Which "Calming" Supplement do you Recommend?

[highcountry]

I have a mare who is getting increasingly anxious when I ride her. She is 15 years old and has been trail riding for 10+ years. In the past year her "herd bound" issue seems to be getting worse, especially in groups. Separation anxiety as in, can't be more than six inches away from her buddy, whoever that is for the day (not usually the same horse).

Someone recently suggested putting her on a supplement that helps to calm her down. One supplement is sold by Hilton Herbs called Confidence Plus and another is Easy Mare. Both list Valerian root as an ingredient.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of supplement and the effects?

I'm open for suggestions. Thanks

[figi]

I tried a lot of different things last year so I will put my two cents in!
First I tired Magnesium per my vet No change
Then I tried Ex Stress No change
I tried Happy girl by www.halfmoonequineherbals.com Helped a little ( thank you AmyJo)
I also tried Mare Magic also helped some I mostley use it over the winter when she is not in heat but just a butt.
What I did do and was life changing was impants. They go in her neck and last about 3 months and cost $100. but well worth every penny.

My friend that rides for a dressage trainer loved the Ex Stress for the crazy warm bloods.

Good luck. I'm sure Sara will also have some great info!!

[pnp4kidz]

I used Calm and Cool (it's an L Triptophan I think) at a show last year, worked well the first time, then less so the next few times... so I quit.
I just realized that this gelding was suffering from PTSS from shows in his earlier life and went to only trails... worked well.

[swissgrl]

I've used 'Calm and Cool' as well, same thing, seemed to work at first, but then it kinda worked less and less. It is L-Triptophan.

I don't have much need for any calming supplements right now, as most mine are pretty even tempered geldings, except when a girl comes to visit :-) Then Merlin's hormones are getting the better of him.

I'd be very interested to find a good one though, as he'll be going to shows in the future, and I would like to be prepared.

[highcountry]

This horse's issues are not "mare issues" or at least I don't think so. She does not show she's in heat when out riding and rarely does at home. She just gets anxious about seperation. I do ride with a lot of different people and horses. Riding in larger groups really upsets her.

Thanks for those who have given some input. I would like to hear more discussion on this if anyone else has an opinion they would like to share. I'm all ears.

Thanks

[wendyp]

Figi - what are the implants? hormones? A friend of mine has a Kentucky mtn mare that can be a handful - but not all the time, and not due to being in season........thought I might suggest it to her.

WendyP/Bend, OR

[figi]

Jun 13, 2009 22:26:47 GMT -5 wendyp said:

Figi - what are the implants? hormones? A friend of mine has a Kentucky mtn mare that can be a handful - but not all the time, and not due to being in season........thought I might suggest it to her.

WendyP/Bend, OR

Yes it is. My mare is a saddlebred and very hot so we thought calming sups is what she needed but none really helped but when we started treating the MARE I had a new horse!

[spicy-racer]

wonder if these implants are allowed in racing ?!!!HUMMM!?: