If you’ve ever dealt with a hot or jittery horse before a big show or an event, you know the struggle is real! Hot horses are hyperactive and their behavior goes hand-in-hand with changes in stress hormones. Cortisol is a stress hormone and when elevated the cortisol levels in horses can lead to colic, ulcers, and a weakened immune system. The telling signs of a jittery or hot horse can be anything from bucking and rearing to nervous shaking and standing still yet wide-eyed as if they were a deer in headlights. Some horses who are prone to these behaviors and anxieties tend to need a little extra help from the inside out. Calming pastes and calming supplements can help turn your horse around and give them the focus and confidence that they need! 

The Pros and Cons of Calming Supplements

Using calming pastes and supplements in horses can have both positive and negative aspects. Let's break down the pros and cons:

PROS : 

• Reduces anxiety effectively and allows the horse to perform better during training or competitions.

• Aids in improving focus by calming the nervous system.

• Promotes more predictable and manageable conduct and behavior.

• Contains natural ingredients like herbs, vitamins, and minerals, offering a more holistic approach to managing your horse’s stress levels.

• Generally, calming pastes don’t sedate the horse but rather promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. 

CONS :

• Each horse may react differently to calming pastes and supplements, what might work well for one might not work well for the herd.

• There is a potential risk of dependency that can lead to a situation where a horse might struggle to manage stress without calming pastes or supplements.

• The regular use of calming products can add up in terms of cost, especially if you have multiple horses or require continuous use over extended periods.

• Calming supplements might cover underlying health or discomfort issues by calming the horse's behavior without addressing the root cause. 

When deciding if your horse needs a calming supplement you should always consult with your local equine vet or equine professional first. Professionals can provide guidance based on the specific needs and behaviors of your horse, ensuring the best approach to manage stress or anxiety while considering potential drawbacks and individual variations in horse reactions.

Mare Magic

As the saying goes “If you own a mare, you’ll need Mare Magic”! Mare Magic is a customer favorite for calming and moodiness in both mares and geldings. The dried raspberry leaves help influence a more quiet disposition. Raspberry is widely known for its benefits to mares because it is believed to temper the effects of hormonal fluctuations and heat cycles. The active ingredients in raspberries are also thought to help regulate and smooth muscle tone in both the reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts, relaxing the muscle that is in spasm and strengthening the weak muscle.

 

SynChill 

Find your horse's happy place with SynChill Calming Paste and SynChill Daily! Developed by an equine veterinarian, SynChill is an all-natural feed supplement, formulated to calm nervous horses. SynChill allows horses to both focus and perform confidently and securely; with the complete mental clarity and physical ability that sedatives and tranquilizers simply cannot offer.

 

“We have been using SynChill for about a year now for my daughter's upper-level eventing mare. It is used primarily for the dressage phase as she can become tight, claustrophobic, and sometimes a bit reactive. SynChill has really helped her keep her lid on. We always recommend this to other friends and riders as this stuff really works. This photo is from a recent FEI 3* competition where we placed in a highly competitive field.” (Verified Buyer Paula. W)

OE Nutraceuticals 

OE Nutraceuticals Composed and Score take a more natural approach to calming supplements. Their formulas include magnesium, thiamine, and L-tryptophan, promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. It's a great choice for horses experiencing any sort of nervousness or tension during travel or intense training. 

OE Score was developed with the team roper in mind! Having a calm, well-mannered horse in the box allows lowered-numbered ropers and youth competitors to focus on scoring and setting up their runs consistently. OE Score is designed as a delayed-release product that works over 4 to 6 hours so you can make multiple runs on a single dose. Score promotes the horse’s natural ability to create serotonin and a sense of well-being, reduces acid in the stomach, and helps control blood pressure without limiting your horse’s performance.

Quietex

Ever wish you could just "shush" your horse’s nerves? Quietex does just that! It's a go-to choice for many equestrians aiming to calm their horse's nerves without causing drowsiness. This paste and pellet supplement contains a blend of herbs and minerals, designed to take the edge off without compromising your horse's alertness. All active ingredients work within 2 hours after consumption.

Equi+Calm and Equi+Focus

Equi+Calm and Equi+Focus are veterinary developed and designed show safe pastes and feed supplements that help achieve and maintain a calm, confident, and comfortable horse during times of stress or anxiety. These convenient and palatable formulas reduce adrenaline, increase endorphins, and protect the horse’s sensitive stomach to achieve peak performance. However, Equi+Focus is magnesium-free and supports mental focus and concentration without losing valuable strength or power. 

Whether you're prepping for a big competition or simply looking to take the edge off your horse's nerves, these calming pastes and supplements could be the hoof-stepping stone to a more relaxed and happy horse. While these calming pastes and supplements can work wonders for many horses, it's essential to consult with your vet or equine professional before introducing new products to your horse's routine. Every horse is unique, so finding the right fit might take a little trial and error. 

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