Horses can be just as sensitive as people. New environments, loud noises, or changes in routine can easily spook them. If you’ve noticed your horse acting nervous or even a bit unpredictable, it might be time to consider calming & behaviour supplements. These horse supplements are designed to help support your horse’s emotional health, making them less reactive to stress.
In this article, we’ll break down why these horse supplements and equine products work, how they can improve your horse’s well-being, and when to consider adding them to your horse’s daily routine. Whether you're dealing with a high-strung racehorse or a family-friendly pony, understanding the benefits of calming supplements for horses can make a huge difference in your horse’s behaviour and overall happiness.
Why Are Horses Prone to Anxiety?
Horses are naturally flight animals. In the wild, they rely on strong instincts to stay safe. But in a stable environment, their instinct to flee or react sharply can lead to unwanted behaviours. Loud noises, new people, different surroundings, and even changes in feed can make a horse feel uneasy or even scared. Some common signs of horse anxiety include:
- Pacing or circling in the stall
- Frequent, loud neighing or vocalisation
- Tail swishing or nervous ear movements
- Refusing to eat or drink
If your horse displays any of these behaviours often, horse behaviour supplements may offer support. By understanding why horses get anxious, you’re already one step closer to helping them feel more comfortable.
What Are Calming & Behaviour Supplements?
Calming and behaviour supplements are products made with natural ingredients that support a horse’s nervous system. These supplements can ease feelings of nervousness, help reduce overreactions, and improve focus. Common ingredients in calming supplements for horses include magnesium, tryptophan, valerian root, and chamomile. Each plays a role in reducing the physical and mental stress horses feel.
Benefits of calming supplements for horses include:
- Reducing anxiety and nervous behaviours
- Helping horses relax and focus on tasks
- Easing their response to environmental stressors
By supporting the horse’s mood naturally, these supplements can make training easier and help your horse feel more at ease.
Key Benefits of Calming Supplements for Horses
If you’re still wondering whether these supplements are right for your horse, here are some solid reasons to consider them:
1. Improve Focus and Trainability
A relaxed horse is easier to train. When your horse feels calm, they’re more likely to follow commands and focus on tasks. This is especially useful for horses in training or competitions where concentration is essential.
2. Promote Emotional Stability
Supplements designed to calm nervous horses naturally help stabilise their mood. With ingredients like magnesium and B-vitamins, calming supplements help the nervous system respond better to stress, making horses less likely to spook.
3. Reduce Aggression or Restlessness
Some horses show aggressive or restless behaviour due to anxiety. Calming supplements can reduce these behaviours by helping the horse feel more grounded, making them more pleasant to be around.
4. Support Digestive Health
Did you know that stress impacts digestion? Calming supplements that address anxiety can indirectly help with digestion, as a calm horse is more likely to eat and process food properly.
When Should You Use Calming Supplements?
Not every horse needs calming supplements daily. However, certain situations may call for them. Here’s when to consider adding horse anxiety relief supplements to your routine:
- During Competitions or Events: Horses often get anxious in new environments with loud sounds and busy surroundings.
- Before Transport: Long rides can stress a horse, especially if they’re not used to travelling.
- After Moving Stables: A new home means new sights, smells, and sounds. Horses might feel uneasy during the transition.
- When Introducing New Herd Members: Horses are social animals, and adding new horses to the mix can be unsettling.
In these cases, supplements for stress relief for horses can ease the transition and help your horse feel more comfortable.
Types of Calming Supplements for Horses
Not all calming supplements are the same. Some focus on quick relief, while others are more suited for long-term emotional support. Let’s go over a few popular types of natural supplements for horse behaviour:
1. Magnesium-Based Supplements
Magnesium helps relax muscles and nerves, making it ideal for stressed or anxious horses. Magnesium deficiency can lead to jitteriness, so these supplements work to restore balance.
2. Herbal Calming Supplements for Horses
Natural herbs like chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower are known for their calming effects. Herbal calming supplements for horses use these to reduce nervous behaviours naturally.
3. Tryptophan Supplements
Tryptophan, an amino acid, helps increase serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone. By improving serotonin levels, tryptophan-based supplements can help reduce a horse’s reactivity to stress.
4. Vitamin-B Complexes
Vitamin B plays a role in the nervous system. Supplements with Vitamin B can help ease nervousness and support overall mood regulation in horses.
How to Choose the Right Supplement for Your Horse
Choosing the right supplement can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to consider when picking horse relaxation supplements:
- Assess Your Horse’s Needs: Does your horse get anxious in specific situations, or do they show signs of general nervousness?
- Check Ingredients: Look for natural, proven ingredients like magnesium, valerian root, and tryptophan.
- Choose the Right Form: Supplements come in powders, pellets, or liquids. Some horses prefer one form over another, so keep that in mind.
- Consult with a Vet: Before starting any supplement, speak to your vet to ensure it’s safe for your horse and won’t interfere with any other treatments.
FAQs on Calming & Behaviour Supplements for Horses
1. Are calming supplements safe for all horses?
Yes, most calming supplements are safe when used correctly. However, consult with a vet before starting any new supplement.
2. Can I give calming supplements to my horse daily?
It depends on the supplement and your horse’s needs. Some are safe for daily use, while others are best for specific events.
3. How long do calming supplements take to work?
The time varies based on the type of supplement. Some work within 30 minutes, while others need consistent use over days or weeks.
4. Can I mix calming supplements with other horse products?
Generally, yes, but always check with a vet to avoid any possible interactions between supplements.
5. Do calming supplements have side effects?
Most natural supplements have minimal side effects, but overuse may cause digestive upset or drowsiness. Follow dosage instructions carefully.
Practical Tips for Supporting Your Horse’s Behaviour
While support for horse behaviour issues often includes supplements, other lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Here are some additional ways to help your horse stay calm and happy:
- Consistent Routine: Horses feel more secure with a set routine. Feed and exercise them at the same time daily.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps release pent-up energy, which can reduce nervous behaviour.
- Social Interaction: Horses are herd animals. Ensure they get enough social time with other horses or familiar people.
- Mental Stimulation: Incorporate activities like trail riding or light training to keep your horse’s mind engaged.
Calm, Confident, and Content Horses Start Here
Calming & behaviour supplements can be a game-changer for horses dealing with anxiety or stress. They offer natural, effective support for improving mood, focus, and overall well-being. Whether you're aiming to reduce horse anxiety for competitions, or simply want a relaxed companion for family rides, these supplements can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to see your horse calmer and more content, check out the range of trusted products available at Equine America NZ today!
Please give us a call at Equine America NZ today at 0800 440 888 to learn more or leave an enquiry.
