askHELTIE HELTIEhorse® How long before the competition do you start giving a stress product to your horse?

How long before the competition do you start giving a stress product to your horse?

Many horses experience tension during competitions. As a result, there is little focus from the horse on the rider or even dangerous situations can arise. There are many supplements available to combat stress and tension, but how long before the competition should you start using them? Read on in this blog.

Magnesium

Stress

21 March '22 • 3 min reading time

A supplement is not always the solution

It is important to realize that a supplement is never a miracle cure. Supplements are a part of training support and can help in creating a positive experience. Horses are flight animals that are taken out of their familiar environment for competitions and have to perform in a place they do not know, with a lot of hustle and bustle around them. Horses need to learn this with the right guidance in relaxation and peace. There are also many horses that take on the tension from their rider. The "problem" then lies not with the horse, but with the rider.

Therefore, use stress supplements only as a support. The goal should be that these supplements are no longer needed in the long term, so that it is a pleasant outing for both horse and rider!

Magnesium or herbs?

Magnesium or herbs? That is often the first choice you have to make as a horse owner when looking for a stress supplement. Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to which supplement is most suitable. Many horses have a deficiency in magnesium, which makes them more easily startled, but these horses also show this during training at home. For these horses, it is advisable to regularly supplement magnesium.

Herbal supplements are often based on chamomile/passionflower and have a relaxing effect. Always choose a product that contains a high concentration of these herbs for the best effect. A combination of chamomile/passionflower herbs ensures that the horse gets more focus and does not become sluggish/sleepy. A stress supplement used during competitions should never have a dulling effect! Stress supplements are intended for temporary use in periods when needed.

Speed of effectiveness of supplements varies greatly

The speed at which a supplement works depends on the composition, concentration, and dosage. Generally, supplements take an average of 2 weeks to work well and be effective. This also applies to most stress supplements. There are also liquid stress supplements based on a high concentration of chamomile and passionflower. This supplement can be started 48 hours before the stressful situation. By dosing high, this supplement can already provide more focus and relaxation for the horse after 48 hours.

Depending on the product you use for your horse, you should start administering the product in time. Starting the night before will not be very effective with any product. As a rule of thumb, a supplement needs 2 weeks, unless otherwise stated on the supplement packaging.

Supplement use during the competition season

If you have a busy competition season planned and almost every weekend includes a competition on the calendar, it may be wise to give a daily dose throughout the entire season. The dosage can often be reduced. For example, if you normally start with 100ml of a stress product 48 hours before the competition, reduce this to 25ml as a daily dosage during the competition season. This way, there is a stable amount of product in the body and high dosing is not necessary.

If you only have an occasional competition or want to support your young horse for the first time, choose a liquid supplement in high concentration that you start 48 hours before the competition.

Conclusion:

As mentioned earlier, it is important to realize that a supplement is never a miracle cure. The goal is to eventually be able to compete without supplements. Therefore, also look at possibilities without supplements. Consider, for example, an relaxation massage, like T-Touch. Always maintain contact between you and your horse during a competition through touch and talking (unless you are busy with your test). This way, you can more easily bring your horse to relaxation and strengthen the bond of trust between you and your horse.

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