Best OTC calmer

[NeoRider]

Hi All

Can you give me any recommendations for over the counter calmers?

Currently on Dodson & horrell placid with no effects. It’s for a young feisty gelding to hopefully take the edge off his anxiety and stressy behaviour whilst we work on groundwork & training.

Thanks

 

[[153312]]

Magnesium can help some if they are deficient in it (thoough too much tends to turn them into snorting dragons!)

 

[JackFrost]

Try chamomile, a handful in feed.

 

[NeoRider]

Try chamomile, a handful in feed.

I think his current calmer had this in, I need to check

 

[AdorableAlice]

My bonkers cart horse is a problem at the moment and yesterdays weather turned him borderline dangerous. Calmex and Zen was recommended to me by a very respected equine vet. I have used Calmex before on a box resting competition horse and it did work.

 

[Portly]

Trinity Consulting, they have different types and mixes.

 

[rextherobber]

James Hart V Calm ( valerian)

 

[laura_nash]

Valerian works. I wouldn't bother with anything that is allowed for competing, if there was proof it worked it would be banned.

Often taking things away from the diet is quite effective, if he's on any feed have you tried stopping it?

Supplements like magnesium and salt can also work if there is a deficiency / imbalance in the diet.

 

[little_critter]

James Hart V Calm ( valerian)

I’m looking into trying this. Would it be possible to give to a horse just before work (ie about 30 minutes before) without putting it in feed? I’m thinking could I soak some treats in it or is it a strong taste and needs a feed to hide it?
I ask because I’m in full livery so don’t have the ability to tinker with my horses feed but if i could somehow feed it to him as a pre-ride treat then that would be doable.
It’s either that or I take a scoop of his chaff home with me and make up mini valerian feeds for him that I can give pre-ride

 

[charlotte0916]

I’m pretty sceptical about calmers but tried mine on premier performance premier calm and it has made a difference. I tried taking her off it and our YO said we may have to leave as she was so wild ? Significantly better since she’s back on so staying on!

 

[rextherobber]

I’m looking into trying this. Would it be possible to give to a horse just before work (ie about 30 minutes before) without putting it in feed? I’m thinking could I soak some treats in it or is it a strong taste and needs a feed to hide it?
I ask because I’m in full livery so don’t have the ability to tinker with my horses feed but if i could somehow feed it to him as a pre-ride treat then that would be doable.
It’s either that or I take a scoop of his chaff home with me and make up mini valerian feeds for him that I can give pre-ride

Yes, that's exactly what I do , just put a few grass pellets in a scoop with the valerian liquid, I don't think it smells or tastes particularly, one of mine is super suspicious, but eats it no problems. It's only a tiny amount of calmer, it coats the treats (or whatever) rather than is soaked in it.

 

[Hopelessly horsey]

I've had a few of my horses on the Premier Performance calmer and it's the only one I've been able to tell when I've forgotten to put it in their feed!
Found it particularly useful for the anxious / overthinking types

 

[pistolpete]

Anything with tryptophan.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

I’ve appear to have had good results with ashwagandha an Ayurvedic herb. It’s supposed to make them more amenable.


Equine Synergy Ashwagandha Calmer for Horses and Ponies- A Powerful Organic Calming Herb to Help Relax and Focus Your Horse or Pony, with Adaptogenic Agents to Support a More Willing Attitude
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08ZHRBCP4/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_HDFV0QD4TGP36XB9SZA7

 

[Bernster]

Interesting on the premier performance supplement. That looks like a powdered daily version of their calming cookies, which I have used and seem to have helped. I’ll squirrel that one away in case we need a bit more than the cookies, for very exciting activities!

 

[cauda equina]

I’m looking into trying this. Would it be possible to give to a horse just before work (ie about 30 minutes before) without putting it in feed? I’m thinking could I soak some treats in it or is it a strong taste and needs a feed to hide it?
I ask because I’m in full livery so don’t have the ability to tinker with my horses feed but if i could somehow feed it to him as a pre-ride treat then that would be doable.
It’s either that or I take a scoop of his chaff home with me and make up mini valerian feeds for him that I can give pre-ride

I found V Calm to have a strong, bitter taste
You might have to be quite creative with the feeds

 

[iknowmyvalue]

I’ve found the premier performance one to be good. Pepsi has it daily at the maintenance dose, he’s one of life’s sensitive worriers, and it definitely helps.

Since I started him on it several people have commented on him being more relaxed, and I can tell when it’s run out. It’s not a magic fix, but it seems to help him so I’m ok with that.

I also spoke to the lady who runs the company and you can use the cookies or an extra dose of powder alongside the standard dose if you need a bit extra.