Do visits to the farrier, dressage shows, or trailer rides cause your horse to sweat from anxiety? Does he flinch when pulled or ridden? If you’re looking to soothe the nervous nature of your equine partner, a calming equine supplement may be a good option.
Does my horse need sedative supplements?
Horses that are excitable, nervous or active may benefit from a calming supplement if your veterinarian determines there is nothing physically, mentally, physically or emotionally wrong with them. The cause of their behavior is related to pain.
Horses can also become stressed by changes in their routine, moving to a new stable, working with strangers, traveling in a horse trailer, etc. In these cases, adding a calming supplement to your horse’s diet can help ease anxiety until your horse adjusts to the changes.
Giving your horse a calming supplement as you go through these events with him will make your own experience safer and more peaceful as well.
Unfortunately, chronically stressed horses are prone to weight loss and stomach ulcers, so you need to be proactive and calm their excessive anxiety as soon as the problem begins. Common signs that a horse may benefit from a calming supplement include:
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Excessive vocalizations (especially high-pitched neighs or “screams”)
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Sniff
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Walking around stables and fences
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“Dancing” by moving your feet around on the sleepers
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To be overly scared
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Even though he normally has his head down and is relaxed, he keeps his head up.
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Not walking quietly while leading or riding
Ingredients in horse calming supplements
magnesium
Magnesium is known to have a relaxing effect on both muscles and nerves and may help calm your horse. Recent Research I started looking into the effect of magnesium on excitable horses. High doses of magnesium can cause magnesium toxicity, so be sure to consult with your vet before starting any supplements.
L-Tryptophan
L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid, can only be obtained through diet and cannot be produced by the body. This amino acid is essential for the production of serotonin, the “happy hormone.” When oral supplementation increases serotonin levels in the brain, L-tryptophan promotes relaxation in horses.
Serotonin is involved in sedative effects and can reduce levels of fear, stress, and aggression in animals. Research suggests It may help promote calmer behavior in horses, but the effectiveness appears to vary from horse to horse.
Valerian Root
This plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to calm the nerves and promote sleep. Valerian root is thought to interact with a chemical messenger (GABA) that helps regulate nerve impulses in the brain.
In humans, research has shown that acute or chronic stress can decrease GABA levels in the brain. Valerian root may help reduce the breakdown of GABAit makes me feel calm.
The amount of valerian in horse supplements varies widely, as an “effective” dose for horses is currently unknown.
Also, be aware that valerian root may be a prohibited substance in some sports, so consult with your veterinarian before feeding your horse valerian root.
Thiamin (vitamin B1)
Considered the most important vitamin for stress relief, thiamine is found in many equine calming supplements. Thiamine plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism and neurotransmission.
Theanine
This amino acid compound is found primarily in green tea leaves. Theanine is thought to boost the production of neurotransmitters, increasing serotonin and dopamine levels to promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
How to choose a supplement to calm your horse
There are a number of reasons why equestrians turn to sedative supplements, but they all have the same goal: to calm their horses. So what is the best sedative supplement for horses?
If you plan to race a horse: Substances banned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)One ingredient that is commonly found in equine sedation supplements but is not approved for use in horse shows is valerian root, so be sure to read the label carefully when purchasing sedation supplements for show horses.
It’s also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before topping your horse’s next grain meal with your preferred sedative, as ingredients in any new supplement may interfere with medications your horse is already taking.
Calming Supplement Options for Horses
Formula 707 Life Care® Calming It contains magnesium and thiamine to regulate an overactive nervous system, as well as tryptophan, an amino acid linked to the production of the calming hormones serotonin and melatonin. This calming supplement comes in pellet form designed to be added to your horse’s daily grain diet, with a recommended daily intake of one scoop (2 ounces) for an adult horse weighing 1,100 pounds.
Ultracruise® Soothing Paste Promotes nervous system health in horses. Proprietary formula contains magnesium, thiamine and theanine. This equine calming paste comes in individual oral tubes, making it convenient when you need to relax your horse while traveling to an event or before a visit to the farrier. The recommended dose is 30 mL twice daily, with one dose administered 3 hours before a stressful event.
Farnam® Quietex Hay Flavored Pellets for Focus and Calmness Horse Supplement Promotes calm in stressful situations, helping your horse stay focused on the task at hand. Contains several stress-relieving ingredients, including L-tryptophan, thiamine, magnesium and valerian root. Feed your horse one pellet (1 ounce) once per day.
For competition horses, feed one serving one hour prior to training or competition. USEF Non-Rated ProgramsPlease note that valerian root is not permitted in USEF sanctioned events. Horses in transport should be fed one serving two hours before loading and one more serving every eight hours during the trip as needed.
