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The effect of magnesium on the nervous system of horses

Many horse owners give their horse magnesium. But why do so? Isn't there enough magnesium in the regular feed? And what function does this mineral actually have in the nervous system of horses?

Magnesium

Minerals

Stress

6 December '24 • 2 min reading time

Horses with Increased Magnesium Needs

Horses that perform heavy work, sweat frequently, are pregnant, or nursing a foal often require more magnesium. Additionally, horses that are naturally nervous or excitable typically have higher magnesium needs.

A Versatile Mineral

Magnesium is essential for around 300 bodily processes. This mineral is crucial for the health of your horse’s bones, muscles, and nervous system. It also plays a role in energy production and metabolism. Magnesium positively affects focus and mood as well. In short, a horse with sufficient magnesium intake can concentrate better, has supple muscles, plenty of energy, and recovers quickly after training.

Magnesium for Stress Relief

Magnesium plays a key role in a horse’s nervous system. Scientific studies have shown that magnesium helps regulate signal transmission between nerve cells, ensuring effective communication within the nervous system. Improved signal transmission contributes to a calm and balanced state of mind. Therefore, magnesium is especially beneficial for nervous or stressed horses. A stressed or anxious horse also uses more magnesium than a naturally calm one.
Magnesium isn’t just vital for the nervous system. A well-absorbed magnesium supplement can help reduce muscle cramps and stiffness while promoting overall flexibility. This is particularly important for sport horses that perform intense physical activity.

Do Horses Need Extra Magnesium?

Magnesium is present in forage, but some horses may require additional amounts. In certain situations, a supplement can be beneficial. It’s also worth noting that forage in the Netherlands often has low magnesium levels, especially if it comes from nutrient-poor sandy soils. While not all horses suffer from magnesium deficiency, it is a common issue, particularly in sick or stressed horses and sport horses.

Supplementing Magnesium

Horses under significant stress or those exerting themselves heavily may benefit from a magnesium supplement. It’s also important to consider how much calcium they consume, for instance, through feeds like alfalfa. Calcium can inhibit the absorption of magnesium, meaning a calcium-rich diet could contribute to magnesium deficiency in your horse.
If you suspect a magnesium deficiency, you can try supplementing magnesium for a period to see if your horse shows improvement. Any excess magnesium will simply be excreted in the urine. It’s crucial to provide magnesium in a highly absorbable form, such as liquid magnesium chelate.

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Magnesium

Many people give their horse some extra magnesium. For the muscles and the nervous system, or because their horse is nervous. Because a horse does not always absorb enough magnesium from its food, a supplement can definitely be a good idea. However, there are a few things to consider. Such as the absorbability and the function of magnesium in the horse's body. Is there really a deficiency? What is the best way to supplement magnesium, solid form or liquid? And are there any other important substances such as B-vitamins and tryptophan?

Magnesium for horses: why magnesium synergizes with B-vitamins and tryptophan

Many people give their horse some extra magnesium. For the muscles and the nervous system, or because their horse is nervous. Because a horse does not always absorb enough magnesium from its food, a supplement can definitely be a good idea. However, there are a few things to consider. Such as the absorbability and the function of magnesium in the horse's body. Is there really a deficiency? What is the best way to supplement magnesium, solid form or liquid? And are there any other important substances such as B-vitamins and tryptophan?. Magnesium is an important mineral. In horses, it is important for energy transfer in muscle cells. The nervous system and immune system also need magnesium. The amount of magnesium a horse needs depends on factors such as the horse's age and the amount of work the animal does. For example, a sport horse needs more magnesium than a recreational horse, and a mare with a foal at foot needs more than an adult gelding. Magnesium deficiency in horses Sick horses often have a magnesium deficiency, espe...

Magnesium

Magnesium is an incredibly important mineral for horses. It is essential for muscles, bones, and the nervous system. Owners often only notice a magnesium deficiency quite late. While a magnesium deficiency is quite common and can have a significant impact on the mood and performance of horses.

Does my horse have a magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium is an incredibly important mineral for horses. It is essential for muscles, bones, and the nervous system. Owners often only notice a magnesium deficiency quite late. While a magnesium deficiency is quite common and can have a significant impact on the mood and performance of horses.. How do you know if your horse has a magnesium deficiency? And what can you do about it? Signs of a magnesium deficiency Sometimes the symptoms of a lack of magnesium fall into the category of 'vague complaints'. They usually only become apparent when your horse has been receiving insufficient magnesium for a while. So, a deficiency is easy to overlook. Signs of a magnesium deficiency include: Fatigue, poor sleep Stress, nervousness Muscle cramps or twitches Stiff muscles, muscle pain Difficulty...

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Stress

Horses can experience stress for various reasons. This can be due to moving, incorrect (feeding) management or a traumatic experience, for example. Some horses are more sensitive to stress than others. There are also horses who are a bit spooky during work and often struggle with the so-called "arena ghosts". Many horse owners then turn to a magnesium supplement, as this is believed to be the solution. But is it really? Is magnesium the miracle cure for stress?

Is magnesium the miracle cure for horses with stress?

Horses can experience stress for various reasons. This can be due to moving, incorrect (feeding) management or a traumatic experience, for example. Some horses are more sensitive to stress than others. There are also horses who are a bit spooky during work and often struggle with the so-called "arena ghosts". Many horse owners then turn to a magnesium supplement, as this is believed to be the solution. But is it really? Is magnesium the miracle cure for stress?. Different types of stress Horses can experience different types of stress. These forms can be divided into 2 groups: acute stress & chronic stress. If the horse is startled by an unexpected situation, found a trailer ride stressful, or was tense during a competition, then it is acute stress. The horse has experienced stress, but can quickly let it flow away and continue with "normal" life without long-lasting effects. In chronic stress, the body experiences prolonged stress causing...

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