DIY Horse Calming Supplements: Natural Options to Try at Home

As horse owners, we want our equine companions to be calm and happy. But sometimes, horses can get anxious or stressed, which can lead to unwanted behaviors like spooking or bolting. Luckily, there are natural supplements that can help calm your horse and reduce their anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore some DIY horse calming supplements that you can try at home.

Introduction

Horses, like humans, can experience anxiety and stress. Some common causes of horse anxiety include changes in routine, transportation, and separation from other horses. Anxious horses can exhibit unwanted behaviors such as bolting, cribbing, and weaving. While there are prescription medications available to calm horses, many horse owners prefer to use natural supplements. In this article, we’ll explore some natural horse calming supplements that you can make at home.

Understanding Horse Calming Supplements

Before we dive into specific DIY calming supplements, let’s take a moment to understand how these supplements work. Horse calming supplements work by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain that control mood and behavior. Some common calming ingredients include magnesium, tryptophan, and valerian root. These ingredients can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep.

DIY Horse Calming Supplements

Here are some natural horse calming supplements that you can make at home:

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a natural calming agent that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. To make chamomile tea for your horse, steep 1-2 chamomile tea bags in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Let the tea cool and then add it to your horse’s water or feed.

2. Lavender

Lavender is a natural calming agent that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. To make a lavender spray, fill a spray bottle with water and add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil. Spray the lavender mist on your horse’s coat, mane, and tail.

3. Magnesium

Magnesium is a natural mineral that can help calm horses by regulating the nervous system. To make a magnesium supplement, mix 1 tablespoon of magnesium citrate powder with 1 cup of applesauce or molasses. Feed this mixture to your horse once a day.

4. Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. To make a tryptophan supplement, mix 1-2 tablespoons of tryptophan powder with 1 cup of applesauce or molasses. Feed this mixture to your horse once a day.

5. Valerian Root

Valerian root is a natural sedative that can help calm horses and promote sleep. To make a valerian root supplement, steep 1-2 tablespoons of dried valerian root in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Let the tea cool and then add it to your horse’s water or feed.

Conclusion

As horse owners, we want our equine companions to be calm and happy. Natural horse calming supplements can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. In this article, we explored some DIY horse calming supplements that you can make at home. Remember, if your horse’s anxiety is severe or persistent, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian.

FAQs

1. What is horse anxiety? Horse anxiety is a state of heightened nervousness or stress that can cause unwanted behaviors in horses.
2. What are some common causes of horse anxiety? Common causes of horse anxiety include changes in routine, transportation, and separation from other horses.
3. Can natural horse calming supplements replace prescription medications? Natural horse calming supplements can be effective for reducing anxiety in horses, but they may not be a suitable replacement for prescription medications in severe cases.

4. How often should I give my horse calming supplements? The frequency of administration will depend on the specific supplement and the severity of your horse’s anxiety. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
5. Can I use multiple calming supplements at the same time? While some supplements can be used in combination, it’s important to use caution when administering multiple supplements to your horse. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving your horse multiple supplements to ensure that they are safe and effective together.