Herbs for a Nervous Horse

[Joopi1]

I would love some feedback, experiences and/or points of contact for Horse natural/herbal therapist.

I have a horse that I have just started to take out to compete on. He gets so uptight when we go out. He doesn't listen and get himself so nervous and anxious that he has little explosions of bad behaviour. I have had him for four years and know that he is a kind horse so the bad behaviour is not aimed at being bad. However I am waiting for him to explode, I am getting uptight too (which doesn't help) and I am not riding him forward. I know that he and I will get better the more we go out but I am wondering it there is any herbs that will help calm his nerves.
When we work at home or with my instructor he is great. He listens, on the bit and has great potential once we get pass this nervousness.

[teen]

Valerian root is good also chamonmile. Poss good idea to get his vit/min tested lack of vit b can exasperate hyperactive behaviour. Country park animal herbs has a great naturopath who has helped me heaps over the years.
As u said your reactions/feelings will increase the issue. A good trick my old instructor told me was to always smile and hum a song it tricks the mind into thinking u are happy and relaxes you.

[Bits n pieces]

Just be aware chamomile and valerian are swab able. Why don't you try a paste with b12 in it a few times to get his nerves under control and you can also take a rescue remedy also start off small go to a few places out in the open and get use to being out then take him to a comp but don't compete ride around and make it as less stressed for both of you and most of all don't put pressure on your self go out there and have fun

[Nashama]

Contact McDowell's, they do a terrific decoction,

[pgsporties]

Isnt magnesium meant to help? Was only having this conversation with a friend last night!

[Joopi1]

Just be aware chamomile and valerian are swab able. Why don't you try a paste with b12 in it a few times to get his nerves under control and you can also take a rescue remedy also start off small go to a few places out in the open and get use to being out then take him to a comp but don't compete ride around and make it as less stressed for both of you and most of all don't put pressure on your self go out there and have fun

I just read the advises on Equestrian Australia on the use of Herbs and what is banned. Does this apply when I am only competing in Unofficial/Associate comps at the moment? I don't what to use anything for a prolong time.

I have seen the Vit B12 paste BnP, have you used it or know anyone that has?

We were doing ok and starting to relax until i took him to B/dore show for some more exposure/experience and he completely lost the plot. Again I am not sure if it is me setting him off because I am waiting for him to loss the plot again.

[teen]

I've used B12 paste, it didn't work on my horse at all, but have friends who use it and it works for them.

I think BnP is right maybe try using rescue remedy for yourself, as a lot of it will be you, esp if your waiting for it to happen.

I think all banned substances are banned across the board, but if you just take him out to a few outings, don't compete see if they help and perhaps that will help you both settle, then you can try entering once you are confident in yourself and him.

Its hard to get hung up on bad experiences, just aim for small things, and once you've smashed those move up. nothing wrong with baby steps. And each set back is ok, its how we learn.

[Tash]

I have also tried the calming paste and suggested if you dont have luck with one brand do try others as some brands work on some horses and others dont.

[Bits n pieces]

We have used behave and tranquil paste you need to make sure you use it as per instructions make sure your horse isn't stressed before giving it and don't feed them it must be given on an empty stomach I've used it on all sorts and have always had good results