Dealing with a cycling mare that has various health and behavioural problems can be a real challenge. Extreme mood, pain, and aggressive behaviour may occur during seasonal cycles, and the schedules and side effects are difficult to work around.
Luckily, you can effectively balance your mare’s internal systems. To start providing premium, balanced nutrition for mares, here are six incredible herbs you should use.
1. Chasteberry for Superior Hormonal Regulation
Scientifically named Vitex agnus-castus, chasteberry is the gold standard for calming erratic horse behaviour. This herb acts directly on the pituitary gland to stabilise natural levels of progesterone and estrogen. It helps to soothe the severe “moody mare” feelings, which interfere with your daily ride.
Regular use helps mitigate the severe behavioural outbursts that stem from their seasonal heat cycles. With a robust mix, such as EquiNutritive’s horse supplement, your mare will receive an ultra-clean, scientifically optimised dose. It is this targeted nutritional aid that allows your horse a stable, very cooperative mindset throughout the year.
2. Chamomile for Soothing Nervous Tension and Stress
Camomile is widely celebrated for its gentle, highly effective calming properties on the equine nervous system. It has a lovely way of relaxing tight, stressed muscles and settling an upset, nervous stomach. This herb is perfect for mares who internalise their stress, which can lead to digestive issues or stable vices.
Camomile added as part of each bucket will allow your mare to cope with stressful environmental changes with absolute ease. It brings a peaceful, focused state of mind without exhausting the natural athletic energy of your horse.
3. Cramp Bark for Targeted Smooth Muscle Relaxation
A mare’s reproductive cycle causes intense bodily cramping, causing severe abdominal pain and stiffness. You may notice your horse pinning her ears, kicking at her belly, or resisting leg movements.
Cramp bark does just what its name implies, relaxing the smooth muscles. Because it calms that internal tension in the uterine tract, it alleviates the cause of seasonal pain. With this release of tension in her muscles, your mare can ride pain-free and with complete ease.
4. Raspberry Leaf for Uterine Tone and Reproductive Health
Raspberry leaf has long been trusted by experienced horse breeders for centuries when it comes to female reproductive system development. This nutrient-rich herb is naturally packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and specialised astringent compounds known as tannins. It works diligently, over time, to tone and strengthen the uterine muscles with the help of long-term use.
Raspberry leaf also promotes a healthy, predictable, and manageable cycle rhythm for your horse. It can be safely fed all year round to maintain an excellent hormonal baseline stability.
5. Vervain for Balancing the High-Strung Equine Mind
Vervain is a specialised nervous system tonic that helps restore emotional balance in easily overstimulated horses. It is particularly effective for mares who act erratically and unpredictably when in season. This herb calms the sensitive edge of their reactions, making training much safer and more enjoyable. It promotes a thoughtful, willing attitude rather than a defensive, anxious flight response.
6. Lemon Balm for Overcoming Mood-Related Digestive Upsets
High and low levels of hormones can often trigger a nervous belly, loose droppings, or mild loss of appetite. Lemon balm is a brilliant dual-action remedy that solves both anxiety and digestive upset. Its aromatic, pleasant leaves assist in dispelling gas, settling stomach spasms and motivating feeding.
When a mare gets very physically worn out from her cycle, this herb makes her feel a little less stressed and gives her a refreshing sense of comfort. This herb is incredibly versatile and keeps your horse’s gut intact and in full working order, no matter what hormonal change occurs.
Nurture Your Mare with Nature’s Finest Botanicals
When you take a natural and herbal approach to your mare’s nutrition, the long-term benefits for her health and behaviour are fantastic. No artificial fillers or chemical contaminants, only premium-grade pure herbal supplements.
To make sure the herbs are digestible and taste great, introduce them to her feed slowly. The personalised botanical feed will provide a loving environment for your horse as it matures.