Horse can exhibit stress and anxiety due to various factors. As horse owners, it is important to recognise the signs of anxiety, such as restlessness or reluntence to work. We are here to help you and your horse stay calm and help with overall equine wellbeing.
Horses can exhibit stress and anxiety due to various factors, including changes in their environment, training routines, or social dynamics. As horse owners, it is important to recognise signs of anxiety; these include restlessness, excessive sweating or reluctance to work. Luckily, we are here to help you and your horse stay calm and help wellbeing.
Understanding the Causes
Stress in horses may stem from:
- Environmental changes such as relocation, new stabling conditions or alterations in their surroundings.
- Training pressures including intense training sessions or competitions can elevate stress levels.
- Social factors like separation from field/stable mates or introduction to new horses.
Nutritional Support
Incorporating specific nutrients into your horse’s diet can aid in promoting calm behaviour:
- L-Tryptophan: an amino acid that is converted to serotonin in the body, and when combined with B Vitamins it is known to decrease anxiety and reduce the feelings that create stress.
- Magnesium: a key component for ensuring the integrity of nerve endings and the health of the mucous membranes that are key to an individual horse’s level of sensitivity. Levels of magnesium can be depleted by stress and anxiety and so need to be replenished.
- B-Vitamins: Support the nervous system and energy metabolism.
Supplementation with Anxikalm Compete
AnxiKalm Compete is a nutritional supplement to help calm excitable horses in stressful conditions. It is safe to use in competition horses and ponies with the key ingredients being L-Tryptophan, B Vitamins and Magnesium. Tryptophan does not sedate (which can be a good thing). It does not affect performance. Anxikalm Compete is most effective on anxious/stressed horse or ponies to reduce a “fight or flight response” than “fresh” horses. Some horses react more to Magnesium supplementation, others to Tryptophan. AnxiKalm Compete contains both.
Implementing a Calming Routine
It is helpful to maintain a calm routine for your horse’s wellbeing including:
- Maintaining a consistent schedule: regular feeding and exercise times to provide stability.
- Use positive reinforcement: incorporate gentle training methods to build trust and confidence.
- Provide environmental enrichment if possible: offering companionship and opportunities for natural equine behaviours.
By understanding the underlying causes of stress and incorporating nutritional support like Anxikalm Compete, you can enhance your horse’s well-being and performance calmly.
