Calm Your Horses

Calm Your Horses 

Horses have to live and adjust to a human world, so it is no wonder that they may react in fear to things we may think are insignificant. There are many things that we can do to manage anxiety, stress, and nervousness in our horses. One of the tools many equestrians use is supplements designed to help reduce the stress and nervousness horses may experience. Calming supplements often contain ingredients believed to have a calming effect on horses, such as magnesium, L-theanine, thiamine, valerian, chamomile, and tryptophan. However, recent studies have highlighted that some ingredients used in calming supplements may have the opposite effect! In today's article, we will explore the effects of ingredients used in calming supplements, as well as other ways in which you can help your horse reduce stress and anxiety. 

Magnesium is one of the most commonly used ingredients in calming supplements for horses. It is an essential mineral for muscle and nerve function, and magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle tension, spasms, and anxiety in horses. Supplementing magnesium can help to relax muscles and calm nerves, which can reduce anxiety and stress in horses.

L-theanine is an amino acid that is found in green tea. It has a calming effect on the brain by increasing the production of alpha waves, which are associated with relaxation and reduced stress. L-theanine has been shown to reduce anxiety in horses, and it is commonly included in calming supplements for horses.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is another commonly used ingredient in calming supplements for horses. It is essential for nerve function and can have a calming effect on horses. Thiamine deficiency can lead to nervousness, anxiety, and irritability in horses. Supplementing thiamine can help to improve nerve function and reduce anxiety in horses.

Valerian is a herb that has sedative properties. It has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and nervousness in humans and animals. Valerian is commonly included in calming supplements for horses, as it can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Chamomile is another herb that is commonly used in calming supplements for horses. It has calming and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to reduce anxiety in horses. Chamomile is also believed to improve digestion and reduce stomach upset in horses.

It is important to note that both Valerian and Chamomile may be banned from use if you compete with your horse. 

The final and probably the most controversial ingredient used in calming supplements is Tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is used by the body to produce serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain. Tryptophan is commonly included in calming supplements for horses, as it is claimed to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. However, evidence shows that tryptophan may have the opposite effect of being calming and may instead induce excitement in horses. Therefore, it is not recommended that any supplements containing tryptophan be used for your horse. 

It's important to note that every horse may respond differently to calming supplements. It's also essential to consult with a veterinarian before giving any supplements to your horse, as some supplements may interact with medications or have side effects.

In addition to calming supplements, there are other things that horse owners can do to help reduce anxiety and stress in their horses. These include: 

• training the horse to respond in a calm and relaxed way in stressful situations;
• ensuring that the horse's diet is balanced and appropriate for its needs;
• providing the horse with a calm and quiet environment; and 
• providing plenty of turnout time.

Overall, calming supplements for horses can be a helpful tool for reducing anxiety, stress, and nervousness in horses. However, it's important to use them in conjunction with other management techniques and to consult with a veterinarian before giving any supplements to your horse.