Do calming supplements work?

[QueenDee_]

As title really, and if so, which do you recommend?

 

[AdorableAlice]

Currently using Top Spec Calmer on long term (7months) box resting horse, working nicely.

Magic also worked for him but he went off the taste and left it.

 

[cyberhorse]

Did not find any of the magnesium based calmers worked at all - they only tend to if your horse is actually deficient. Herbal Valerian (e.g V calm) works but is a bit more extreme and has a withdrawal period for competition compliance (I would also be uncomfortable using it in the long term). I have found for short span calming in stressful situations (e.g going to a show) nothing beats Oxyshot.

 

[starryeyed]

I've found TopSpec's calmer to work absolute wonders on mine, took the edge off without affecting performance, it's the only calmer that's really worked for him - others either made no difference to him or turned him into a complete dope!
I've also found Global Herbs' supercalm to work really well with a stressy TB who overreacted to everything, and have heard good things about oxyshot but not yet tried it (have a tube ready & waiting just incase!)
With supplements its a bit of trial and error really, as certain ones work really well for certain horses but do nothing for others.

 

[ConnieLove]

I found Blue Chip calmer worked wonders on my stress head of a tb. Really helped him and stopped him constantly box walking throughout the winter days where there was no turnout. I only put him on it through winter usually because the restricted turn out situation, he manages to keep his head on the work in the school as well instead of turning into a spooky monster!

 

[Cortez]

Erm, no. Not in my experience (but using them seems to calm the riders down).

 

[Splish & Masons mum]

I found my horse to be a lot less stressy in general now he's on Global Herbs Supercalm. He just seems more chilled. however, it's not worked miracles (he does sometimes still get himself in a tizz) but he seems to come out of it and settle again more quickly than he used to.
re: the magnesium supplements, as someone else said, these only really work if your horse is deficient in Mg in the first place.
I think it took about 3 weeks for us to really see a difference.

 

[Merlin11]

naf magic works for my super spooky irish draught - calms him down for travelling, farrier, takes edge off when hacking.

 

[Oberon]

I had my little rant about 'calmers' on this thread.....
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=509142&highlight=calmers

 

[AdorableAlice]

Erm, no. Not in my experience (but using them seems to calm the riders down).

Our horse came out of the International arena at HOYs on the buzzy side and we decided give him Oxyshot before he competed in the final.

The horse messed about whilst being given the syringe and most of it missed the horse but went into the mouth of the rider who was standing below the horses head hanging on to him. i gave the horse another tube, this time successfully. Horse and rider were thoroughly relaxed in the final !!!!

As i mentioned before the Topspec is really helping the horse cope on very long term box rest and is a better option than filling him with sedalin/acp etc.

 

[TritTrot]

The horse messed about whilst being given the syringe and most of it missed the horse but went into the mouth of the rider . .

I nearly sprayed my tea over my laptop when I read that!

 

[NOISYGIRL]

My 33 year old thinks he's 3 so I have problems with him after he has been in say for the snow, I need to stop him galloping around doing self harm, usually give him sedaline which works, got some magic syringes to try BUT I don't want to use them and they not work, put him out and he goes round the field like a nutter. I saw a supplement think it was global herbs, called boxrest and another called turnout I think it was, anyone used them with success ?

 

[squiz22]

yes I think they do. I have had success with NAF Magic as well as pure magnesium on its. I have used the syringes to on the day and they def work. I have had a lunatic go from bronking across the dressage arena and getting eliminated to coming second the next outing with a syringe of Magic.

The calmers tend to only work if your horse is already deficient in magnesium.

 

[diamondrockharvey]

I think calmers only work if your horse is defficiant in the ingredient e.g magnesium. And if that is the case they should be supplemented with Magox or a balancer that contains Magnesum.

If you feel your horse needs a calmer there must be some underlying issue either
diet based or confidence based that I think you should be looking into!

 

[diamondrockharvey]

My 33 year old thinks he's 3 so I have problems with him after he has been in say for the snow, I need to stop him galloping around doing self harm, usually give him sedaline which works, got some magic syringes to try BUT I don't want to use them and they not work, put him out and he goes round the field like a nutter. I saw a supplement think it was global herbs, called boxrest and another called turnout I think it was, anyone used them with success ?

Do you give sedaline on a regular basis???

 

[NOISYGIRL]

Do you give sedaline on a regular basis???

No only when he's been in for a long time like with the snow and ice, so maybe once or twice a winter

 

[diamondrockharvey]

No only when he's been in for a long time like with the snow and ice, so maybe once or twice a winter

Oh - I thought you meant every time you turned him out! Phew!

 

[NOISYGIRL]

I think calmers only work if your horse is defficiant in the ingredient e.g magnesium. And if that is the case they should be supplemented with Magox or a balancer that contains Magnesum.

If you feel your horse needs a calmer there must be some underlying issue either
diet based or confidence based that I think you should be looking into!

My horses underlying issue is he thinks he's younger than he is, he feels good which is a good thing, but I don't want him injuring himself, he has done in the past, where he's twisted his fetlock by hoolying around, he's only on high fibre diet as had lami few years back, hay is soaked etc so its just how he is, he's arab x cob is 33, it just affects him when he's been in for a long time or on box rest, you know those words, oh you can take him for a little walk now for 10 mins ! I'm like urm no he thinks he's a lipizana lol

 

[Kenzo]

I have used Relax Me in the past and yes I found it very effective because it just takes the edge off, certainly won't stop them from being a idiot but if you have a excitable horse or a youngster that at times can lack in concentration or be a bit nervous in new situations then there is nothing wrong with using a calmer (if they work) to help them along the way when introducing them to new situations and venues, some horses will adjust better than others, so if you can make life a easier for them providing you are giving them the correct training AS WELL, then using a calmer can only be a thing.