Hey fellow horse enthusiasts, ever feel like your four-legged friend is a bit more “high-strung” than you’d like? Whether it’s pre-show jitters or just the everyday stresses of stable life, keeping our equine pals calm and collected is key to their well-being – and our sanity.

But with so many calming supplements on the market, finding the right one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. 

Fear not, because I’ve done the legwork to bring you the best calmers for horses. So, grab your reins and let’s trot through this calming journey together.

Best Calmer for Horses: Key Takeaway

• Best Fast Acting Horse Calmer – Farnam Quietex II Horse Calming Supplement Pellets
• Best Hemp Oil Calmer – Hemp Horse Pellets
• Best Water Soluble Magnesium Calmer- Maxavita Maxacalm
• Best Daily Powdered Calmer- TopSpec Calmer
• Best Daily Liquid Calmer- Hilton Herbs Calm & Collected Gold
• Best Back-To-Work Calmer- Dodson & Horrell Placid
• Best Micronutrient Packed Calmer – Formula 707 Calming Equine Supplement
• Best Pre-Heavy Training Calmer – Vita Flex Pro Vision
• Best Calmer for Mares – Mare Magic 185034000018
• Best Pre-Competition Calmer – Perfect Prep EQ Supplement

What are Horse Calmers?

Horse calmers are like a deep breath for your equine buddy. They are the supplements that help take the edge off, soothe those nerves, and keep your horse cool as a cucumber. 

Whether it’s the buzz of the barn or the bustle of the show ring, these magic potions help our four-legged friends stay zen in a world full of whinnies and neighs.

What are the Main Ingredients in Horse Calmers?

Horse calmers have the following ingredients: 

Magnesium. It’s like a natural chill pill for your horse’s muscles. Helps to relax tense muscles and promote calmness.

Tryptophan. You know, the stuff in turkey that makes you sleepy? Same deal for horses. It’s an amino acid that helps regulate mood and promote relaxation.

Valerian root. Nature’s snooze button. This herb has been used for centuries to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in both humans and animals.

Thiamine. Think of it as brain food for your equine pal. Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, plays a crucial role in nerve function and can help soothe nervousness.

Alpha Casozapine. A fancy name for a milk protein that helps promote calmness. It works by interacting with certain receptors in the brain to induce relaxation.

Chasteberry. A little herbal helper that eases mood swings. Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is believed to have calming effects on the nervous system.

Types of Calming Supplements for Horses

There’s always a calming supplement for every horse’s needs. The types of these supplements are:

Herbal supplements

First up, we’ve got herbal supplements. These are like Mother Nature’s remedy cabinet for your horse. 

Think of calming herbs like chamomile, valerian root, and lavender. They’re all-natural and can help take the edge off without any synthetic ingredients.

Nutritional supplements

These are like vitamins and minerals tailored specifically to calm your horse’s nerves. They might include ingredients like magnesium, tryptophan, and B vitamins, all of which play a role in promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Pharmaceutical options

These are your prescription-strength solutions for when herbal and nutritional supplements just aren’t cutting it. 

Pharmaceutical calming agents are more potent and fast-acting, but they also come with a higher risk of side effects and dependency. Please use them with caution and as a last resort.

How Calming Supplements Work

These supplements help your horse chill out by messing with its brain chemistry—but in a good way. Take magnesium, for example. It relaxes muscles and nerves, kind of like a gentle massage for your horse’s insides.

Then there’s tryptophan, the sleepy stuff in turkey. It helps make serotonin, a feel-good hormone that regulates mood and promotes relaxation.

Valerian root? It’s like nature’s chill pill, calming those jittery nerves and helping your horse mellow out.

And thiamine? It’s brain food for your equine pal, helping to keep those stress levels in check by supporting healthy nerve function.

So whether they relax muscles, boost mood or calm nerves, these supplements work together to help your horse stay cool, calm, and collected.

17 Top Calming Supplements for Horses

1. Best Fast Acting Horse Calmer – Farnam Quietex II Horse Calming Supplement Pellets

These pellets pack a punch with their key ingredients like magnesium, tryptophan, and valerian root. Magnesium relaxes those tense muscles, while tryptophan helps your horse find their inner zen. And valerian root? It’s like a one-way ticket to relaxation city.

But here’s the kicker – these pellets work fast. Like, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fast. So whether you’re gearing up for a show or just need your horse to take a chill pill during training, Quietex II has got you covered.

Dosage? Easy peasy. Just toss a scoop of pellets into your horse’s feed and watch the magic happen. No fuss, no muss.

And the best part? These pellets come in a convenient form that even the pickiest of eaters won’t turn their noses up at. So say goodbye to stressed-out ponies and hello to calm, cool, and collected horses – thanks to Farnam Quietex II.

2. Best Hemp Oil Calmer – Hemp Horse Pellets

These pellets are packed with the good stuff – hemp oil. It’s like a natural chill pill for your horse, helping them find their inner calm amidst the chaos of a stable life.

Hemp oil is known for its anti-anxiety properties, so it’s perfect for nervous nelly horses who need a little extra help relaxing. Plus, it’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for overall health and well-being.

These pellets are like little bite-sized nuggets of relaxation, making them easy for even the pickiest of eaters to gobble up without a fuss. So sprinkle a scoop of pellets onto your horse’s feed and watch the magic happen. It’s as easy as that.

3. Best Water Soluble Magnesium Calmer- Maxavita Maxacalm

Now, what makes this stuff so great? Well, it’s all about the key ingredients. Maxacalm is loaded with magnesium, a natural relaxant that helps soothe those frazzled nerves and tense muscles in a flash.

And the benefits? Oh, they’re endless. From reducing anxiety to improving focus and concentration, this stuff is like a magic potion for your equine friend.

The dosage is so simple. Just mix a scoop of Maxacalm into your horse’s water or feed and let the relaxation begin. No need to stress about complicated instructions.

And the form? This calmer comes in a water-soluble powder, which means it’s super easy to mix into your horse’s daily routine without any fuss or hassle.

Say hello to a happier, more relaxed horse – thanks to the power of magnesium.

4. Best Daily Powdered Calmer- TopSpec Calmer

So what’s the secret sauce in this stuff? Well, it’s all about the key ingredients. 

TopSpec Calmer is packed with everything your horse needs to stay cool, calm, and collected.

Its benefits range from reducing anxiety and stress to promoting better focus and concentration. Plus, it’s designed to be used daily, so your horse can stay chill no matter what life throws their way.

Just sprinkle a scoop of TopSpec Calmer onto your horse’s feed each day and watch the magic happen. No need to stress about complicated instructions.

The powdered form is another advantage. It’s easy to mix in their feed such that they won’t notice that its there.

Say goodbye to stressed-out ponies and hello to a happier, more relaxed horse – thanks to TopSpec Calmer.

5. Best Daily Liquid Calmer- Hilton Herbs Calm & Collected Gold

What makes this product stand out? Well, it’s all about maintaining a calm and balanced nervous system. Formulated by a medical herbalist, this calmer provides soothing support for your horse’s frazzled nerves.

One of its great features is its palatability. You won’t have to struggle to get your horse to take their daily dose. Simply pour it over their feed, and they’ll happily lap it up.

But what really counts is its reliability. Hilton Herbs Calm & Collected Gold has been thoroughly tested and consistently delivers results.

Plus, it’s cost-effective, offering top-notch quality without breaking the bank.

So whether your horse needs help before a big event or just staying focused during training, this calmer has you covered. 

6. Best Back-To-Work Calmer- Dodson & Horrell Placid

This calmer is like a gentle nudge back into the swing of things after a break. Whether your horse has been on vacation or just taking it easy, Placid helps them ease back into their routine with ease.

Formulated by the experts at Dodson & Horrell, this calmer is designed to take the edge off without knocking your horse out cold. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between relaxation and focus – and Placid nails it every time.

And here’s the best part – it’s easy to use. Just sprinkle a scoop onto your horse’s feed and let the magic happen. 

No need to stress about complicated instructions or finicky dosages. Placid takes the guesswork out of getting your horse back in the game.

So whether you’re gearing up for a big competition or just getting back to basics in the arena, Dodson & Horrell Placid has got you covered. 

7. Best Micronutrient Packed Calmer – Formula 707 Calming Equine Supplement

This supplement is a game-changer. It’s designed to help nervous or excitable horses relax and improve their focus during work and training sessions. 

It’s like a gentle hand on the withers, guiding your horse towards a balanced central nervous system.

But here’s the kicker – it’s completely show-safe. No need to worry about sedatives or banned substances. Formula 707 is approved for use before and during competitions in all major federations.

So, what’s in this magic potion? Three powerful ingredients: L-Tryptophan, Thiamine (B1), and Magnesium.

Easy to use and packed with essential nutrients, Formula 707 is the go-to choice if you’re looking to give your horses the support they need to shine in the arena. 

8. Best Pre-Heavy Training Calmer – Vita Flex Pro Vision

This calmer is like a secret weapon for performance. It will not cause drowsiness or interfere with your horse’s performance.

What sets Pro Vision apart? It’s all about the unique combination of seven active ingredients. This formula packs a powerful punch to help your horse stay calm during heavy training, competitions, racing, and even trailering.

But here’s the best part – it comes in a mini-pellet formula, making it easy to feed and ensuring your horse gets the perfect dose every time.

You need to check your association’s testing rules and regulations before using Pro Vision in competition. But rest assured, this calmer is designed to keep your horse at the top of their game – no matter what the challenge.

So whether you’re gearing up for a big event or just hitting the trails for some serious training, Vita Flex Pro Vision has got you covered. 

9. Best Calmer for Mares – Mare Magic 185034000018

This supplement is like a breath of fresh air for our equine ladies. Designed specifically for mares, it helps them find their inner zen during those challenging times.

What makes Mare Magic so special? It’s all about the unique blend of ingredients, including raspberry leaves.

It’s also easy to use. Sprinkle a scoop onto your mare’s feed and watch the magic happen. There’s no need to stress about complicated instructions.

Whether your mare is feeling a bit hormonal or just needs some extra help staying relaxed, Mare Magic has got you covered. Say goodbye to mood swings and hello to a happy, contented mare – thanks to Mare Magic.

10. Best Pre-Competition Calmer – Perfect Prep EQ Supplement

Let’s talk about the secret weapon of performance. With its focus-supporting Training Day,  it’s easier to give your horse the edge they need to shine in the arena.

What sets Perfect Prep EQ Supplement apart? It’s all about ease of use. Just toss a scoop of pellets into your horse’s feed, and you’re good to go. No fuss, no hassle – just instant calming support.

And here’s the kicker – the effects begin immediately and build over 3-5 days, so your horse will be feeling their best when it’s time to compete.

Plus, it provides the gastric soother DGL. This ensures your horse’s tummy stays happy and healthy during those high-pressure moments.

Whether used alone or as part of the Perfect Prep Calming System, this supplement is a game-changer for pre-competition prep. 

11. Best Magnesium Calmer – Foxden Equine Quiessence

Made right here in the USA, this supplement is drug-free and completely safe for competition.

It’s all about promoting calm, balanced behavior in horses. Whether your horse is slow to warm up, has a sore back, or struggles with nervousness, this pellet supplement has got you covered.

But here’s the best part – it’s not just for calming nerves. Quiessence may also help reduce cresty necks and support normal glucose metabolism.

Also, each serving contains magnesium oxide, magnesium proteinate, and chromium piccolinate.

Give only one ounce per 250 pounds of body weight daily to start, then drop to half an ounce when improvement is evident.

Say goodbye to tense muscles and nervous behavior – thanks to Quiessence.

12. Best Oral Gel Calmer – SynChill Oral Horse Calming Gel

Committed to excellence and nutrition, SynChill takes a natural approach to calming and focusing your horse.

It’s the only calming gel that contains 5-HTP– a game-changer among equine calming products. This unique blend of natural biochemical substances has been proven effective in reducing anxiety and calming horses. 

Dispensed in handy single-dose syringes, SynChill is a pleasantly sweet-tasting, odor-free, clear gel. Plus, it contains absolutely no drugs or banned substances, so you can trust it’s safe for your horse.

SynChill doesn’t just calm your horse. It also helps them focus and perform confidently and securely. Unlike sedatives and tranquilizers, SynChill provides complete mental clarity and physical ability.

So if you’re looking for a safe, effective, and compliant calming solution for your horse, look no further than SynChill Oral Horse Calming Gel. And with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that your horse will love it too.

13. Best Calming Formula for Horse Show and Training – Ramard Total Calm and Focus

This supplement addresses emotional and behavioral issues. It provides the support your horse needs to stay calm and collected during productive training sessions.

But it’s not just about keeping your horse calm. Total Calm and Focus also support performance, energy, and endurance. 

With a specially formulated blend of calming supplements, your horse will be ready to tackle any challenge with ease.

It’s also safe and healthy. So you can trust that you’re giving your horse the best possible care.

The dosage is also simple. Just one scoop per day, or as directed by your veterinarian. For extra support before an event, you can increase the dosage to two scoops one week beforehand.

14. Best for all Horse Breeds – Select The Best at Ease

This powdered supplement is like a magic potion for promoting calmness and tranquility in horses. Formulated with a blend of essential minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and magnesium, it’ll help your horse find their inner zen – no matter their breed or size.

It’s easy to administer and comes in a tasty apple cinnamon flavor that horses love. No more struggling to get your horse to take their supplements – with at-Ease, they’ll be lining up for more.

Whether your horse is feeling a bit anxious or just needs some extra support during training or competition, at-Ease has got you covered. 

15. Best Pellet Horse Calmer- UltraCruz Equine Calming Supplement

The UltraCruz Equine is the ultimate game changer for horses that show signs of hyperactivity or nervousness. With a specially designed blend of calcium, magnesium, B-vitamins, and the amino acid thiamine, it promotes a healthy nervous system and supports calmness. 

Whether your horse gets stressed out by trailering, vet visits, or is easily excitable, UltraCruz Equine Calming Supplement has got you covered. 

It’s also great for hot performance horses that become excitable before showing. This helps them stay focused and calm when it matters most.

Supplied in a convenient approximately 12.5 lb. bag, it provides a 45-day serving based on an average horse weight of 1,000 lbs. 

16. Best Calming Waffers – Majesty’s Kalm Plus Horse

These wafers are like a tasty treat for horses that need a little extra support with balanced behavior. Formulated with a blend of Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin B1, and L-Tryptophan, they’re designed to help horses that are anxious, nervous, or easily distracted.

But here’s the best part – they come in a palatable peppermint flavor that horses love. No more struggling to get your horse to take their supplements. With Majesty’s Kalm Plus Horse wafers, they’ll be lining up for more.

Whether your horse is feeling a bit anxious before a big event or needs some help staying focused during training, Majesty’s Kalm Plus Horse wafers have got you covered. 

Say goodbye to nervousness and hello to a calm, contented horse – thanks to Majesty’s.

17. Best Herbal Horse Calmer – Silver Lining Herbs

Now, this is the ultimate herbal horse calmer for our equine friends.

It’s formulated with a unique blend of calming herbs known as “nervines”, that maintain and support a normal disposition in tense or stressed horses.

Also, it’s not just about calming nerves. Silver Lining Herbs aid with stress relief and can be beneficial in managing behavioral problems. 

By helping horses settle, relax, and focus, they improve performance and maintain level moods, no matter the situation.

What makes Silver Lining Herbs stand out? It’s all about the premium ingredients. This high-quality equine calmer contains a unique herbal formula. 

So whether your horse is feeling a bit anxious before a big event or just needs some help staying focused during training, Silver Lining Herbs have got you covered. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Calmer

Consider the following factors before choosing a calmer for  your horses: 

Horse’s individual temperament and behavior

You need to understand your horse’s unique temperament and behavior when selecting a calmer. Some horses may naturally be more prone to stress or anxiety, while others may be calmer by nature. 

By assessing your horse’s temperament, you can choose a calmer that best suits their needs and preferences.

Specific stress triggers for the horse

Identify the specific situations or environments that trigger stress or anxiety in your horse. Understanding these triggers will help you select a calmer that effectively addresses them and keeps your horse calm and focused.

Ingredients and their effectiveness

Different calming supplements contain various ingredients, each with its own calming properties. Research and understand the effectiveness of these ingredients in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety in horses. 

Also, look for supplements with ingredients backed by scientific research.

Safety and potential side effects

When choosing a calmer, prioritize your horse’s safety and well-being. While you want a supplement that effectively reduces stress, ensure it’s safe for long-term use and doesn’t pose any potential health risks or adverse effects. 

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen for your horse.

Form of supplement (pellets, powder, liquid)

Consider the form of the calmer that best suits your horse’s preferences and lifestyle. Calming supplements come in various forms, including pellets, powder, and liquid. 

Selecting a form that your horse finds palatable and easy to consume will ensure consistent and hassle-free administration. 

Additionally, consider factors such as ease of administration and storage when selecting the supplement’s form.

Natural Alternatives to Calming Supplements

There are two main natural alternatives to calming horses: These are behavioral techniques and herbal remedies.

Behavioral techniques for calming horses

These techniques focus on building trust and confidence between the horse and handler. They help the horse feel more secure and relaxed in various situations.

Groundwork and desensitization exercises

Groundwork and desensitization exercises involve exposing the horse to various stimuli. This is done in a controlled environment, gradually increasing their tolerance and reducing their reactivity. 

Through consistent and patient training, horses can learn to remain calm and focused, even in stressful situations.

Relaxation training

Relaxation training focuses on teaching horses how to relax their muscles and minds through specific exercises and techniques. 

This may include deep breathing exercises, stretching, and massage therapy. All these aim at promoting physical and mental relaxation in the horse.

Environmental modifications

Making modifications to the horse’s environment can help reduce stress and promote calmness. 

This may involve providing ample turnout time, creating a quiet and peaceful stable environment. It also includes minimizing exposure to potential stressors such as loud noises or unfamiliar animals.

Herbal remedies and homeopathic options

Herbal remedies and homeopathic options offer natural alternatives to traditional calming supplements. 

Herbs such as chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in both humans and animals. Homeopathic remedies, which use highly diluted natural substances, may also be effective in calming horses.

Lavender aromatherapy

Lavender aromatherapy involves using essential oils derived from the lavender plant.

Lavender has natural calming properties and can be diffused in the horse’s environment or applied topically to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

Chamomile supplements

Chamomile supplements have calming and soothing properties. Chamomile supplements may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in horses when given orally as part of their daily diet

Valerian root extracts

Valerian root extracts are a natural sedative and tranquilizer. Valerian root extracts may help calm nervous or anxious horses and promote relaxation when given in appropriate doses.

Tips for Administering Horse Calmers

Here are some tips for administering horse calmers:

Start slow and steady. Introduce the calmer gradually into your horse’s diet to allow them to adjust slowly.

Mix it up. Mix the calmer with your horse’s regular feed to make it more palatable and easier to consume.

Be patient. Give your horse time to get used to the taste and texture of the calmer, and don’t be discouraged if they’re hesitant at first.

Stay consistent. Administer the calmer at the same time each day to establish a routine and maximize its effectiveness.

Monitor closely. Keep an eye on your horse’s behavior and mood after starting the calmer to assess its effectiveness.

Follow instructions. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer or your veterinarian.

Consider alternative forms. If your horse is picky or has difficulty consuming certain forms of calmers, explore alternative options.

Watch for side effects. Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions or side effects after administering the calmer.

FAQs

Conclusion

As we wrap up our, it’s clear that finding the perfect fit for your equine companion is akin to discovering a treasure trove of tranquility. From herbal remedies to innovative formulations, the options are as diverse as the personalities of our beloved horses.

Remember, whether your horse is a seasoned competitor or a backyard buddy, their well-being is paramount. So, delve into the world of calming supplements with confidence.

Here’s to happier, calmer horses and the bond that unites us on this journey of equine companionship.