(Calming) balancer to combine with Oestress?

[OxfordHacking2025]

I have a large Irish Sport Pony mare, 13 years.

She’s new to me and the yard so I’m in the trial and error stage and I’m conscious she’s still settling in and adjusting so things may change as she naturally relaxes.

She’s arrived and immediately come into season, she’s also quickly become very attached to one of her field mates and for a while found it EXTREMELY hard to be away from her. We are working through that and she’s been on Oestress for a week, either from the Oestress or simply with the time she’s calming day by day.

I’m thinking about what balancer to introduce and was wondering if people knew of any which combine well with Oestress? I’m thinking something generally calming would make her feel happiest, but of course there are overlaps (magnesium etc) with the Oestress that I need to avoid. Or with the Oestress is a calming balancer redundant?

She’s going to be in light work at least for a while. She has good turnout, will be out 24/7 when the clocks change in 2 weeks.

Cost effective would help!!

 

[poiuytrewq]

I'm using Simple Systems Calming balancer. It's £39.99 a bag. I tried it after my horse refused to eat powder balancers and so this seemed a good alternative. Its pellets and she eats it happily.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I did feed Oestress for a time as she was flirting and cornering my poor old gelding! however I didnt notice it did anything and she stopped after a few days anyway so I've not used it in ages.

 

[onemoretime]

My mare has Oestress and I feed her Spillers Original balancer she is in regular work and competing though. Spillers do a daily balancer which I have heard is very good. May be worth a look. I fin dthe Oestress very good as she can be randy when I ride with my friends gelding, has her tail on one side and legs wide open Oestress stops all of that and you can compete on it. It also makes her less worried. I give her 25mill once a day in her evening feed.

 

[Traks]

I give mine Oestress all year round and it definitely helps as she cycles all year round

It could also be the March season is particularly bad for some mares, the first of the year so to speak (for many) mine is pretty bad all year round to be fair bar the summer months…being out more seems to help mine is the devil when she’s stabled lots AND in season so you may find yours is better once she’s out!

 

[OxfordHacking2025]

Thanks both, I’ve ordered a casing balancer so fingers crossed!

Very pleased to hear this might just be a “big” first season and it hopefully will get easier!!

 

[poiuytrewq]

Thanks both, I’ve ordered a casing balancer so fingers crossed!

Very pleased to hear this might just be a “big” first season and it hopefully will get easier!!

I know zero about mares and seasons but can confirm the first season (first mare) here last year I thought I may have to bury myself and resurface in winter, She was fine after that!

 

[Traks]

Thanks both, I’ve ordered a casing balancer so fingers crossed!

Very pleased to hear this might just be a “big” first season and it hopefully will get easier!!

Yes could well be, mine is just weird and she cycles all year round and is pretty bad! Had scans, bloods done etc all normal its just her! Regumate is also an option if things don't settle...but from my experience the more they are out the happier they are!

 

[OxfordHacking2025]

Ok phew, she’s new to me and new to the yard, arrived and immediately went into season and has stayed in season since!

I’m really looking forward to getting to know her when she calms a bit!

She’s been on oestress for a week and either via that or just with time she’s calmed in the past week and can now atleast leave her field mate without throwing herself around.

I love her already but the feeling isn’t mutual yet….