Horses are brilliant and sensitive animals that can experience stress from even small changes in their daily routine. This stress can lead to anxious or aggressive behaviors, which is a normal physiological response to many situations. Addressing and managing this stress is crucial for the well-being of the horses and those handling it.
Calming supplements for horses are popular among owners who want to help their horses manage anxiety in stressful situations. Before using these supplements, however, it’s important to visit a vet to rule out any hidden health issues contributing to the behavior. Calming supplements can be a valuable tool, especially in unavoidable situations like trailering, competitions, farrier visits, and veterinary appointments, which can trigger anxiety.
Benefits of Calming Supplements for Horses:
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Horse calming supplements help horses remain calm and reduce anxiety during high-pressure situations like competitions, trailering, or veterinary visits.
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A calming supplement enhances concentration during training or performance and makes it easier for horses to learn and adapt.
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Reduces behavioral issues like spooking, pacing, or excessive vocalization, ensuring easier and safer handling.
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Provides essential nutrients like magnesium and thiamine, which promote a balanced and healthy nervous system.
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Herbal ingredients like chamomile and valerian root help horses relax without sedation, ensuring they remain alert and responsive.
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Assists during stressful recovery periods, such as injury rehabilitation or post-weaning.
What Do Calming Supplements Contain?
Nutrition supplements to calm horses usually consist of natural herbal products and nutrients such as minerals and amino acids, which are essential in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Here’s a closer look at common ingredients and their benefits:
Minerals and Vitamins:
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Magnesium: Promotes a healthy nervous system and reduces anxiety. Magnesium deficiencies can cause nervousness and stress in horses.
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Thiamine (Vitamin B-1): Essential for nerve function. While horses generally produce enough thiamine in their gut, low-forage diets can lead to deficiencies, increasing anxiety.
Amino Acids:
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Tryptophan: A precursor to serotonin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and reduces fear or stress.
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Alpha-capsazepine: Derived from cow’s milk, this protein has calming effects in various species, including horses.
Herbal Ingredients:
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Valerian Root: Known for its calming properties, this herb may help reduce excitability.
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Chamomile: Traditionally used to reduce anxiety and irritation.
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Ashwagandha: Helps lower stress and diminish the flight response in horses.
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Verbena (Vervain): Claimed to "rebalance" the nervous system and reduce stress.
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Chasteberry: Anecdotally known for calming moody mares and stallions while balancing hormonal fluctuations.
These calming supplements for horses are available in different dosage forms, such as paste, pellets, powder, etc., for administering through feed or orally.
Tips Before Giving Calming Supplements to Your Equine
Before you start giving calming supplements to your horses, here are some things to consider so that you get the best results without any side effects or health issues/
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Consult Your Veterinarian: Always seek advice from a veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues or deficiencies causing stress or anxiety.
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Understand the Root Cause: Identify specific triggers for your horse's anxiety, such as trailering, competitions, or changes in routine, before resorting to supplements.
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Choose the Right Product: Look for calming supplements that suit your horse’s needs. Check the ingredients for proven nutrients and herbs like magnesium, thiamine, or valerian root.
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Check Dosage and Instructions: Follow the manufacturer's dosage guidelines carefully to avoid over- or under-dosing.
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Monitor Your Horse’s Behavior: Observe how your horse reacts to the supplement. It may take a few days or weeks to see noticeable effects.
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Combine with Proper Management: Supplements work best with proper training, exercise, and stress management practices.
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Start Gradually: Introduce supplements slowly to your horse’s diet to prevent digestive upset or rejection.
Final Words: Do Calming Supplements Work?
Horses are subjected to stress throughout their lives and exhibit anxiousness or display problematic behavior. Horse owners need to understand these behaviors and address them thoroughly with the advice of a veterinarian. Calming supplements for horses will help manage stressful and anxious behavior and promote the horse's overall health, well-being, and ease of handling the horse.
However, to ensure the best results, they should be used alongside a veterinarian’s guidance and a comprehensive care routine.
Looking for reliable calming supplements for horses?
Look no further than MedVetPharm! We specialize in equine wellness and offer trusted calming supplements to address your horse's stress and anxiety. Contact us today at 833-809-4848 to explore our range of practical solutions, such as joint supplements for horses, muscle health recovery, and more for improving your horse’s overall well-being.