herbal remedies?

Question

my horse has had a bucking problem the vet said theres nothing wrong he may be stressed he also said he had to see the dentist but he also said try herbal remedies and i need to know some names for herbal calmers!
fankyou
xox

Answer 1

Herbal remedies do NOT cure horses with discomfort, diet, or training issues.

Cut all the sugar out of his diet. No grain at all or only really high fat grain ( 12-20% fat range) in small amounts.

Have teeth done. Dental pain can cause bucking and acting up.

To rule things out, I'd try a different saddle on him and a different rider. He may be (1) trying to scare a timid rider with the bucking (2) in pain from the saddle at a cantering speed (especially spine clearance) (3) being ridden so rougly or in a confusing way; he can't go forward and can't slow down so his only way to go is UP

It could be a training issue. I know of a little pony who learned if she bucked or reared, the rider would always get off of her. Send a horse like that to a confident, consistent trainer with a good riding style.

Good luck!

Answer 2

My suggestion would be to first determine what is causing anxiety-life stress, interpersonal troubles, housing market crash, or a physical ailment? Either way, I know from experience that chamomile tea works as a herbal remedy. Also, I would try a supplement called GABA (gammabutyric acid) available over the counter at any local drug store or pharmacy. This has a neurotransmitter calming effect. Perhaps also, if older, say over 40, melatonin supplements will help quell anxiety and give a good sleep, if taken before bedtime. But of course, exercise probably is the simplest and best remedy. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I had a horse that was naturally high strung. He liked to buck. I took to lunging him for about 30 min or so to get some energy out of him before every ride. Try a little extra excercise first to burn off the excess energy before you resort to herbal soultiuons (which may not even work!). Take a look at what may cause it. The cantle of the saddle could be tight on this withers and cause him pain. A wrinkled saddle blanket will do the same. A girth that pinches could do it too. Take a look at these factors, all of wich could cause him to buck (I've run into all these situations before, and each time the horse threw a bucking fit!). Obviously he has a clean bill of health from your vet (And I'm assuming your farrier too). I hope you find the cause!

Answer 4

I'm stunned that a vet said 'try herbal remedies'. Is your vet a qualified herbalist? The vet also acts as the horses dentist. Thats urgent. Teeth can cause sudden sharp pain.
Cut out oats if you're feeding those, and cut right back on sugar beet.
Get his teeth seen to, get his saddle checked by a saddler to make sure it fits, and then see a trainer.

Answer 5

is this a recent problem? Try finding a good horse chiropractor as they can often pick up problem your vet may not realise. I had this problem with a horse of mine and the chirpractor diagnosed and fixed him. This horse was is full endurance training and then went on to complete and finish the Tom Quilty Gold Cup 160km endurance ride. Make sure the saddle and all gear is fitting correctly. Your saddle can wear over a periond of time and may need restuffing etc.
cheers

Answer 6

Dodson & Horrell, Wendell Herbs, loads more I can't think of right now.

Have you had his saddle checked out? It may be pinching him.
Perhaps you could get an equine massuer to check him out. He may have insufficient muscle tone for the work you're asking him to do.

If you think it may be related to his teeth, you could try riding him bitless. I use a Dr Cook's bitless bridle and my mare is a reformed character since I put her in it. No more misbehaving and I have brakes.

Answer 7

Valerian root is used to take the edge off of horses, but it is illegal for showing. He could also have a vitamin deficiency, we had a horse at the barn with this and the vet gave us a supplement for her with B vitamins and some amino acids, but right now I can't remember the name of it. Make sure you don't use KavaKava, it's toxic to their liver. Here are some products you can try and see what works best: http://www.statelinetack.com/global/search/search_results.jsp?In=Health&N=2033243&Ne=2

Answer 8

Tend to agree with dark horse maybe back problems that the vets not picking up,only happens when you ride.
Have you lunged him both ways to see if he has problems sometimes this will pick up a fault in the muscles.
So many things to try you will find it in the end good luck

Answer 9

Herbals got no side effects. Go for it.

Answer 10

You should not drug naturally or chemically a horse because you can not control it's behavior. I suggest some training instead of calmers.