Horses have a tendency to be nervous and easily stressed, which can have a negative effect on their behaviour and performance. Supplements for behaviour and calming are made to help horses deal with pressure and behave better in general. These supplements have a number of active ingredients that collectively support focus, anxiety reduction, and relaxation. This article will examine the effects and advantages of calming and behaviour supplements for horses.
What Are Calming And Behaviour Supplements?
Calming and behaviour supplements are designed to help horses cope with stressful situations and improve their behaviour. They come in various forms such as powders, pastes, pellets and liquids. These supplements contain a blend of ingredients that work together to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and improve focus.
One popular ingredient found in calming supplements is magnesium, which is important in maintaining nerve and muscle function in the body. When a horse experiences stress, their magnesium levels can become depleted, leading to muscle tension and nervousness. By supplementing with magnesium, these levels can be restored, helping the horse to feel calmer and more relaxed.
Another key ingredient found in calming supplements is tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is necessary for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and behaviour. When a horse is stressed or anxious, their serotonin levels can become depleted, leading to a negative impact on their behaviour. Tryptophan supplements can help to increase the levels of this neurotransmitter, helping to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.
In addition to magnesium and tryptophan, many calming supplements also contain a blend of herbs, such as chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower. These herbs have been used for centuries for their calming and soothing properties, and are thought to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in horses. Some calming supplements may also contain B vitamins, which are important in maintaining a healthy nervous system and can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
How Do Calming And Behaviour Supplements Work?
Calming and behaviour supplements work by targeting the horse's nervous system. When a horse is stressed or anxious, their body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can negatively affect its behaviour and performance. Calming and behaviour supplements contain ingredients that work to reduce the levels of these hormones, helping the horse to relax and stay focused.
The magnesium found in these supplements helps to relax the horse's muscles and nerves, which can help to reduce tension and promote calmness. Thiamine works to regulate the nervous system, which can help to reduce the horse's sensitivity to stress. Tryptophan is an amino acid that can help to increase the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood. Valerian root, chamomile and passionflower have natural calming properties that can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Benefits Of Calming And Behaviour Supplements For Horses
Calming and behaviour supplements can offer many benefits for horses, particularly those that are prone to stress and anxiety. These supplements can help to improve the horse's behaviour and performance by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Horses that are calmer and more relaxed are also more likely to be focused, which can lead to better performance in competitions and training.
Calming and behaviour supplements can also be helpful for horses that have a history of behavioural issues such as aggression, nervousness or spookiness. These supplements can help to reduce the horse's sensitivity to stress and promote a more positive attitude towards training and handling.
In addition to behavioural benefits, calming and behaviour supplements can also offer physical benefits for horses. Magnesium, for example, can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. This can be particularly helpful for horses that are prone to muscle stiffness or soreness.
Using Calming And Behaviour Supplements For Horses
Calming and behaviour supplements can be a helpful tool for horse owners, but it's important to use them correctly. It's always best to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new supplement, as they can provide guidance on dosage and any potential interactions with other medications.
It's also important to choose a high-quality supplement that contains a blend of ingredients that are known to be effective. Look for supplements that contain magnesium, thiamine, tryptophan, valerian root, chamomile and passionflower.
While calming supplements can be effective in helping to reduce stress and anxiety in horses, it is important to note that they should not be relied on as the sole solution to behavioural problems. Horses are complex animals, and there can be many factors that contribute to their behaviour. It is important to work with a qualified professional, such as a veterinarian or equine behaviourist, to identify the root cause of the behaviour and develop a comprehensive management plan.
Final Thoughts
Calming supplements can be a useful tool in managing stress and anxiety in horses. By supplementing with key ingredients such as magnesium, tryptophan, and herbs, horses can experience a reduction in nervousness and tension, leading to improved behaviour and performance. However, it is important to use these supplements in conjunction with a comprehensive management plan, and to work with qualified professionals to address any underlying issues contributing to the horse's behaviour.
Contact Equine America NZ Today
If you're looking for high-quality calming and behaviour supplements for your horse, look no further than Equine America NZ. With over 20 years of experience and a dedication to using only the freshest, most innovative and effective ingredients available, you can trust that our products are the best on the market. Visit our website to explore our full range of supplements and place your order today.
Please give us a call at Equine America NZ today at 0800 440 888 to learn more or leave an enquiry.
