Best calmer for competitions

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Lastpick

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I have an ex-racehorse who I want to now start competing. However in stressful situations, he will freeze and become so stressed you can see his heart beating out his chest, he can then start spinning, kicking out etc. This is easier to handle when I’m riding him and he does calm down, but on the ground I have little control and this worries me in a competition setting. He has also had a past with stomach ulcers which are now cleared up but still something I’m trying to avoid. I do believe after more and more exposure to shows he will improve but I would like to put him on a calmer, or use one before showing to take the edge off and allow him to relax. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
 
Different people prefer different calmers so there isn't really a recommendation available. You need something competition legal which removes the ones which actually work. Other than that some people find a magnesium based calmer works - some find it makes the horse more excitable. We got on quite well with D&H Placid which is competition safe. The "Instant calmers" in a paste can have a positive affect on humans - not by taking it!. Just by the human thinking it works and then behaving more calmly around the horse.

Long term the answer is as you say - careful and gradual exposure to the show environment. It would probably be well worth going to a couple of shows just to take in the atmosphere and not compete. (You must ask the secretary first but most don't mind). Go early. Look around before it gets busy and come away. Next time go when it is busier etc. Only work up to riding when he is calm on the ground. Condition and Turnout is usually a good early low pressure class to start with.
 
Lastpick said:
I have an ex-racehorse who I want to now start competing. However in stressful situations, he will freeze and become so stressed you can see his heart beating out his chest, he can then start spinning, kicking out etc. This is easier to handle when I’m riding him and he does calm down, but on the ground I have little control and this worries me in a competition setting. He has also had a past with stomach ulcers which are now cleared up but still something I’m trying to avoid. I do believe after more and more exposure to shows he will improve but I would like to put him on a calmer, or use one before showing to take the edge off and allow him to relax. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
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Depends if he is sensitive to magnesium as most calmers have this and can make them worst.
 
I have never found any calmer- long term use or on the day shots -to work in the slightest on racehorses. Their body and adrenaline over ride whatever calming effects might have started.

Have you tried ear plugs? Some are just stupidly noise sensitive.
 
Wow thats expensive! Personally I would not feed something to a competition horse that doesn't list the ingredients in full. They shouldn't have anything to hide. Now we're no longer competing affiliated I suppose it matters less. But old habits die hard. It is also worth reading the ASA's judgement against Equifest over the claims they make for this product.
 
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