Calmers

[Taffieboy1]

Hi

Anyone used any calmers that actually work ?
Stop the sharp silly spooky behaviour ?
Have used them in the past only to think it makes them worse rather than better.

 

[Carlosmum]

Currently I am using Magnitude & brewers yeast pellets. Horse seems to be less stressy but I've no real proof they are working.

 

[Justturnedfifty]

Hi

Anyone used any calmers that actually work ?
Stop the sharp silly spooky behaviour ?
Have used them in the past only to think it makes them worse rather than better.

Yes totally agree, the majority of calmers have very little effect, however I strongly recommend Equifeast. Note this is not a calmer, it is actually a supplement. Is individually made up for your horse - you have to email/correspondent with the Equifeast Team, and I can hand on heart advise that it seriously stops sharp, silly spooky behaviour. Tried tested and will continue to use on what was a sharp, spooky Warmblood whose constant desire was to go in to 'flight' mode, when unsure. He simply lost the plot and had no regard for the riders safety or his own. He is now progressing, confident and trainable. Look at Equifeast web site, it's affordable and it works!!! Problem solved!! Good luck!!

 

[Taffieboy1]

Sounds like my boy, he's a Welsh x TB

 

[Taffieboy1]

Are cribbers generally much more highly strung & spooky ?

 

[Darremi]

Have you looked at the other aspects of the horse's routine?

With a stressy horse getting them turned out as much as possible is very important. If he is a good doer then cut back the hard feed and give him lots of exercise.

I believe one of the reasons these "calmers" are becoming so popular is because too many people are keeping their horses in, fed, rugged up and under-exercised. Then they wonder why the horse is over-the-top when they get it out to a show!

Not suggesting that is your problem, just a general observation.

 

[Taffieboy1]

Have you looked at the other aspects of the horse's routine?

With a stressy horse getting them turned out as much as possible is very important. If he is a good doer then cut back the hard feed and give him lots of exercise.

I believe one of the reasons these "calmers" are becoming so popular is because too many people are keeping their horses in, fed, rugged up and under-exercised. Then they wonder why the horse is over-the-top when they get it out to a show!

Not suggesting that is your problem, just a general observation.

Well he gets 100g balancer that's it, not rugged, he's a welsh x TB, so guess stressy breed anyway.
Exercise wise, prob doesn't get enough if am honest with myself.
But don't have much hacking near me.

 

[dogatemysalad]

My horse was getting very stressed and irritable with the reduced turnout due to the weather. I started giving her a cup of camomile tea a week ago and she's gone back to her usual sweet, polite self again.
Two camomile tea bags brewed in a mug of boiled water and then mixed in with feed has made quite a difference.
I've now bought the camomile flowers to mix with boiled water as the tea bags have been so successful.

 

[Taffieboy1]

Actually do have a v nice indoor claydon 5 horse walker all rubber matted floor too, people have said to put him on it for 20-30 mins a day, regardless if ridden that day or not, but he's slight arthiritis in left hind so not sure if good idea or not ?

 

[Darremi]

Actually do have a v nice indoor claydon 5 horse walker all rubber matted floor too, people have said to put him on it for 20-30 mins a day, regardless if ridden that day or not, but he's slight arthiritis in left hind so not sure if good idea or not ?

That is perfect! Put him on the walker for 30 mins every day and that will help with the stress. I would have thought the gentle walking would do his arthritis some good. Our old boy (20y ISH) still goes on the walker regularly even though he is retired from being ridden.

30 mins is not even that much. My eventer goes on for over an hour on his day off.

Make sure you swap direction every day.

Edit: Try putting him on before riding and that may help take the edge off him.

 

[showpony]

I have my stress chap on top spec. Tbh it I don't think it's helped. What has had a marked improvement is cutting hard feed right down and more exercise!

 

[JDH01]

Can you explain what the issues are for you, why do you need calmers? Please explain what your horse is and what he/she is doing and what your riding experience is. I am not being difficult or sarcastic just want to know to try and find you a solution.