Calming Herbs For Horses

Calming Herbs For Horses
Calming Herbs For Horses
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Calming Herbs For Horses

Here we investigate calming herbs for horses as a way to the ‘natural approach’ to relieving tension and anxiety. Used on their own, or to supplement effects of calmers based on nutrient compounds, like magnesium, the addition of herbs seems to be an increasing staple in the diet of today’s horses. So, what herbs should have a calming effect on your horse?

  • Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is a herb that is used in both humans and horses for its relaxing effects. Commonly found in Ayurvedic medicine, it has more recently been thrown into the spotlight for its benefits on wellbeing.

In humans, studies have indicated that ashwagandha is an adaptogen; this means that it supports the body’s natural ability to cope with stress, physically, chemically, and biologically. They have also been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, great for those who have sustained injury or illness. Plus, memory-enhancement has been hailed as a key benefit of Ashwagandha, possibly increasing learning and performance. However, despite the wealth of benefits present in human supplementation of Ashwagandha, there are limited studies on how horses are affected by the restorative herb and what dose they may need to reap the benefits seen in humans.

  • Valerian

Valerian is a common herb included in calming supplements for horses and derives from the root of the Valerian plant.

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Valerian
Valerian

Valerian in thought to interact with a chemical messenger that helps to regulate nerve impulses in the brain, called GABA. In humans, low levels of this chemical messenger have been shown to induce symptoms of stress and anxiety. However, valerian supplementation is thought to reduce the breakdown of this GABA, resulting in feelings of calmness, as well as stimulate neurological compounds acting on parts of the brain that process a response to stress.

Unlike some herbs, Valerian also hasn’t had much research invested in it as a calming herb for horses equine supplement for calming. However, it is a prohibited substance in FEI competition.

  • Chamomile

In humans, chamomile is used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Mostly anecdotal evidence, there has been some research to support its effects in humans, one review paper revealing efficacy of a certain species of the plant, after prolonged use, for treat a range of anxiety disorders. With it hailed for anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal effects too, it potentially has added benefits for the nervous horse. However, there are no studies to date suggesting chamomile has calming benefits for horses.

  • Lavender

Humans have reaped the benefits of lavender for improved sleep quality for years, now begin used in a range of sleep aids and bathing products. However, only in the past few years has it come to light that it may also benefit the sleep of our horses.

A 2018 study investigated the effect of inhaling lavender, as an essential oil, on horse behaviour and stress response. After inhaling the lavender oil for just seven minutes, the researchers found that horses had decreased stress levels, shown through decreased heart rate variability and relaxed behaviours, such as lowering of the neck, licking, and chewing. When repeated with water vapour and even chamomile, the effects were nowhere near as relaxing!

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  • Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is generally associated with improvements in mood and cognitive performance, as well as reduced cortisol in humans. However, Lemon Balm has only been found beneficial on cognitive function when intake was in fluid form. In addition, researchers have observed that higher doses do not necessarily mean better results, with an increased dose of the herbal extract showing signs of fatigue in research subjects.

Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm

There a few studies surrounding the benefits of lemon balm as a calming herb for horses, when supplemented in diets.


PILOT EQUINE FOCUS 

Pilot Equine’s Focus calming supplement is the perfect blend of natural herbs and nutritional compounds to combat anxiety. Easing the effects of stressful situations, Focus aims to help your partnership unlock its true potential through a holistic approach to stress-relief.

Containing scientifically-backed calming compounds, from equine research, such as Magnesium, Calcium, and Pro- and Pre-Biotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Oligosaccharides), owners can rest at ease knowing their horse is receiving everything they need to relax mind and body. Plus, for fussy feeders, the addition of Fenugreek means that there will be no turned up noses to the addition of Focus in their feed!


Are Herbal Supplements Worth Using for Calming Horses in their Diets?

There is a mixed consensus among the equestrian community as to whether herbal supplements for calming horses are a worthy addition to their diets.

We recommend using herbal supplements with caution, especially if you are on the competition circuit, as many sedative herbs are banned from use in competition. We also recommend using a nutrient-compound based supplement alongside calming herbs, such as Pilot Equine’s Focus, to tackle anxiety on all fronts.

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Abby Dickinson

Journalist and News Reporter, Everything Horse Reporting on equestrian news stories, Abby also produces a variety of engaging content for the magazine.