Calming Supplements for Horses – Types, Benefits & Tips

Understand what type of calming support would be best for your horse and the research-backed ingredients that may make a difference.

Updated September 9, 2024 | Reviewed by: Liz Schatz, DVM

Does looking at the number of calming supplements available make you want to spin and bolt? Don’t shy away just yet! We’re here to help you choose the ideal calming formula for your horse so that you can be confident in your decision and your horse can be confident on your rides.

When Should You Consider a Calming Supplement for Your Horse?

There are multiple approaches to calming because there are many reasons a horse might not act like themself. Are there any physical, mental, or environmental reasons for your horse’s behavior to have changed? Does your tack fit well, is their dental care current, are they getting the right diet and turnout?

If all those factors are in order after consulting with equine professionals, such as your veterinarian and trainer, then a formula designed to support a relaxed temperament may be a smart next step. There are three types of calming supplements for horses to choose from:

1. Nutrient-based formulas
2. Herbal formulas
3. Herbal formulas designed specifically for moody mares

Let’s explore these categories and the ingredients that make them effective, so you can choose the right support for your horse.

Nutrient-based Calming Supplements for Horses

Nutrient-based calming supplements provide essential vitamins and minerals that may already be part of your horse's diet but in insufficient quantities.

Horses lacking key vitamins and minerals necessary for nervous system function may be nervous, edgy, reactive, anxious, or spooky. Nutrient-based formulas are designed to bring your horse’s levels into the optimal range for a healthy, properly functioning nervous system.

If you compete in rated horse shows, nutrient-based supplements may be your best option, depending on your association’s rules and regulations.

Key ingredients in nutrient-based calming supplements for horses

Magnesium

A key player in nervous system function, magnesium is a macro-mineral that serves as an activator of hundreds of enzymes, and as a participant in muscle contractions. Horses in moderate to heavy work may have additional requirements for magnesium. One of the clinical signs of magnesium deficiency is nervousness, so many riders find that their horses have a balanced temperament and can stay focused when supplemented with magnesium [1].

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B1 is important in the normal transmission of impulses along nerves. The National Research Council (NRC) has set dietary requirements for thiamine in horses because, unlike with most B-vitamins, the microorganisms in the hindgut don’t make enough to meet a horse’s needs.

Pasture and grain are a good source, but horses in work and those that don’t have access to fresh pasture or aren’t fed fortified grain may not be getting enough. Supplementing with vitamin B1 will help ensure that your horse is getting enough for his nervous system to function normally.

Inositol

Inositol is found in nearly every cell in the body. One of its major roles is assisting in nerve transmission. By participating in the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of well-being and contentment, inositol may be helpful for excessively nervous horses.

Tryptophan

An essential amino acid, tryptophan is a critical protein building block that must be supplied in the horse’s diet. Tryptophan is used by the body to produce serotonin, leading to proper levels of this hormone that acts within the brain to soothe excess anxiety.

Taurine

Taurine is another amino acid which is found in high concentrations in the electrically active tissues, such as the brain and muscles. It stabilizes membranes and assists in the movement of electrolytes, which is critical for proper nervous system function and muscle health.

Theanine

Derived from tea leaves, theanine is an amino acid that may promote relaxation and focus. Theanine may affect brain chemicals like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin.

What to expect from nutrient-based calming supplements

The timeline will vary from horse to horse, but you may be starting to see signs of your horse staying relaxed and attentive within the first few weeks or so. If not, that’s okay, for some horses it can take 4-6 weeks for this type of supplement to reach its full benefit. The ingredients should continue to help support the nervous system as you continue feeding them, so that you both can get the most out of your rides going forward.

If you’ve tried a nutrient-based formula and didn’t see the results you were looking for – or liked the results but think your horse could use additional support – adding an herbal calming supplement (by itself or with nutrients) may be an appropriate next step.

Herbal Calming Supplements for Horses

Formulas in this category include herbs or plants that typically have a culinary or therapeutic use. Some have been classified as “nervines,” which are herbs with specific actions on the nervous system. Others have been found to support the reproductive system.

The components of herbal calming formulas may be beneficial for anxious or restless horses, such as those on stall rest or who always seem to be on high alert, by supporting a calm demeanor.

Note, many herbal calming supplements include ingredients that are prohibited by many competitive organizations.

Key ingredients in herbal calming supplements for horses

Valerian

This potent herb helps balance a nervous system struggling with excess anxiety. It can also help address muscle cramps and spasms associated with tension. So, it’s especially helpful for horses that hold their anxiety in their muscles and get tense.

Chamomile

Another herb with specific support for the nervous system. Chamomile is especially helpful for horses that process their nervousness through their gastrointestinal system (you know, that horse in your barn with the “nervous tummy”).

Hops

This herb has been used for centuries to help alleviate anxiety, tension, irritability, and other disturbances related to the nervous system. In horses, hops are helpful for those that are prone to mental distress and become distracted and unfocused.

Vervain

Vervain may help balance the nervous system of horses who have excess energy, helping them concentrate on the job at hand.

Passion flower

This herb supports a calm and relaxed disposition. Passion flower appears to be particularly helpful when used together with valerian, chamomile, hops, or vervain.

Adaptogenic botanicals

These are specialty herbs which may help the body “adapt to” or cope with physical, mental, and environmental stress. The active compounds are found in various parts of the different plants, such as the flowers, stems, leaves, fruit, or even roots.

Adaptogenic botanicals are thought to normalize body functions and strengthen systems compromised by stress. The ability to restore homeostasis is a gentle approach to rebalancing the body’s internal processes.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): An adaptogen that is believed to settle the brain of anxious thoughts while supporting normal function and focus. This botanical has been widely recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years [2].
• Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea): Has long been considered to have adaptogenic properties that promote optimal physical and mental performance. Over 140 active compounds have been identified in the root alone [3].
• Five-Flavor Fruit (Schisandra chinensis): Has adaptogenic properties used for centuries to support the body’s ability to respond to stress, promote normal energy levels and stamina, and fight off fatigue and lack of focus [4].
• Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): An adaptogenic botanical that has been used in China for thousands of years to support energy and stamina, as well as restore memory and concentration [5].

What to expect from herbal calming supplements

Herbal ingredients for nervous system health can take time to reach their full benefit, generally about 4-6 weeks. Over the first few weeks look for signs that your horse is able to focus on the job at hand, allowing you both to have more fun doing what you love.

We also recommend observing your horse during events or times that would have previously caused them stress and watch for them to keep their cool.

Researched Calming Support

A main ingredient in SmartCalm® Ultimate Pellets is KSM-66® Ashwagandha, a high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root powder. This Ashwagandha root extract was studied to determine its effects on horses exposed to three common types of stress in the equine environment: exercise, noise, and separation [2].

Study methods

In a 21-day study, four groups of six horses received different serving sizes of Ashwagandha root extract (0 grams, 2.5 g, 5 g, or 10 g). Blood samples were drawn on Day 0 and again after exposing all horses to stress from exercise, separation, and noise.

Study results

Statistically significant differences were seen in the levels of antioxidant markers, stress hormones, and indicators of inflammation between the treatment groups and the control. These differences show how Ashwagandha may act as an adaptogen to aid the body in appropriately responding to stress

Moody Mare Supplements for Horses

If your sweet mare turns into a moody monster in or around her heat cycle, her poor attitude could be related to hormonal fluctuations or discomfort in her reproductive and digestive tracts. In addition to any of the herbs listed in the previous category, a formula designed for a temperamental, cranky mare will likely include ingredients that support balanced hormones and an even disposition.

When choosing a calming supplement for your mare, keep in mind that some of the herbal ingredients in many moody mare supplements are forbidden by competitive organizations.

Key ingredients in moody mare supplements for horses

Raspberry leaf

The active ingredients in raspberry leaf support normal smooth muscle tone in both the reproductive and digestive tracts, helping it stay relaxed.

Vitex agnus castus (chasteberry)

Also known as chasteberry, vitex agnus castus helps maintain a balanced hormonal system.

Cramp bark

Just as the name implies, cramp bark may help to maintain healthy reproductive muscles in mares who are prone to cramping. This can help them stay comfortable and maintain a happy demeanor.

What to expect from mare supplements

Mare supplements also generally take 4-6 weeks to see the full benefits. Over the first couple of weeks, watch for your mare to show off her pleasant temperament now that she’ll be getting ingredients to support healthy hormone levels.

We recommend proactively talking with your veterinarian about an appropriate management plan for her. Also, watch this Ask the Vet video as Dr. Lydia Gray gives tips for easing mares’ crankiness associated with their heat cycles.

Need Help Getting Your Horse to be Calm, Cool, and Collected?

If you’re still not sure which supplement would be ideal for your horse, don’t fret. Our Horse Health Experts are here for you! Just give us a call at 1-800-461-8898 or live chat with us at SmartPak.com, and we’d be happy to help you choose the perfect calming supplement for your horse.

If you’re managing active behavioral issues, we recommend working with a trainer that you trust to help pinpoint where your horse may be struggling and to come up with the best plan going forward, which may include support from an appropriate calming supplement.

Evidence-Based References

1. Dodd, J. A., et al. “41 Magnesium Aspartate Supplementation and Reaction Speed Response in Horses.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, vol. 35, no. 5, May 2015, pp. 401–02. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2015.03.051.
2. Priyanka, G., et al. “Adaptogenic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Ashwagandha Root Extract: An Experimental Study in an Equine Model.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 7, Sept. 2020, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.541112.
3. Anghelescu, Ion-George et al. “Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review.” International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice vol. 22,4 (2018): 242-252. doi:10.1080/13651501.2017.1417442.
4. Rybnikář, Michal, et al. “Schisandra Chinensis and Its Phytotherapeutical Applications.” PubMed, vol. 68, no. 3, Jan. 2019, pp. 95–118. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31431019.
5. Bleakney, Tracy Lee. “Deconstructing an adaptogen: Eleutherococcus senticosus.” Holistic nursing practice vol. 22,4 (2008): 220-4. doi:10.1097/01.HNP.0000326005.65310.7c