Keep calm and carry on

Whatever you do with your horse, life becomes so much easier if he remains calm and with his mind on the job in hand. In recent years, calmers have become ever-more popular, but can they be helpful, and how do you make the right choice for your situation? We explore more.

Mental load

Some common causes of anxiety include…

1. New environment
2. Change of herd members
3. Novel experiences
4. Removal from the herd
5. Change of carers
6. Pain
7. Routine changes

Natural reaction

Having evolved as prey animals, horses are naturally cautious and on the lookout for anything that could be perceived as a threat. However, their inbuilt reaction of ‘run first, ask questions later’ isn’t always appropriate for the domesticated equine lifestyle. In general terms, a well-designed training programme, together with a good management regime that suits his temperament, will help your horse understand what’s expected of him. But, for some who need extra support, the inclusion of a nutritional calmer in the diet is an important part of that approach.

Pathways to calmness

Nutritional supplements can use a variety of pathways in the body to achieve a calming effect. Magnesium is often included in calmers because it’s an important nutrient with many roles, one of which is in calming through its action on neurotransmitters – the nervous system’s communications network. Specifically, magnesium can support dopamine and serotonin production, often known as the ‘happy hormones’. However, research shows that magnesium alone is not consistently effective and so it’s often used as part of a nutritional complex of supporting nutrients.

Discover more about how, when and why to use calmers in April Horse&Rider – pick up your copy today!