L-tryptophan - have I been given the right advice?!

[AMH]

So I've had my buzzy little WB mare on Equine America So Kalm for the past few months. I didn't know where to start with them, and it was recommended by someone who's had good results. It's REALLY pricey and I'm not sure it's making that much difference.

She's an absolute doll on the ground - super, super easy and relaxed and very chilled in the field. But she's very sharp and spooky in the school and getting worse now she's uber-fit and full of spring greens!

So I decided to change the calmer, cos not everything suits every horse. I went to the saddler yesterday and was recommended RelaxMe by Horse First.

The lady in the shop said that calmers with L-tryptophan are good for horses which genuinely find life very scary, but that for those who can take the mickey (like mine!) it can make them worse because it's a 'feel-good' ingredient.

Has anyone else heard this same advice? I don't doubt her, and reading up on it I can see the sense in what she's saying. Also, does anyone else have experience of RelaxMe?

 

[wellsat]

No idea but it would make sense. I've seen it work on friend's horses but didn't work on my evil mare. She was still a cow.

 

[treehouse]

We used a calmer with L-tryptophan in on one of ours and it had exactly the opposite effect to the point where he was a complete lunatic and even dangerous to handle. It took a good two weeks for him to level out. Some horses do have adverse reactions to it so try it out at home.