What do people suggest that is the best calmer?

I've owned horses for over 40 years. Hot TBs, Arabs, and loads inbetween and I can honestly say I have never in my life given any horse a 'calmer'. There were no 'calmers' around until fairly recently so what has changed that horses appear to *need* them nowadays?

What is actually the problem and perhaps someone on here can help?
 
....Increased excercise

....Increased turnout

....Reduced hard feed

Or sell horse for a more suitable model!

I know it is not always as simple as the above, but really hold no faith in calmers.
 
She's a 5 year old made, who is slightly fresh at the moment because i shes in every night and every other day as this is our schedule at the livery yard I am at. Gets excersise mostly everyday has about 1 or 2 days of a week, does dressage, she's on 1/4 scoop on top spec conditioning cubes, 250g comprehensive balancer and a handful of malassed free chaff. Just wonderd if I could do anything to get just that edge of her, thanks
 
As I said above........!

If it was my horse I would be ditching the conditioning cubes and finding a yard with more turnout, especially as only a 5 yr old.

Also how much hacking does the horse get as sounds like it needs a chance to let off steam, rather than just dressage/school work?

Sorry as I know that is not what you are wanting to hear.
 
Half a bottle of gin,for the rider. Horses become unsettled when they dont have an assertive herd leader "you". Nervous riders scare horses. The only true calmer ,in my opinion is a magnesium suplement .Some horses go a bit nuts if they are deficient and it is a very common deficiency.
 
Its completely fine! - people have different opinions! She's looses weight if I don't keep her on the cubes, hard to find a yard in my area with more turnout in winter! Most of them do every night in and every other day out. Ohwell I'll try and work her through it, thank you
 
I'm keen to know given I may have to turn away my youngster for a few months and he can be a bit playful in the field. Already reducing grub etc but thought might be worth a try to remove a bit of bounce.
 
She's fine on the ground, soon as you get on her she extreamly forward and when you ask for canter she shoots off, had everything checked back,teeth, saddle etc.. everything fine! So think it may just be her as she's coming in a lot more because of winter as she was like this last winter, had her since she was 2. Thanks everyone.
 
Agree with the suggested routine changes on feed and turn-out. Although I give my WB RelaxMe and it really seems to make him more chilled. It has ingredients for the tummy and brain.
 
cupcakes16 said:
She's fine on the ground, soon as you get on her she extreamly forward and when you ask for canter she shoots off, had everything checked back,teeth, saddle etc.. everything fine! So think it may just be her as she's coming in a lot more because of winter as she was like this last winter, had her since she was 2. Thanks everyone.
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There's your answer. Lack of turnout :smile3:
 
I ride her 4 times a week my instructor rides her 2 times a week too. When shes out in the field she has 1 haynet filled for the night and when she is in during the day she has 1 hay net in day and 1 at night.
 
While most horses are able to maintain the correct calcium/magnesium balance, stressy behaviour burns more magnesium which knocks the balance, sometimes resulting in erratic behaviour. So if you feel you need to give a calmer, look at a magnesium based one, such as nupafeed. Plenty out there though, nupafeed is just my suggestion.

Turnout and feeding are the key points to consider though, as other posters have already explained. Don't go jumping into supplements until you have tried everything else possible, supplements aren't there as a quick fix or a cheat.
 
Thank you, may have to try and convince the yard owner if she can just get turned out everyday, even just for a couple of hours!. I my as thought its because its all changed in weather, turnout etc..
 
p87 said:
While most horses are able to maintain the correct calcium/magnesium balance, stressy behaviour burns more magnesium which knocks the balance, sometimes resulting in erratic behaviour. So if you feel you need to give a calmer, look at a magnesium based one, such as nupafeed. Plenty out there though, nupafeed is just my suggestion.

Turnout and feeding are the key points to consider though, as other posters have already explained. Don't go jumping into supplements until you have tried everything else possible, supplements aren't there as a quick fix or a cheat.
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Great advice.
 
Thank you p87. We have had her all checked over as when you ask for canter she shoots off into a bolt, thought it was because she was in pain as she only goes fresh when you ask for canter but had her checked all over and nothing to be seen, must be lack of turnout.. just thought to put her on one just too take the edge of her a little bit, but as I said I'll try and get her out everyday and go from their! Thanks everyone.
 
cupcakes16 said:
Thank you, may have to try and convince the yard owner if she can just get turned out everyday, even just for a couple of hours!. I my as thought its because its all changed in weather, turnout etc..
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Haven't read through the whole thread but why can't she be out 24/7? Horses should be kept as horses, if mine were kept somewhere where their turnout was dictated by someone else I'd move. Simple as that.
 
OK maybe they do, but not in my area except its either field 24/7 turnout with no excersise paddock or a limited turnout and a excersise paddock.
 
Cal mag, or mag ox from natural horse supplies, ive a stressy wee tb who does well on mag ox. She is coming back in to work after being off for a long time recovering from injury, i think it takes the edge off
 
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