Horses are among the world’s most favorite animals. Domesticated around 3,500 BC in Kazakhstan and Southern Russia, these beautiful and strong creatures have contributed a lot in the development of mankind’s history. As a matter of fact, if it weren’t for horses, people probably won’t be able to invent steam engines and automobiles. Horses were the first things that enabled humans to travel faster and carry heavy stuff without the need to exert too much effort. Without the domestication of horses, humans won’t push for a major innovation in communication and transportation.
Although equines are no longer the number one mode of transportation in the world, they are still used by many for farming and recreation purposes; some of them are also being kept as pets. In a report submitted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the current population of horses is at 58.5 million worldwide. And even though studies have claimed that the number of horses worldwide has been decreasing drastically, this statistical report presented by the FAO only showed that even when the world has gone digital, these creatures are as still popular and useful.
Taking Care of Horses
In a separate study conducted by the FAO last 2008, it has been discovered that the American population spends at least USD 102 billion on horses for their food supplies, training, grooming, and check-ups. (Note: This figure has surely increased over the last 8 years.) As I have mentioned earlier, horses are no longer the best choice when it comes to traveling or transporting goods, but a lot of people are still interested in owning a horse for recreation (polo and horse racing) or simply as their pet. And when it comes to owning equines, it is definitely part of your responsibility to provide for their needs in order for them to remain strong and healthy.
Among the many things that equine owners need to provide their pets are horse feed supplements. Horse supplements are important because they boost the performance and strength of horses while also making sure that they remain beautiful on the outside and healthy on the inside. There are many kinds of horse feed supplements and each of them is meant to benefit your equines in a specific way. Today, we’ll be discussing everything that horse keepers and owners need to know about horse calming supplements.
Defining Horse Calming Supplements
Basically, calming supplements can be anything that will help horses feel calm and relaxed; they can either be in liquid or powder form. This type of supplement can also be taken orally by your horses or it can be injected into them. Horses need calming supplements, especially if the owners sense that their pet is acting strange, nervous, or stressed out. There are plenty of reasons why our horses act weird all of a sudden and exhibit aggressive behavior. Among the most common reasons is that they are in an unfamiliar place, something scared them, or they are just feeling unwell.
To ease these mixed feelings and minimize the bizarre actions your horse is exhibiting, most equine experts would recommend that you give them a calming supplement. But it would be best if you consult a veterinarian first and ask if a calming supplement is necessary because there are times when your horses behave aggressively not because they are scared or nervous, but because they just want to show you that they are the boss. If that’s the case, then special training would be necessary in order to address and straighten out your horse’s behavioral problem.
The Many Types of Calming Supplement for Equines
Generally, calming supplements for horses fall into two types: oral and injectable. These are further classified into three categories: herbal, nutrient-based, and calming supplements that are specifically made for moody mares. To learn more about them and their differences, read the following:
Herbal Calming Supplements
As the name implies, this type of supplement is made from natural herbs. They help calm a horse by targeting its nervous system and making it function well. Supplements made from herbs have long been proven to really have a positive effect on horses. Unfortunately, competitive organizations strongly prohibit its use due to its side effects. Among the most common types of herbal calming supplements are chamomile, valerian, and hops.
Calming Supplements for Moody Mares
Just like women, mares also have that time in a month when they become difficult and too moody to handle, and that’s basically just part of the hormonal changes that they are experiencing, especially during the ovulation period or the breeding season. To help ease these undesirable behaviors in mares, owners usually give them calming supplements that are specifically made for them. This type of supplement helps restore and heal hormonal imbalances in mares; it also eases the pain they may be experiencing. Most of these calming supplements intended for mares contain chaste berry, raspberry, and cramp bark.
Nutrient-Based Calming Supplement
The nutrient-based calming supplement is considered as the most common type of calming supplements. It aids a horse by filling in their deficiency in B-vitamins, magnesium, and tryptophan. When horses are not getting enough of these vitamins and nutrients, they become irrational and distraught, and the only way to ease what they are feeling is by filling the gap and giving them a nutrient-based calming supplement. This kind of calming supplement does not only help a horse relax, it also enables their nervous system to function properly.
Since horses that compete in races are not allowed to use herbal calming supplements, equine owners would then give their pets this supplement in the event that they start to behave aggressively.
Again, if you have plans of giving your equines a calming supplement, be sure to ask your veterinarian first. This is to avoid any unwanted side effect that your pet may experience from drinking or being injected with a calming supplement that wasn’t supposed to be given to your horse.
