Horse Calmers

[AshleighEmma]

Hi all,

any recommendations for horse calmers and ones that actually work?
It seems to be a bit of a mine field and don't really know where to start!

Thanks

 

[Fiona]

Do you compete under affiliated rules??

If not, I would suggest starting with valerian...

Fiona

 

[Twohorses]

I use magnesium Malate, NOT magnesium oxide which didn't do a thing for the horse.

I'm a trail rider so I don't know how that equates with formal competition

 

[Shay]

The only one that does actually work is Valerian (or a vet sedative) but it is a banned substance in all forms of competition. Largely because it works!

Otherwise - yes its a minefeild. Magenieum based calmers (malate or oxide) only work where the pasture (or hay) is naturally deficient in magnesium. An excess of magnesium can have the opposite effect. Some get a good result with things like chamomile or vervain (not to be confused with valerian) Some do better with a constant supply, some do better with the one of "just before" type approach. Some respond well initialy only to have the behaviours reappear in a few weeks. Really the only way to work it out for you as a partnership is trial and error I'm afraid.

 

[Surbie]

I've been trying magnesium oxide but it doesn't seem to have done a thing. Malate is the next option. He had chamomile last year and was a lot less spooky/anxious, but that was also at another yard where he was generally more chilled.

 

[BethH]

Your post is very timely. I'm gobsmacked - I've just tried 1/2 a global herbs Supercalm syringe on my horse this afternoon and bought a tub of the powder to start loading him with it and it's had an unbelieveable impact - see my post yesterday, my horse has been absolute nuts over the last few days since I moved him to a new yard, massive seperation anxiety & positively dangerous. He yet again bolted in hand 3 times this morning when I asked him to leave the field to eat his breakfast.

So I gave him the syringe in the field in a feed as he bolted several times when I tried to put it in his mouth (headcollared!) at 1pm, left him for an hour for it to work, at 2pm I managed to get his bridle and roller on, walked him out of the field and into the school, he was slightly anxious but did a fab job of keeping a lid on it. I managed to put long reins on and spent 5-10 minutes long reining him round the school in walk, he stood calmly whilst I untacked him and walked politely back to the field.

I was just about to go and talk to my old yard about whether he needed to go back there as I haven't been able to get tack anywhere near him let alond work him, the change in his behaviour is quite dramatic. I am going to keep syringing him for the next few days whilst the loading dose gets into him and see how he goes from there.

I'd suggest it's worth a try and staff at my local feedbarn said they'd used it to good effect.

P.S I didn't want a magnesium based one as I don't think that's the prblem as he gets a mineral supplement, this isn't and it worked.

 

[dixie]

It depends what you want it for I suppose.
I’ve used this recently at shows and he’s definitely been cool. However he’s a new horse and I don’t know if it’s working or if we’re just getting settled with each other. I think I found the recommendation for it on here.
https://www.equineproducts-ukltd.com/product/cool-it-paste/

 

[Follysmum]

I have used Lincoln valerian on one of mine at times and it definitely helps take the edge, super cheap also approx £7.50. He’s not competed yet so may have to try something else when he is.

 

[AshleighEmma]

Thanks all! I have tried a brand called hack up which do a bespoke supplement so it’s included some digestive aid to help keep any ulcers at bay! Thanks for all your recommendations tho!

 

[LegOn]

I've recently tried these with great results!
https://www.premierperformance.uk/products/calming-cookies

And this also really helped!
https://www.sciencesupplements.co.uk/prokalm-syringe.html