Stress in horses

Just like humans, horses can also be nervous and experience stress. Some horses are very nervous and skittish. You can then choose to support your horse with an (anti)stress supplement that provides more relaxation. It is important to find out the cause of your horse’s stress and nervousness. Is this perhaps due to the way they are housed, is there something physically wrong or is it because of the diet? You may want to ask your veterinarian or instructor for advice. Unfortunately, some horses are simply more prone to stress than others; this is determined by genetics and upbringing, among other things. Tension is not always a bad thing. Some horses as well as humans need a certain amount of stress to stay alert. But if they’re constantly under pressure or can’t shake off the stress, then the chances of health problems are high. Ensure adequate exercise and a pleasant living environment and make conscious food choices. Your horse’s diet has a huge influence on nervousness and behaviour.

The Influence of Nutrition on Stress in Horses

For stress-sensitive horses, it is important to feed them with fats and fibres, which are slow sources of energy. Your horse gradually draws energy from it when it needs it. Fibres mainly come from roughage. Recreational horses usually get enough energy from that. In addition, the roughage helps against boredom. Your horse will chew on it for a whole day without getting energy spikes. The ideal concentrate for recreational horses is Cavalor FiberForce: a cereal-free mixture with plenty of structure and rich in fats and fibres. Cavalor Pianissimo is ideal for horses sensitive to stress: a mixture without oats with calming supplements (magnesium and tryptophan).

Ingredients that help manage stress

You will find several relaxing ingredients in our food and supplements. Below, we explain why these can support your horse in stressful situations:

• magnesium: helps regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure and is also important for muscle tension or relaxation.
• Tryptophan: is an amino acid that stimulates the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. Serotonin makes your horse feel good and relaxed. The substance helps to better manage stress. Your horse needs tryptophan but does not make it itself.
• Betula alba (birch): Improves kidney function and thus slows down the production of adrenaline.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice root): Stimulates the hormone cortisol that keeps your horse alert for a longer period of time and ensures that it performs better for longer with a healthy tension.
• Allium sativum (garlic): Lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Humulus lupulus (hops): Has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
• Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang): lowers blood pressure for a relaxing effect.

Support with an (anti)stress supplement

Do you want to protect your horse as much as possible against long-term stress? Start with yourself! And give your horse plenty of exercise and the right nutrition. The best way to control stress in your horse is a combination of the right type of feed in the right amount and the most appropriate supplements. This is different for every horse. At Cavalor, we have various (anti) stress supplements that can support your horse to find more relaxation:

• Cavalor Calm: For more focus
• Cavalor SoZen: for calming hot horses
• Cavalor Take It Easy: For quick stress management
• Cavalor Take It Easy Forte: for extra strong stress control
• Cavalor Venus: for natural comfort in moody mares

Nutritional advice for your horse

Are you unsure whether one of the above Cavalor supplements is suitable for your horse? Using our online advice tool: MyCavalor.com, you can put together a feed recommendation based on your needs. Do you prefer personal advice? Ask your question to one of our Cavalor nutritionists via our Consumer Line +32(0)9 220 25 25 or email info@cavalor.com.

Buy Cavalor (anti-) stress supplements

In our store locator, you can find the nearest Cavalor shop in your area. Thanks to our many retail outlets, you never have to drive far for your Cavalor supplement!