Anxiety in horses is a common phenomenon, exacerbated by the modern living conditions we impose on them. Confined to boxes, often isolated from their congeners, they undergo a lifestyle quite different from that of their ancestors living in the wild.
Fortunately, there are many solutions to help your horse overcome his anxiety. Whether it’s through a dietary or behavioral approach, or through specialized care, every horse can regain his serenity thanks to methods tailored to his individual needs.
Anxious horse : recognizing the signs
Before trying to calm an anxious horse, it’s important to understand how anxiety manifests itself in him. When a horse is stressed, several signs can appear :
– Accelerated heart and respiratory rates: just as in humans, stress leads to an immediate physiological response.
– Disruption of digestive functions: stress can cause abdominal pain, ulcers and even colic.
– Stereotyped behaviours: some horses develop nervous tics, such as the bear or backing tic, which are behavioural responses to anxiety.
The modern lifestyle imposed on horses is a major cause of their anxiety. In the wild, horses spend most of their time grazing in groups, covering great distances every day. In captivity, however, they are often isolated in stalls and have little opportunity to move about freely. This leads to both mental and physical imbalance. Horses are social animals and need companionship. Keeping them alone and sedentary can quickly lead to behavioral disorders and facilitate the onset of stress in the equine.
Natural solutions to calm an anxious horse
Providing unlimited access to forage
Leaving constant access to forage allows the horse to focus on a natural activity, reducing anxiety. In the wild, horses spend up to 16 hours a day grazing, which helps them maintain mental equilibrium. Offering plenty of hay, especially for confined horses, can be an excellent way of reducing their nervousness.
Putting the horse out to pasture
The ideal for a horse is to spend as much time as possible outdoors, in pasture, and if possible in the company of one or more conspecifics. The simple fact of moving, grazing and interacting socially contributes greatly to his well-being. A more natural, stimulating environment reduces boredom and anxiety.
Magnesium supplementation
Magnesium plays a key role in regulating the nervous and muscular systems. A magnesium deficiency can lead to nervousness and restlessness. Adding a magnesium-rich feed supplement can help stabilize a horse’s mood and improve its physical comfort.
Massage and muscle relaxation for horses
Stress in horses can also manifest itself as muscular tension. An equine massage, performed by a professional or the trained owner, can greatly contribute to the animal’s physical and mental relaxation. A physically relaxed horse is often mentally more serene.
Phytotherapy for horses: plants with relaxing properties
Plants have long been used for their soothing benefits. Passionflower, chamomile, valerian, poppy, hawthorn, and bacopa are all recognized for their relaxing effects on horses’ nervous systems. These plants can be administered in the form of dried plants or infusions, always taking care to respect the recommended dosages. If necessary, ask your equine veterinarian for advice.
Equine pheromones to soothe a horse
Pheromones are chemical substances naturally secreted by animals. In horses, equine pheromones are often associated with the soothing of foals by their mothers. Today, synthetic pheromone-based products are available on the market to help calm anxious horses, replicating the natural calming effect.
Milk protein hydrolysate
A lesser-known but equally effective supplement, milk protein hydrolysate. When digesting casein, a protein found in milk, the horse produces compounds that have a relaxing effect.
Caution: it is important to note, however, that this product is considered a doping agent in competition, and must be discontinued at least 72 hours before an event.
Progressive desensitization
An anxious horse can sometimes overreact to certain situations. Desensitization, which involves gradually exposing the horse to stressful situations in a controlled manner, helps to reduce his anxious reactions over the long term. This technique requires patience and consistency, but is highly effective in creating a more serene horse in the face of his environment.
Anxiety in horses should not be ignored, as it can have serious consequences for their physical and mental health. By adopting natural measures, you can considerably reduce your horse’s stress. If you’d like to learn more about your horse’s anatomy and muscle function, our book is an essential resource.
By mastering the basics of equine myology, you’ll also be able to offer your horse the care best suited to its physiological and emotional needs.