Calmers for horse shows

BlackIrishBeauty

BlackIrishBeauty

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Hi,

I was wondering what calmers people recommend to take the edge of a very tense horse at shows so that I can get her out and seeing things without her panicking?
 
I commented on another post there recommending ponease calmer. ( Im in noway connected to the company ) ive found a massive difference this year using it. We give it before each ride and travel
 
Magnesium will sometimes work but only if the horse is deficient. Calmer’s containing L-Tryptophan such as topspec calmer (also includes magnesium) can be effective but again depends on the horse. Really I don’t think there is really a magic solution other than getting them out, letting them having a walk around/lunge then boxing up and going home and building from there! Can you take the horse out to a quiet indoor arena so they get used to going out and gradually build to busier, bigger atmospheres?

Valerian is another option but isn’t competition legal so a no no if you compete affiliated. James Hart equo-calm is the best one I’ve used.

Another thing you could consider is ear plugs, can stop them from feeling so overwhelmed by a sensory overload but only if your horse will tolerate them.
 
I used to use oxy shot years ago not sure if it's still a thing also used ear buds and lunging before you get on.

I have found getting to a show very early and walking the horse around take plenty of hay and just let them take in the surroundings can help.
 
NAF Magic Calmer shots seem to take the edge off abit. I’ve also tried the nettex calmer tubes and they work about the same
 
Have seen people using calming cookies altho looks like a gimmick to me I think the few suggestions above would be better you don't want to have to give a calmer everytime you want to go somewhere getting them out and about inhand to some shows for a look would be my advice if the shows allow
 
adamntitch said:
Have seen people using calming cookies altho looks like a gimmick to me I think the few suggestions above would be better you don't want to have to give a calmer everytime you want to go somewhere getting them out and about inhand to some shows for a look would be my advice if the shows allow
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I’ve tried the cookies before and whilst they made a little difference at home (more concentration), they did absolutely F all when I used them out and about
 
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