Best 5 Calming Supplements For Horses

Have you noticed your horse getting jittery before a competition, during a trailer ride, or even at the farrier’s visit?  It’s completely normal, horses can get stressed just like we do. As loving horse owners, we want to take care of our horses,  help our equine companions feel calm and relaxed, especially in moments that can throw them off balance. That’s where calming supplements for horses come in. These gentle aids are made to support the nervous system and help ease tension, making stressful situations a lot more manageable for both you and your horse.

However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones work and which ones are worth your time. In this article, we’ll explore the best calming supplements for horses, their ingredients, and how they can help keep your horse relaxed and happy. Let’s get into it!

5 Calming Supplements for Horses

1. Magnesium

Magnesium is like a chill pill for horses. It helps keep their nerves and muscles working smoothly, and when a horse is running low on it, you’ll probably notice they might be jumpy, tense, or overreacting to every little thing. This often shows up when they’re under stress, like during heavy training, frequent travel, or changes in their environment. 

That’s why magnesium is one of the best calming supplements for horses. It helps take the edge off and brings a bit of balance to their mood, making it easier for them to settle down and focus. Most products use magnesium oxide because it’s easy to feed and is usually absorbed pretty well. 

You might even start noticing small changes in just a few days. Still, it’s not something you want to add to their diet without checking in with your vet first. A proper diet check can help you avoid giving too much or too little, and make sure your horse is actually getting what they need to stay calm and comfortable.

2. Valerian Root

Valerian root is one of those old-school herbal remedies that’s been used for ages to help calm the nerves, and it works just as well for horses as it does for humans. It acts like a gentle natural sedative, which can be a real game-changer if your horse tends to get anxious during things like trailering, vet visits, or new surroundings.

The cool thing about valerian is that it’s believed to work by influencing the brain’s calming signals, helping your horse feel more at ease and less wound up. That can mean better focus, fewer spooks, and a more relaxed attitude overall, especially in those horses that always seem to be on edge. You’ll find it in many calming supplements, or you can give it on its own in a dried or powdered form.

That said, valerian isn’t something you’d typically use every day. It’s more of a short-term helper during stressful times. And if you engage your horse in competitions, double-check the rules first, because valerian is banned in some events. As always, it’s smart to talk with your vet before adding anything new, just to be sure it’s the right fit for your horse.

3. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chasteberry is one of the go-to calming supplements for horses when your mare’s mood swings start to feel like a rollercoaster. It’s especially handy for those times when hormonal changes are making your horse extra cranky, restless, or just not herself. By supporting the pituitary gland, chaste berry helps regulate hormone levels, which can really smooth out those behavioural ups and downs. 

It’s not just for mares, either. Some geldings and stallions show signs of hormonal imbalance, too, and chasteberry may help take the edge off, making them a bit more steady and focused. Over time, you might notice your horse becoming easier to handle, more willing to work, and less reactive overall. 

You’ll find chasteberry in powders, liquids, and even in calming blends designed specifically for hormonal support. Just keep in mind it’s not recommended for pregnant or nursing mares, since there isn’t enough research on how it affects them.

Like with any new supplement, it’s best to ease it into your horse’s routine and check in with your vet to make sure it fits their specific needs. A little patience goes a long way, as the effects are usually more noticeable with consistent use. If you’re dealing with mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere, chasteberry might be exactly what your horse needs.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is like a warm cup of tea for your horse; it gently takes the edge off and helps them feel more at ease. Whether it’s trailer loading, farrier appointments, or the nerves that come before a show, chamomile helps your horse stay relaxed without knocking them out completely.

It’s one of those herbs that calms the mind and body at the same time, making it especially helpful when stress hits both emotionally and physically. Since stress often affects digestion, chamomile’s tummy-soothing abilities are a big bonus. If your horse tends to get gassy, edgy, or uncomfortable during tense moments, chamomile might offer the relief they need. 

It’s even got anti-inflammatory perks, which can give a little extra support to their overall wellness. You can feed it as dried flowers mixed into their grain or as part of a calming blend; it’s versatile and usually well-liked by horses. Because it’s gentle, it’s a great option for regular use, not just during occasional flare-ups. 

Just like with anything new, it’s smart to keep an eye on how your horse reacts and loop your vet in if you’re unsure. Chamomile may be a simple herb, but it can make a big difference in helping your horse stay cool and collected.

5. Passionflower

Passionflower has quietly earned its place as a favourite among natural horse supplements. It’s like the chill friend every horse needs when things get a little too overwhelming. It gently eases nervous tension by helping the brain produce more of its natural calming signals, which is great for horses that spook easily or just can’t seem to relax in new surroundings. 

This makes it a solid choice for helping your horse stay cool during training, vet visits, or even just changes in their routine. What’s great about passionflower is that it encourages calm without making your horse drowsy or dull; it takes the edge off while keeping them alert and responsive. Since it’s non-habit-forming, you can use it occasionally for specific stressors or as part of a longer-term routine, depending on your horse’s needs.

It’s often included in calming blends, but you can also feed it on its own in dried form. Horses generally tolerate it well, and it doesn’t come with a long list of side effects. Still, like with any other calming supplements for horses, it’s a good idea to monitor your horse’s response and check in with your vet to make sure you’re on the right track. A little passionflower can go a long way in helping your horse feel a whole lot more grounded.

Conclusion

Horses may be strong and majestic, but their sensitive nature means even small changes can leave them feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Thankfully, nature offers a range of gentle, effective supplements like magnesium, valerian root, and passionflower to help bring back calm and focus. So next time your horse gets a little jittery, you’ll know exactly what’s behind that nervous energy and how to help ease it. 

Supporting your horse’s well-being isn’t just about training, grooming or what they eat; it’s about tuning into what they need to feel safe and balanced. Want to learn more about keeping your horse happy and relaxed? Stick around, we’ve got plenty of expert tips coming your way. And if you’ve got questions, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!