Keep Calm and Carry On!

Horses are fright and flight animals, and naturally can be prone to excitability, stress and nervousness in unfamiliar situations or surroundings (such as competition, a new training venue or yard move), which can cause them to lose concentration and focus. Providing nutritional support from calmers can help to support the nervous system and maintain a calm outlook and allow them to focus on their work.

Magnesium – magnesium is a vital mineral and plays an important role in nerve function and muscle contraction, as well as other roles around the body. A lack of magnesium in the diet can result in neuro-muscular excitability and increase in nervous behaviour.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is important to help maintain nerve impulse transmission and cellular energy production.

L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid in the horse’s diet, required for the production of the important hormone serotonin, which is associated with mood and pleasure. L-tryptophan is included in the Equine America range of calmers at a safe level to support the daily requirement, particularly in those sharp or anxious horses that are likely to be receiving minimal concentrates, and consequently may be receiving sub-optimal levels of this key amino acid.

Calcium works closely with magnesium and is key to maintaining correct muscle and nerve function.

Chastetree Extract (Vitex Agnus Castus), also known as Monks Pepper, has been used for centuries to support mood and temperament. More recently, research has shown that the Chasteberry plant contains natural compounds that support key mood-regulating hormone levels, which help to maintain hormone balance, reducing irritability and muscle tension, which can lead to unpredictable and challenging behaviour, and a loss of concentration.

Chamomile is a natural plant that has been used for centuries for its soothing and calming properties.

Choosing a Calmer:

Choosing a calmer can be overwhelming, with so many options on the market. It is important to remember that a calmer is NOT a sedative, a sedative can only be prescribed by a Vet.

A few questions to help you decide? Do you want to add it to feed? Or do you want to syringe a paste directly into their mouth? Do you need a daily calmer, such as to support ongoing calm behaviour at home? Or are you looking for support for a single stressful event (such as a show)?

Super So Kalm and So Kalm Pastes come in a convenient syringe and make it ideal for syringing direct into the mouth for support for a single stressful event (such as a show). So Kalm Solution and Super So Kalm Powder have been designed to add to feed and provide daily ongoing support of calm behaviour (e.g. training at home).

Contact our nutrition helpline on info@equine-america.com or call us on +31 492 389339 and our team of experienced Vets and nutritionists are happy to help you find the right supplement for your horse or pony.