Mare magic is a supplement that is often given to mares to help regulate their reproductive cycle and promote fertility. While mare magic can have positive effects, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects that can occur. One of the main side effects of mare magic is increased weight gain. The supplement contains a high amount of magnesium which can cause mares to retain water and appear bloated. This can be concerning for owners who are trying to maintain a healthy weight for their mares. Another side effect of mare magic is a decrease in exercise tolerance.
What horse calming supplement should I use?
I hear this question several times a week, so I thought I would expand on the subject! Whether your horse is on rest with hand walking, gets anxious during trailering/farrier/veterinary visits, or needs some edge taken off for riding- there are literally hundreds of options to try! Let's start with the different categories of calmers; arranged in order of efficacy.
If the horse needs a mild calming effect, I'll typically recommend a magnesium or herbal product with tryptophan, such as Quietex or Quiessence. There are lots of combinations of other ingredients including valerian root or Thiamine/Vitamin B1. An alternative is Mare's Magic- made of raspberry leaf extract. Surprisingly, I have had good results in geldings as well. Just remember (as with a lot of the below options- these are not all show safe, so be sure to check prohibited substances listed by your horse show regulatory body). If you're using a paste, closely follow the dosing instructions to allow enough time before the anticipated activity. Once a horse gets excited or anxious, it's far more difficult to get them to calm down!
At the next level, I will use Platinum Gentle for horses that are on stall rest with or without hand walking because it offers a reliable calming effect for most horses. Platinum Tranquility is the next step up for nervous horses. Even though these are costly options, preventing further injury or averting a riding accident can be a very smart investment!
A rapidly emerging market is cannabis therapy using hemp products. Horses seem to be very responsive to cannabidiol (CBD) in cases of significant anxiety. It's a safe alternative to sedatives, which we'll discuss next. One option is a hemp paste for horses by VetCS. Some hemp products contain THC in them, so make sure you get CBD products from a reliable source as USEF/FEI tests for THC.
Let's transition to prescription based products. A very reliable calming option is Zylkene. It's a milk protein product that is very effective and time to onset is as quick as 24 hours after the first dose. This can be cost-prohibitive for long term use, but provides a dependable option for very nervous horses. Prozac and other medications (Gabapentin, hydroxyzine) can offer calming effects although that's not their primary mechanism of action. Be wary of intravenous forms of magnesium being given to show horses to calm them, this route is not without serious risks!
The last group of medications are reserved for highly anxious horses, because they are truly tranquilizers. Acepromazine is the classic go-to for injectable sedation and can be given IV, IM, or by mouth. This requires 30-40 minute delivery prior to activity, much like an oral paste. The effects are dose-dependent, and some ataxia (unsteadiness) will ensue at the higher doses. Another short-term injectable medication is SediVet (Romifidine hydrochloride) but it's extremely difficult to get a hold of right now. It produces a more reliable sedation with less ataxia than Ace. There are several long-term tranquilizers that can be used in horses, but they are not without significant risk. Long term sedatives can cause significant neurologic behaviors that cannot be reversed and you guessed it: the horse has to work through severe side effects for 1-2 weeks! This group of long term sedatives are used rarely; however, it is hard to tell if a horse has been given one of these medications, which makes a drug screen an important testing modality if you're looking to buy a horse.
You can see why I thought this was an important topic - there are so many options! As always, we are happy to answer any questions you may have on safe methods to calm your horse(s). Happy trails~
REGUMATE EQUINE, a veterinary medicinal product for horses, should be used with caution
The French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products, within ANSES, is calling for continued vigilance when administering the veterinary medicinal product REGUMATE EQUINE to control the oestrus cycle in mares. Because of its hormonal action this product can cause adverse effects, especially in women who administer it to their horses. Therefore, women who are pregnant or likely to become pregnant should not administer the product themselves. In addition, the Agency reminds users of the importance of observing the product’s special precautions for use.
Altrenogest is a synthetic progestogen used as a veterinary medicinal product to facilitate reproduction in the equine and swine sectors. In the equine community, this synthetic hormone is found in the medicinal product REGUMATE EQUINE, which is widely used both by professional horse breeders to stop or synchronise the oestrus cycle in mares, and by horse owners or keepers to reduce oestrus symptoms during equestrian competitions. In France, as many as 30,000 treatments based on this drug are administered to mares each year.
Another side effect of mare magic is a decrease in exercise tolerance. Some mares may become more lethargic and less willing to engage in physical activity. This can be frustrating for owners, especially those who participate in competitive riding disciplines.
Adverse reactions, especially on women’s menstrual cycles
Like all progestins, altrenogest can cause adverse reactions in the persons who regularly administer the treatment. Repeated contact with the product may lead to negative effects on the female reproductive system, such as disruption of the menstrual cycle, uterine or abdominal cramping, and prolongation of pregnancy. It may also potentially cause loss of libido in men. Other signs may also occur in all persons administering the product, including headache, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and hives.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported 130 cases of altrenogest-induced adverse reactions between October 1987 and May 2018, 121 of which were in the equine community. In France, reported cases have been rare, with only eight reported cases since 2002, including three in the equine sector, which suggests, according to ANSES, that cases are under-reported. This is because people do not spontaneously make the link between their symptoms and the fact that they have been exposed to the drug. ANSES therefore calls for continued vigilance to prevent these risks.
Mare magic can also cause changes in behavior. Some mares may become more irritable or difficult to handle. This can be a result of hormonal changes caused by the supplement. It is important for owners to be aware of any behavior changes and address them accordingly. In rare cases, mare magic can cause gastrointestinal upset. Some mares may experience diarrhea or loose stools after taking the supplement. This can be uncomfortable for the mare and may require veterinary intervention. It is important to note that not all mares will experience these side effects and some may have positive results from taking mare magic. However, it is crucial to monitor your mare closely and consult with a veterinarian if any concerning side effects occur. In conclusion, mare magic can have side effects including weight gain, decreased exercise tolerance, changes in behavior, and gastrointestinal upset. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and monitor your mare closely when using this supplement..
Reviews for "Managing Emotional Challenges: Helping Horses with Mare Magic Side Effects"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I bought Mare Magic for my mare after hearing about its calming effects, but I was severely disappointed. Not only did it not calm her down, but it caused several side effects that made her behavior even worse. She became agitated and restless, and it seemed like she couldn't focus or concentrate at all. It was a complete waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for Mare Magic after reading positive reviews online, but unfortunately, it didn't work for my mare at all. Not only did it fail to calm her down, but it caused digestive issues and made her extremely irritable. I tried giving it to her for a few weeks, but the side effects persisted and I had to discontinue its use. It may work for some horses, but it certainly didn't work for mine.
3. Emily - 1/5 stars - Mare Magic was a big disappointment for me and my mare. I had heard great things about its effects on mares' behavior, but it didn't do anything positive for my horse. Instead, it made her even more moody and unpredictable. I ended up wasting my money on a product that was supposed to help but only made things worse. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a calming supplement for their mare.