rare and most diets contain adequate magnesium. There are currently no published scientific studies demonstrating a calming effect of magnesium supplements in horses. Magnesium supplementation can also interfere with calcium balance and lead to an increased risk of orthopaedic problems. Interestingly, magnesium is not on the FEI Prohibited substances list which should give an indication as to its likely efficacy.

Tryptophan Tryptophan is an amino acid and is another common active ingredient in equine calmers. Tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has been associated with aggression, fear, stress and inhibition of aggression in a variety of animal species.

There appear to be many factors that determine the response to tryptophan and few studies have been carried out in horses. Those that have suggest that low doses actually cause mild excitement as opposed to calming.

Higher doses reduce endurance and can cause haemolytic anaemia lowering of red blood cell count. Again, like magnesium, tryptophan is not on the FEI Prohibited substances list. Valerian Valerenic acid There is a reasonable amount of scientific evidence to suggest an anxiolytic effect of Valerian Valerenic Acid an extract from Valerian plants. However, there are no scientific published studies of Valerian or its extracts in horses, but interestingly Valerenic acid is on the FEI Prohibited substances list.

View Omega ZenCalm at viovet. A magnesium-based blend containing green-lipped mussel, L-tryptophan and soothing herbs, it helps take the edge off sharp and nervous horses without losing sparkle. View Maxavita Maxacalm at viovet. This non-magnesium, natural calmer is prebiotic-like in functionality and has been shown to influence the natural gut microbiome, which in turn supports calmness and well-being as well as supporting the gut. View Nettex eCalm at viovet.

A vitamin, magnesium and amino acid-based supplement that helps calm nervous animals. View Supreme Products Defuse at viovet.

This natural instant calmer formula is administered in gel form. It does not sedate, is safe for competition and is formulated to help horses who get stressed, anxious or excited. Administer 1—2 hours prior to requirement. View Synovium Calmingard at amazon. This gentle, natural remedy promotes relief from fear of travel, loading and other stressful situations.

It can be used on horses of all ages and is available as in easy liquid dosing form. This supplement targets stressful and difficult behaviour by improving magnesium absorption without causing acid-base disruption. FEI compliant. A liquid feed supplement formulated to provide a calming effect on horses that display nervous and temperamental behaviour. Ideal for horses that may become stressed when competing or travelling. Form: Liquid Sizes: 1kg, 2.

Calming supplement containing B vitamins, magnesium and L-tryptophan to aid nervous tension that may be as a result of reduced turnout, for example. With increased stable time over the winter months, Herbanerve may assist in keeping your horse calm and stress-free without removing the edge for top class performance.

You can also add water and administer it via a syringe. This herbal supplement is ideal for excitable horses or those that become unsettled when stabled for long periods. It includes natural valerian root, hops and yeast. This calmer contains a blend of crucial nutrients, including magnesium, which is involved in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and appetite.

Surprisingly, I have had good results in geldings as well. Just remember as with a lot of the below options- these are not all show safe, so be sure to check prohibited substances listed by your horse show regulatory body. If you're using a paste, closely follow the dosing instructions to allow enough time before the anticipated activity.

Once a horse gets excited or anxious, it's far more difficult to get them to calm down! At the next level, I will use Platinum Gentle for horses that are on stall rest with or without hand walking because it offers a reliable calming effect for most horses.

Platinum Tranquility is the next step up for nervous horses. Even though these are costly options, preventing further injury or averting a riding accident can be a very smart investment! A rapidly emerging market is cannabis therapy using hemp products. Horses seem to be very responsive to cannabidiol CBD in cases of significant anxiety.

It's a safe alternative to sedatives, which we'll discuss next. Nervous behaviour in a horse can affect learning ability and overall performance, as well as making everyday situations such as shoeing, travelling, and clipping very challenging. Nutritional support for balanced behaviour can be provided by supplementing the diet with Foran Equine Nutri-Calm , which is suitable for all horses prone to nervousness.

It can aid concentration, promote a more even temperament and encourage relaxation. Foran Equine Nutri-Calm also helps to support a healthy appetite; something which is often reduced in nervous horses. Foran Equine Nutri-Calm is highly palatable and comes in both a liquid daily dose and a convenient gel syringe that can be useful when travelling or competing.