I'm planning on using a Calm Aid in an upcoming show. Does anyone have any experience with this?

I am entering a combined test with my mare who is very prone to nervousness, especially away from home. I have a friend who uses Calm Aid (I forget which brand) on her gelding at events. I have the kind that comes in a syringe you give like dewormer, and it is supposed to calm the horse down for riding/trailering in stressful situations. I was wondering if anyone has used these before? Are there any adverse effects? Is there anything I should know? I left a message with my vet but I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with the stuff. The brand I am using is called nutriscience kalm aid. Thanks!

It's just a schooling show, so there are no rules that prohibit using them, I've checked. My main concern is keeping her calm on the long trailer ride. She's really not interested in just eating her hay and enjoying the ride.

Actually, I've recommended Calm and Cool for nervous horses entered in shows, and it seems to be rather effective. It is not addicting, does not knock out the horse, does not put him into lala land. It's a mild anti-anxiety substance. Use it according to directions. I usually ask folks to try it a week or so before the big show they are entered in, make sure the horse won't have any unexpected problems with it. None never did but it's better to err on the side of caution.
I don't know if it actually works on the horse or on the rider. You know what I mean: The rider is calmer because the horse has been given something they think makes the horse calmer. The horse feels the calmness of the rider and behaves accordingly. The placebo effect. At any rate it works, and worth a try. Good luck.

Im guessing this is what you have?
http://www.doversaddlery.com/nutriscienc...

interesting question. Im eager to find out what people say about it. have a star ;]

Calming aids are often used to blanket underlying problems. If you feel your mare will be nervous, give her the confidence she needs by preparing her the best way you can and stay away from the "quick fixes!"

I've had some experience with this.

it tends to wear off a bit as the day progresses (i use them for hunter paces with my arab)

for little schooling shows/fun shows it really shouldn't matter. but it is illegal to use them in a series or rated show.


maybe try lunging her before you trailer out, and maybe get to the place you are going about an hour earlier so she can settle down. it can also help if you bring a "buddy" along (one of the horses she is attached or friends with) it would reassure her that everything is fine ( it would be better if the buddy is quiet)


well good luck with your combined test! :)

EDIT: then you should be fine, give it to her about 15-20 minutes before you put her in the trailer.

i personally, would lunge first..then give it to her and load her up.

but be aware that there is a possibility it can wear off.

A bunch of my friends use Calm & Cool (a calm aid, just a different brand) before shows and it really seems to calm the horses down a lot, though it does tend to wear off throughout the show. As far as I know, there are no adverse effects, though my friend says that her stud drinks a lot more water with it than when he's not on it.

Just remember to give it to her the suggested amount of time before you load her. I'm not sure about the brand that you have, but the one that my friends use says that you should give it to the horse 2-4 hours before you think you'll actually need it. I guess it just takes a long time to kick in.

I have used b calm and quietex

B calm I had better effects with. On a 15.2h 1000lb animal, I used 2 tubes. Give it 4 hrs prior.

Have not tried this yet......you might want to try it on your horse just a week prior to the show and see if it works the way you hope it will.

im pretty sure thats cheating (steroids, performance enhancing drug)