Is your horse nervous, excitable, or spooky, especially when put in new situations? This is a common complaint of horse owners that often requires a thorough investigation.
Horses, by nature, are “fight or flight” animals, and they may revert to these instincts when dealing with stressful situations. There could be several reasons as to why your horse is behaving this way, and detecting the source (and working to correct it) is critical.
Horses who suddenly develop nervous habits or “misbehavior” should have a full veterinary evaluation, as pain is an often overlooked source of negative behavior. Additionally, the horse’s diet should be evaluated since imbalances or deficiencies in certain nutrients can contribute to behavior disorders in some instances.
If your horse’s health and diet checks out, then you might move on to implementing some new management strategies. For example, giving your horse an outlet for nervous energy, such as additional turnout time or longeing before riding can help in some instances. In other cases, a horse may benefit from additional training and desensitization from an experienced trainer.
However, if your horse is still displaying nervous behavior after trying all of the above, it might be time to try a calming supplement.
Calming Supplements
Though there are a variety of these types of supplements on the market, the main goal should be to increase your horse’s focus while encouraging relaxation (not drowsiness). Most calming supplements have a variety of ingredients which may include herbs and specific nutrients. If you show your horse, you will want to make sure you do not use a calming supplement with a prohibited substance.
The Holistic Horse offers Zen Zone-Calming Formula for Horses as part of our signature line of herbal products. This product is show safe.
Zen-Zone contains the following organic ingredients:
Organic Chastetree: (Vitex agnus castus) – supports normal function of the pituitary gland by allowing it to thrive and perform properly; helps to maintain dopamine levels in the blood and supports regulation of both the pituitary and adrenal glands.
Organic Cinnamon (Cassia): The compound and main ingredient MHCP found in cinnamon bark, has been found in numerous studies to mimic the effects of insulin to lower blood sugar (glucose). Provides digestive and metabolic support.
Organic Stevia: A natural sweetener, anti bacterial, anti oxidant; promotes proper digestion; contains potassium zinc, magnesium and vitamin B3.
Organic Wood Betony: Natural sedative used for relaxation and anxiety.
Thiamine Mononitrate: Vitamin B1, important in carbohydrate metabolism and in the transmission of impulses along the nerves.
Inositol: Vitamin B complex family member (B8); found in every cell in the body; assists the central nervous system improving nerve function and has a natural calming effect. It helps breakdown and redistribute body fat and maintain proper levels of the brain’s neurotransmitters.
Magnesium Glycinate: Naturally occurring essential mineral that is important for many systems in the body, including bone formation, for muscles (relaxer), and nerves.
Calming supplements can be helpful for horses with nervous temperaments. Just make sure you have ruled out training issues, pain, and nutritional deficiencies before using them.
Sources
https://thehorse.com/186763/taking-the-edge-off-calming-supplements-for-horses/
https://practicalhorsemanmag.com/health-archive/calming-aids