Horses are natural ‘flight’ animals. If something scares or concerns them, they turn and run. This is part of what makes them such natural athletes. But as riders, we also need to help calm them to keep them focused and ready to do what we ask of them. Checking for any physical issues, such as back and teeth problems, together with good management and training will help, but some horses will also benefit from the targeted nutritional support of a calmer.
One of the best-known nutrients for anxiety is magnesium. Magnesium is a hard-working nutrient in the horse, being involved in over three hundred roles within the body. These roles include acting as an electrolyte, which is lost in sweat when horses work, and having important roles in muscle health and growth. In the nervous system, magnesium is involved in the release of serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’, and helps to control the stress hormone cortisol. While in the brain, magnesium aids memory and is an important part of learning. Looking at these roles, it is easy to understand why a horse would be so anxious or hard to train, when low in magnesium.
Research in horses looking at magnesium for brain activity and cognition has been limited. However, recently published research from the Royal Agricultural University Cirencester shows that when combined with key botanical elements, a natural magnesium blend can help horses keep calm with lower stress levels when challenged. The trial also introduced a novel method of measuring cognition and learning through the Go No-Go test, which effectively requires horses to recognise and learn the correct symbol on a screen in order to receive a food reward. Dr Andrew Hemmings, Principle lecturer in Equine at RAU who oversaw the trial, believes this is the first time in equine research that the beneficial effects of a calming supplement have been seen in indicators of brain activity, and represents a significant move forward in our understanding of the role of calming supplements in horses.
Previously it has been suggested that magnesium may lower stress through a sedative effect, despite there being no published evidence to support that. However, this latest trial disproves that theory as the researchers found significantly improved learning, something that simply wouldn’t be possible in a sedated animal. What is important is getting the right blend with the right botanical elements, as magnesium alone is less likely to be consistently effective.
When choosing a calmer which includes botanicals it’s important to remember that not all will be suitable. For example, for working and competing horses we don’t want anything which does have sedative action, like valerian. Valerian may not only be potentially detrimental to the horse’s performance but will also result in a positive dope result if the horse was tested. Instead look for a blend of magnesium and herbs designed to support confidence and concentration, which helps your horse or pony stay calm and focused. If you’re unsure about the suitability of the herbs in a chosen calmer, check the FEI online prohibited substances list for suitability under competitive rules.
When to feed the calmer to your horse, will depend on the horses mood at the time. For many, a daily supplement is the best approach, while for some, calmers will only be required at specific times when they can predict a stressful reaction from their horse, i.e. attending shows.
In conclusion, by combining good management with targeted supplementary support, we can help our horses stay calm and focused through all of life’s challenges.
