askHELTIE HELTIEhorse® More focus on your horse in competition thanks to the right herbs

More focus on your horse in competition thanks to the right herbs

The outdoor season has started again! Finally, we can enjoy competing in the fresh air, in beautiful outdoor arenas. Unfortunately, there are often all kinds of goblins and ghosts present. Ducks in the ditch next to the arena, a tractor in the field further away, or simply phenomena that only your horse can see... How do you help your horse to stay focused?

Stress

18 March '22 • 2 min reading time

A horse is naturally a flight animal, so it's not uncommon for him to feel a bit insecure in a new environment. However, if you want to achieve a good performance in the ring, it can be very inconvenient! It would be nice if your horse stays focused on you and isn't just preoccupied with everything happening outside the arena.

Keep riding

Of course, there are many solutions for a slightly unfocused and nervous horse. Making sure you arrive at the competition on time and calmly explore the arena, for example. Also, keep breathing and keep riding is important. Instead of thinking about what went wrong in the previous exercise during your test, focus on the next line. And of course: keep smiling!

Herbs against acute stress

Supplements can also contribute. Competition stress is a form of acute stress. It occurs when your horse is in a tense situation. To help your horse process this tension, you can support your horse with an herbal supplement in the run-up to your first outdoor competition. A concentrated, liquid herbal extract can especially help your horse to focus on you. Herbs that can support your horse in case of acute stress include chamomile, passionflower, sunflower, red clover, thyme, and hops. Especially a liquid supplement with a high dosage of chamomile and passionflower promotes focus. These herbs are not considered doping and can be used when your horse is competing. And just as important: your horse won't become drowsy or lethargic! This does not apply to, for example, valerian, which is sometimes found in stress supplements. Therefore, try to avoid valerian if you plan to compete, as it falls under doping regulations and can make your horse drowsy.

Is there more to stress than meets the eye?

If your horse is not only scared or stressed during competitions but also at home, you should explore further. Chronic stress could be the issue. For example, your horse might not be getting enough roughage and developing stomach ulcers. Or perhaps it lacks social contact with other horses. A low immune system due to health issues or shedding can also cause stress. A deficiency in magnesium is another significant cause of persistent stress.

Conclusion: Herbs help against competition stress

Does your horse get anxious when he has to compete in outdoor competitions again? Do you want to help him concentrate better in a natural way? Then give your horse an herbal supplement containing chamomile and passionflower, among other ingredients. You usually administer such a supplement a few days before the competition. If you suspect chronic stress in your horse, also consider stable management, your horse's immune system, and whether it's getting enough magnesium in its diet.

Good luck and enjoy the competition!

Sources

Dodd, J., Doran, G., Harris, P., & Noble, G. (2015). Magnesium aspartate supplementation and reaction speed response in horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 35(5), 401-402.

Scopa, C., Palagi, E., Sighieri, C. et al. Physiological outcomes of calming behaviors support the resilience hypothesis in horses. Sci Rep 8, 17501 (2018).

Bartolomé, E., & Cockram, M. S. (2016). Potential effects of stress on the performance of sport horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 40, 84-93.

Maria Groot, Gerdien Kleijer-Ligtenberg, en Tedje van Asseldonk. 2016. Stalboekje Varkens. Natuurlijk gezond met kruiden en andere natuurproducten.

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