Have you ever looked at a horse calmer and asked yourself how it works? As horse owners, we are unfortunately always very aware of why we need a calmer, but often have other questions surrounding the topic.
Here we take a look at two of the most popular horse calmers available on the market today. We investigate the ingredients and delve into learning more about how each works towards helping calm or settle an anxious horse.
Why we may choose a calmer for a horse
There are a variety of reasons why you may choose to try a calming supplement for your horse. You can find a more in-depth article on this subject in our article here. However, in brief, some of these reasons may be:
- Excitable behaviour
- Unpredictable behaviour
- Highly reactive
- Stressed
- Anxious during travel, farrier, or vet visits
- During recovery
Ultimately, by feeding a calmer we look to reduce stress and anxiety to help make the horse more comfortable and relaxed. Should your horse be experiencing any of the above, before opting for a calming supplement, we recommended you rule out potential health complications by calling the vet, poorly fitting tack, pain, care routine and inappropriate feed.
Choice of Calmers
For this review, we chose to use the TopSpec Calmer and Dodson and Horrell’s Placid Calmer, both of which are very different types of horse calmer.
TopSpec Calmer
How TopSpec Calmer Works
TopSpec’s calmer supplement (available on Amazon) is based on tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor for the neurotransmitter, serotonin, which plays a role in the regulation of mood, fear, and stress. Results from research have shown mixed results. Some studies show that with the right amount, the stress hormone, cortisol is reduced. A reduction in the hormone could help regulate health and well-being, especially in horses who suffer from chronic stress.
TopSpec’s calmer is further supported by trusty magnesium and pro- and pre-biotics to tackle stress at all levels. Sepiolite clay is also added to the mix, absorbing excess stomach acid which can damage the horse’s stomach lining. In times of stress, horses can lose their appetite, causing stomach acid to splash onto the stomach mucosa (lining) and cause ulcers.
Dodson and Horrell Placid Calmer
How Dodson and Horrell Placid Calmer Supplement Works
A herbal remedy to promote relaxation is best found in Dodson and Horrell’s Placid calmer supplement (available on Amazon). A blend of chamomile, lemon balm, vervain, lime flowers, and magnesium, the mixture of herbs and minerals boasts a palatable mix of calming ingredients.
The benefits of magnesium are supported by chamomile, widely known for its calming properties. However, chamomile also tackles oxidative stress which can be induced by high stress, anxiety, or exercise intensity levels. Oxidative stress can cause inflammation and damage. In addition, lemon balm has seen improvements in mood, anxiety, and stress levels in humans.
Vervain has been shown in animal studies to have similar anxiety-reducing effects to common medications, however, possibly acting as a sedative too. Meanwhile, lime flowers are also a well-known herbal sedative.
