Nervousness & Stress
Heightened spookiness/inner restlessness — often multifactorial (housing, management, deficiency, pain). Rule out behavioural causes first.
Priority · vet & management
First rule out housing, exercise, social contact and pain/illness (vet). Compounds are only one supporting element.
Possible causes
- · housing/management deficits (too little exercise, social contact, pasture access)
- · pain or undetected illness as a trigger
- · subclinical nutrient deficiencies (e.g. magnesium)
- · over-/under-challenge in training
- · abrupt changes of environment/routine
Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication
Magnesium
AMGFEI freeneuromuscular excitability; discussed with subclinical deficiency
Compound profile →L-Tryptophan
AMGFEI freeserotonin precursor; study evidence on calming is contradictory
Compound profile →Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
AMGFEI freevitamin B1 for normal nerve function
Compound profile →Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
AMGFEI freecofactor of serotonin/GABA synthesis (with tryptophan)
Compound profile →Chamomile
AMGFEI freetraditionally calming
Compound profile →Lemon balm
AMGFEI withdrawaltraditionally calming — FEI: check direction of effect
Compound profile →Passionflower
AMGFEI withdrawaldiscussed as GABAergic — FEI: check status before competition
Compound profile →Lavender
AMGFEI freeinhalation/aromatherapy briefly stress-reducing (studies) — check FEI status for sedative use
Compound profile →Ashwagandha
AMGFEI withdrawaladaptogen — FEI: check status before competition
Compound profile →Prevention
Horse-appropriate housing with plenty of exercise, social contact and a stable routine, plus ruling out pain, create the best basis for calmness.
Equiterna's take
Equiterna places the ruling-out of pain and housing deficits ahead of any calming compound and points out the FEI status of some herbs.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.