The summer riding season is upon us, and with it comes lots of travelling and nights away. While this is an exciting time for the riders among us, it can be unsettling for our equine companions. Float travel, a heightened training schedule, nights in unfamiliar surroundings and the general hype of the season can leave our horse's anxiety levels rise; this is where our herbal calming remedies can offer some much-needed support.
It's important to note that herbs like Vervain, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Dandelion, and Devil's Claw are all banned substances in the context of the NZ competition circuit. There must be no trace in your horse's system when eventing. Fortunately, you can administer these remedies up to 48 hours before an event. Once you stop the treatment, the herbs will quickly leave the system, and your horse will present a clean record if tested.
Herbal calming remedies are effective and safe and, more importantly, will provide your horse with the support it needs without compromising your competitive endeavours and your hard-earned summer eventing season.
Chamomile is a perennial herb that is used for several herbal and homeopathic remedies for humans and horses. It is part of the Asteraceae family and in the past centuries was first used as a sleep aid for humans and has even been documented to help with stomach problems in horses. It can be a calming agent for horses but is perfectly safe for them.
Chamomile can treat various conditions from the skin to nerve problems as well as treat digestive problems like colic and the sours.
Wondering whether to choose the Valerian calmer or Valerian Free with vervain?
Depending on how your horse is presenting you may find a difference between the valerian calmer and the Calmer Plus. Is your horse hard and tense in the body? Or do they flinch when you touch their sides and muscles?
If your horse holds their tension in their muscles, you may find that the calmer with valerian suits them better, whereas vervain is ideal for horses who are sensitive to the touch.
Either way you may find using herbs in your horses diet can help soothe and improve your horses mood and temperament.