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HORSE HEALTH
transport , etc . Most diets are moderately to severely magnesium and B-vitamin deficient .
Drug therapy for mare cycling problems includes progesterones and although these suppress strong signs of oestrus , they can have a negative effect on attitude . Mares often become dull and sulky when left alone but just as aggressive and touchy in work , and if used for fillies that are “ mean ”, it often makes them even “ meaner ” - although they won ’ t show signs of heat anymore . For this reason , they should be used selectively and only at strategic times during the cycle . The best way to determine if progesterones might help is to monitor behaviour over several cycles , noting when she works best using solid measurements of performance , not necessarily how easy she is to work with or how much urinating she does .
Reserpine is marketed as an aid in calming horses and seems to work very well in some horses but not very well in others . It acts by depleting neurotransmitters in the brain , particularly serotonin , apparently resulting in ‘ subtle changes in behaviour that may only by observed by those very familiar with the horse ’ s normal behaviour ’. Obviously , the drug cannot be used in horses which are competing as it is a prohibited substance . However some people find it a useful training aid , although there are reports that it produces “ sedation to overt depression ,” and some concern about these effect in horses that are being ridden .
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES : can contribute as well . Always go back to the basics for mares and fillies that are nervous or won ’ t relax , because whilst pharmaceutical intervention can block the signs of oestrus , if the issue is behavioural , magnesium and B6 may get the job done just as well , if not better .
Changes in blood concentrations of calcium and magnesium can affect blood vessels , nerve transmission and muscular contraction .
be left alone . Vitamin B6 influences hormone levels . For mares and fillies in work , the demand for B vitamins increases due to stress and training and can exceed intestinal production . This should be suspected if a mare has loose manure / diarrhoea when excited . Ensuring vitamin B6 and thiamine intake are adequate is especially helpful with nervousness . Mg plays an important role in excitable tissues – and nerve and muscle function . Adding supplementary Mg to the daily diet at recommended levels is intended to address subclinical deficiencies , diagnosis of which is difficult — but the clinical signs ( behaviour problems , muscle conditions , excitability and sensitivity ) are common .
Nervousness may also be a sign of a horse that just doesn ’ t quite understand what is being asked , or that has been moved along a bit too quickly in its training . Always first check that the diet is balanced and matches their individual requirements . Second , going back to training basics is often more effective than turning to different bits , restraints or drugs . Combining a sound basic diet with behavioural research findings will help us grow and best use our horsemanship skills to increase our understanding of the important relationships that affect behaviour . J
CHECK LIST FOR BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS
1 Fibre intake and access 2 Oil-enriched diet 3 Diet balanced for magnesium and B vitamins 4 Oestrus cycle 5 Vision check 6 Adequate rest periods between work sessions 7 Able to lie down to sleep 8 Amino acid intake adequate for muscle building and repair 9 Social connections with other horses 10 Subclinical pain or lameness 11 Adequate vitamin E and selenium to reduce muscle pain
Most equine diets are too low in magnesium and horses with responsive behaviour problems ( sensitive to touch / sound , “ jumpiness ” in general ) are sensitive to the low intake . Magnesium and vitamin B6 ( 10g and 600 to 800 mg / day respectively ) work well for fillies with negative mood swings - sulky , aggressive or just want to
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