Help to increase concentration (also in Comp & Training)

[JoJo_]

I have a 10yr old ISH (cobby type) gelding and we are competing novice level dressage and working elementary. I have a problem keeping him concentrating when schooling and competing. He is quick to get distracted and is rather tense a lot of the time. I've been working on getting him going more forwards and trying to stretch. He is light in the contact and does a nice free walk now but he is reluctant to do a stretchy trot or canter.

The biggest problem currently is him looking for distractions and the little spooks here and there. i know a lot of it is him trying to get out of work. He is also better if there are other horses in the school, relaxes him to have company but he cant have that when competing.

I've been thinking about if a supplement would help him? NAF magic or Equine America Magnitude perhaps? He isnt fizzy so doesnt need it to calm him but would it help his concentration?

He is fed Pure Working which has made him less spooky. Much worse on Dengie chaff and a mix.

Any advice is welcome!

 

[diamantejumper]

One of my ponies used to lack concentration/get excited at home/shows and we used the Magic calming shots on her and the powder at home. They really helped. She's now fully relaxed and doesn't need them any more. Worth a shot, I say!

 

[Archiepoo]

you could just get magnesium and feed that its much cheaper than buying magnitude etc (theyre all mostly magnesium) also watch out for L -tryptophan its one of the ingredients in blue chip kalma and my yo has been using it for her jelly of a warmblood with good results.