Trying to find the best horse calming supplements can be challenging. There are so many varieties on the market, different brands, formulas, and price points that the selection process can be an absolute minefield. It isn’t uncommon to feel at a loss about which brands are the best purchase for your horse. Never fear! We are here to give you the full low down on why you may need calming supplements for your horse, the different types available, and a selection of some of the best brands on the market right now.
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
VIA-CALM 5 lb PAIL 90452 PAIL 90452
- It helps to stabilize the gut and digestive system
- Palatable formula, great for fussy horses
- Various sizes available for purchase
Why do you need a calming supplement for horses?
Many horses can benefit from the addition of calming supplements to their diet. If your horse suffers from anxiety and stress, this can be a great solution to ensure they stay relaxed. A nervous or anxious horse is not a particularly happy one. Unfortunately, lots of horses suffer from anxiety on a day-to-day basis. Calming supplements can help to reduce stress levels and are helpful for regularly feeding your horse.
Some horses can become particularly anxious when there is a change in circumstances. An environment change can often be a key instigator, and many horses become nervous traveling in a horsebox or attending competitions. Calming supplements can be lifesavers in these instances and can be built up for a few days before the event to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Horses that are hot and excitable can particularly benefit from calming supplements. This type of behavior can often be dangerous for you to deal with, so adding a calming supplement can help take the edge off your horse. This can be ideal for competition horses as the idea is to calm rather than reduce energy levels.
Comparing Our Favorite Calming Supplements
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Our Top Pick
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AniMed ViaCalm (2 lbs.) |
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Pilot Calmer Supplement |
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Oralx Corporation Calm and Cool Pellet |
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Check Price |
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Ramard Total Calm and Focus |
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Perfect Prep EQ Supreme Horse |
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Science Supplements |
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Perfect Prep EQ Training Day |
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Types of calming supplements
There are many types of calming supplements available on the market. Calmers are commonly bought in powder form and mixed with your horse’s feed. However, liquid, syringe, and tablets are alternative delivery methods that can be widely purchased.
The types of ingredients used in calming supplements will give you a good indication of how well they are likely to work. There is always an element of trial and error; however, choosing proven ingredients that have been well researched and proven is a good starting point. Some ingredients you may want to look out for are:
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Fenugreek
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Thiamine
- Niacin
- Tryptophan
- Natural herbs such as Chamomile, Vervain, Valerian, and Hops
Top 7 Calming Supplements for Horses
#1) Pilot Calmer Supplement for Horses
Pilot Calmer is one of the best on the market right now and works to keep your horse relaxed while still allowing them to focus on the tasks at hand.
No Bulk, No Junk
Many supplements these days contain high levels of filters predominantly designed to bulk out the formula. These filters are unnecessary and do not contribute to the supplement’s effectiveness. This usually means that fewer proven ingredients are present in the formula, reducing its calming benefits. The Pilot Calmer has a “No Bulk, No Junk” promise and ensures only the best nutritionally balanced and proven ingredients go into its formula. This provides your horse with more ingredients that matter, leaving you with a supplement that works.
Side-effect free
When using any new supplement. You may be concerned about adverse side effects. After all, you provide a supplement to solve problems rather than create new ones. You will be pleased to hear that all the ingredients used in the Pilot Calmer have been scientifically backed with research, so they are confident this product will not cause any side effects to your horse. You can be sure to breathe a sigh of relief.
#2) AniMed Via Calm Calm for Horses
AniMed Via Calm is a highly effective calming supplement that maintains a normal emotional balance for your horse.
Digestion and gut stability
A relaxed and calm horse is happy from within, and it has been proven that a healthy digestive system and balanced gut can hugely affect a horse’s temperament. The AniMed Via Calm works to ensure your horse’s digestive system runs smoothly. This can be an excellent solution for horses that suffer from anxiety on a day-to-day basis and can heavily assist equines that struggle in stressful situations.
Pleasing smell and taste
There are many fussy horses out there, and it is common for horses to reject their feed if they catch a hint that something is a bit different. This can be highly frustrating for owners, mainly if their horse usually eats quite well. The AniMed Via Calm supplement has been designed with this in mind and has been formulated to entice even the fussiest taste buds. It has a pleasing smell for horses, and most find this supplement quite palatable.
#3) Oralx Calm & Cool Pellets for Horses
Oralx Calm & Cool is a popular brand of calming supplements with a loyal following. This daily supplement mixes into your horse’s feed with ease and is made of high-quality ingredients at an affordable price.
Pellet form
Sometimes it can be challenging to get your horse to buy new types of feed. Powder and liquids can coat the feed so much that it puts your horse off eating completely. But fear not! The Oralx Calm & Cool has been designed in a pellet form that blends into feed well without adjusting the taste of your horse’s regular feed. Horses seem to like pellets. Since this supplement should be fed daily, it can be a viable method of providing your horse with a calming supplement.
Resealable tub
We couldn’t believe how excited we were to discover this supplement comes in a resealable tub (it’s the small thing in life, right?). This supplement is supplied in a large 12lb tub that can be resealed after each use. It’s amazing how quickly horse supplements and feed can go off, which often horses will turn their noses up at. You can be assured this supplement stays fresh and airtight at all times.
#4) Ramard Total Calm and Focus
Ramard Total Calm and Focus is an ideal calming supplement for horses and comes in a handy 30-day supply. It is packed with scientifically-backed ingredients and has proven to take the edge off hot and anxious horses.
Contains Ramisol
Ramisol is not an ingredient that is found regularly in horse-calling supplements. However, the theory behind using this calming supplement makes absolute sense. Ramisol helps to prevent an increase in the stress hormone Cortisol, which can be responsible for a horse’s nervousness and anxiety. Cortisol is released into your horse’s body after high levels of exercise and can be responsible for stress, mood changes, and fatigue.
Non-groggy formula
There’s no doubt that some calming supplements have a significant sedentary effect that can often leave horses in a fatigued and lethargic state. You want a supplement that will efficiently calm your horse while still providing them with enough energy to go about their day with enthusiasm. Ramard Total Calm and Focus provides a non-groggy formula that will keep your horse cool and calm without reducing any of their get-ups and go.
#5) Perfect Prep EQ Supreme Horse Calming Paste
The Perfect Prep EQ Supreme Horse Calming Paste is a great option for horses that suffer from temporary stress. With its fast-acting formula and easy-to-use syringe, your horse will feel calm and relaxed in no time.
Oral syringe
Many owners prefer using a syringe as a calming supplement since it is quick, relatively easy to use, and ensures your horse receives the full dose. Horses love nothing more than throwing their food around the stable while eating, which means powder supplements and liquids are not always consumed at the recommended dose. An oral syringe ensures zero waste and a maximum effect.
Fast-acting
The Perfect Prep EQ Supreme Horse Calming Paste is a fast-acting formula that is a convenient solution for when your horse needs it the most. Life can be unpredictable, and we do not always know when a potentially stressful situation may arise. This supplement takes full effect within 90 minutes. However, you should start noticing changes in your horse’s behavior after about an hour.
#6) Science Supplements ProKalm Horse
ProKalm is a popular supplement manufactured by the well-known company Science Supplements. This is considered one of the best supplements in the UK and has a powerful formula that will take the edge off even the most high-strung horse.
Helps aid concentration
Calming supplements, in general, are a great way to combat stress and anxiety in horses. However, many contain strong sedatives that leave your horse feeling lethargic and unmotivated. ProKalm Science Supplements are formulated to avoid any of these unwanted side effects and eliminate any heavy sedatives. In addition, this formula promotes healthy concentration levels that work to keep your horse alert, focused, and on point.
Trusted brand
Choosing a calming supplement based on branding is not always the way forward. However, a brand that is well known and trusted in the industry does have some significant pros. ProKalm is owned by one of the biggest equine supplement companies and has a huge customer following in the equestrian world. There are many positive reviews for this product, and you can have peace of mind knowing that a reputable company produces this.
#7) Equine Perfect Prep EQ Training Day
Lastly, Equine Perfect Prep EQ Training Day supplements are in our top 7 spots. This is an everyday calming supplement that is ideal for performance horses.
No prohibited substances
If you are competing at high levels, there are many types of supplements you will likely want to avoid. This is due to the ingredients in the formulas that could be on the list of banned substances. The FEI and Jockey Club have very strict guidelines on the type of substances that cannot be used in competition, such as Valerian, which can regularly be seen. You won’t be worried about this supplement as it contains no banned substances.
Taurine included
Taurine is not an ingredient you will find regularly used in calming horse supplements. However, it is said to have a calming effect on horses thanks to its ability to balance out excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. It supports proper nerve transmission and function, which we think is a highly beneficial addition to this supplement.
Things to Consider Before You Buy a Calming Supplement for Horses
Is this a trusted brand?
Finding a trusted brand is an important part of the decision-making process. Going with a trusted, well-known brand can give you peace of mind. You will also be able to find large amounts of feedback from existing customers. This can be beneficial in helping you decide how likely the supplement is to work for your horse.
Are the ingredients tried, tested, and safe?
This is an important question. Ingredients that have been well researched will likely work much better for your horse, but you can ensure they are also safe for equine consumption. Try to ensure you are fully prepped beforehand about the ingredients used. Understanding their effects and potential side effects (if any) is very important.
Is the product good value for money?
There’s no doubt about it — horses are an expensive business, and no -one likes the idea of wasting money. It’s not necessarily about choosing the cheapest option but more about looking at the quality and levels of ingredients and the desired effect—neither cheap nor expensive necessarily equal good.
FAQs
How do I know if my horse needs a calming supplement?
If your horse suffers from stress and anxiety regularly, it is likely to need a daily calming supplement. This will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed. Horses are often quite anxious when put into unfamiliar situations. This could include situations such as new surroundings (competitions), traveling in a horsebox, or even a visit from the vet. Providing your horse with a fast-acting calming supplement can help your horse relax and become more focused in these situations.
How quickly do calming supplements take effect?
This will vary from brand to brand. However, many on the market these days work as quickly as 30-60 mins. This can be ideal for a one-off scenario such as right before a show, thus eliminating the need to put your horse on daily supplements just for one event.
How long do calming supplements last?
This is a very broad question since the length of time a calming supplement will work for will largely depend on the brand you buy and how regularly you feed this to hour horse. At a minimum, you should expect around 6 hours of usage, with the best lasting results being up to 24hrs.
Final Words
Seeking the best calming supplement for horses is not always easy. You’ll need to understand what you are purchasing. Quality of product and cost are big factors. However, if you find yourself getting a great deal and it doesn’t work for your horse in terms of ingredients and dosages, it isn’t such a great deal after all.
Try to ensure that you are entirely in the know about the types of ingredients used in each supplement. Every horse is different and may need different ingredients. Choose brands that have a good customer following with great reviews and ensure you purchase from brands you trust. Look at our review on the best hoof supplements for horses.
