edprcb68
New User
Has anyone tried any of the calmers you put in feeds? Looking for one to chill out an update mare who takes time to settle into new yards
Calmers - do they work?
- Thread starter edprcb68
- Start date
JillA
Well-Known Member
Depends. Mine is deficient in magnesium (from my land) and without it he spooks at things he damn well ought to be comfortable with - magnesium in any form keeps his feet on terra firma. For inability to cope with new situations I tend to do a lot of work encouraging them to develop coping mechanisms (let them get into uncomfortable situations such as standing on the end of their headcollar rope and work out for themselves how to sort it). Do you know why she is struggling to cope?
ETA some people swear by Rescue Remedy but I can't say I have ever found it helpful
ETA some people swear by Rescue Remedy but I can't say I have ever found it helpful
Last edited:
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
The magnesium ones only work if your horse is deficient in magnesium. Some, like Relax Me also have an element of stomach calming.
Some horses seem to have a big difference, whereas with others I think the effect is more that of a placebo on the owner, who anticipates a calmer horse, so is more relaxed and requests whatever the horse has to do in a constructive way.
IT may be that she would chill more with an ulcer friendly diet, such as ad lib hay and little else. Or, an ulcer type supplement.
Some horses seem to have a big difference, whereas with others I think the effect is more that of a placebo on the owner, who anticipates a calmer horse, so is more relaxed and requests whatever the horse has to do in a constructive way.
IT may be that she would chill more with an ulcer friendly diet, such as ad lib hay and little else. Or, an ulcer type supplement.
Cowpony
Well-Known Member
Magnesium does nothing for mine, so I assume she isn't deficient. Strangely, she does seem less spooky when she has had a few days of charcoal in her feed. I put it down to having a more settled stomach.
Valerian is supposed to be one of the few things that really works, hence it is not legal in competition, but I've never tried it myself.
Valerian is supposed to be one of the few things that really works, hence it is not legal in competition, but I've never tried it myself.
popsdosh
Well-Known Member
Some have not had good results others say they work im sceptical but I think their placebo effect can be very useful.
Valerian will work but be careful handling her as it interferes with their spacial awareness.
Last edited:
skint1
Well-Known Member
Blue Chip Karma and Top Spec Calmer both took a bit of edge off my boys- (one currently on box rest, the other a little bit spooky at times) they do contain magnesium and other stuff but both have Tryptophan (or L-Tryptophan) in in them which I think does actually work. (only my opinion!)
Dizzydancer
Well-Known Member
I put my mare on equimins serenity and it has definitley had effect on her.
She is very upset by any changes in routine or environment however since being on this she is coping much better with that. Wouldn't say it's made any difference to ridden work apart from she is more settled in general and thus more rideable but still sharp
She is very upset by any changes in routine or environment however since being on this she is coping much better with that. Wouldn't say it's made any difference to ridden work apart from she is more settled in general and thus more rideable but still sharp
ILuvCowparsely
Well-Known Member
Yes I use Magic x 2 times a day in feed for my boy first now my mare and it does work.