I've done some research in the files and some reading of previous posts here about using various adaptogens with horses and I thought I'd bring the subject up again with the specific goal of helping an anxious horse.

Specifically, my mare has an intermittent anxiety problem. Through training, I've reduced her anxiety when I'm around by about 99%. (We're still working on that last 1%.) However, when I'm not around, she has episodes of very anxious behavior (e.g., she might pace for hours -- even when outside). That tendency caused/contributed to a nasty illness recently.

I'm working on the social/behavioral elements involved in her anxiety, but I'd also like to address what is clearly a nervous system that is "strung too tight" and I'd like to investigate adaptogens and how they might help.

Can anyone tell me their experiences with Ashwagandha (the best for this situation, if I understand correctly), Bacopa, Eleuthero, Schisandra, APF and/or other adaptogens/adaptogen combination formulas with respect to helping a tense horse to relax?


Many thanks,
Jackie & Star

Specifically, my mare has an intermittent anxiety problem. That tendency caused/contributed to a nasty illness recently.

Jackie -

DOn't know if anyone will be able to give you specifics on the herbs that you mentioned. You can do a search of archived posts by typing in the topic you are interested in in the search box directly below the banner ad.

For instance, if I type in Ashwagandha, I get 31 previous posts about it with this brief one from Dr Kellon:

<http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/message/144015>

I see this is your first post to the list. We really try to impress upon members that a balanced diet is good for many things, not just the support of an IR/PPID type of horse. For instance, not enough magnesium can cause a multitude of issues, from muscle dysfunction to nervousness.

Have you considered having your hay analyzed and then balanced? Is your horse in question IR and/or PPID? Does she have normal or rather dramatic cycles?

Linda
EC Primary Response
West Coast
May 2004

Hi Linda,

The archived posts and files were a great start on adaptogens for horses. I've got some experience with them personally and am a big fan of Rhodiola r. and Jiaogulan for myself (but wouldn't expect to get good results with Star with such energizing herbs -- she'd probably reach escape velocity and go zinging right off the planet!).

I have not had the barn hay tested. I know that's a big part of getting a balanced diet, but I don't think I have the barn owner's permission. As an experiment, I did add a small amount of MagOx to Star's diet a while back. If anything, that seemed to make the problem worse (which certainly surprised me).

Star's cycles are pretty normal.

I don't have any indication that Star has IR or PPID. I read this list because there is such a wealth of knowledge here. :) Prevention is the way to go if one has it as an option! :)

Jackie & Star