Last updated on October 8, 2024
Need an All Natural Horse Calming Supplement that WORKS? Try In The Zone!
Read through nearly ANY social media group for performance horse owners or stumble into any local competition, and chances are good that you will hear talk about needing a horse calming supplement. Now, we do believe that sometimes needing to “calm a horse down” may go back to training (or overtraining) issues. But the fact of the matter is that performance horses in general are often high-strung individuals who need a little assistance staying calm and focused. Even the best trained ones.
Many Animal Element users, including Pro Barrel Racer Ali Armstrong, have seen huge differences in their horses using In The Zone calming paste as a horse calming supplement. We thought it was important to show you the ingredient breakdown of ITZ paste and why each ingredient was included. We want you, as a smart horse owner, to understand WHY it is so effective so that you can make the best choices for your horse and your budget.
The Ingredients of Our ITZ Horse Calming Supplement
All of these ingredients have been picked especially for their soothing properties and are known to help improve gut health. None of these herbs will affect your horse’s adrenaline or energy levels. Rather, they work to coat the lining of the stomach to reduce the nervous “butterfly” feeling and protect from acid damage. We suggest giving a dose to your horse about an hour before traveling or your event time to get them calm and focused.
Aloe Vera
Long known for its healing properties, aloe vera works in the gut to ease inflammation and increase mucous production. These effects are both vital to preventing ulcers. Aloe also has anti-oxidant properties that boost the immune system and promote healing.
Calcium Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is a porous clay composed of volcanic ash and is used to promote healthy digestion in horses, humans, and other animals. Because of its strong ability to absorb substances, bentonite clay can draw toxins out of the digestive tract. Toxins can be absorbed from various things like medication, feed, and the environment. This junk is then eliminated in manure. Besides its detoxification properties, bentonite clay also adds vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Yep, ACV can help your horse’s gut too, not just yours! Apple cider vinegar can help aid in digestion by promoting the production of digestive enzymes and balancing the pH levels in the horse’s stomach. This helps reduce too much acid which can feel uncomfortable and cause ulcers. ACV adds in multiple B vitamins, as well as Vitamin A & C, and other minerals important to overall health and immune system function. It’s also been shown to fight harmful gut bacteria and improve the health of the gut flora.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil fixes everything, right? This oil is anti-everything: anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, all of which help create a healthy, properly functioning digestive system. Some studies show that MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) that are abundant in coconut oil, also give you a quick source of energy. This is because they are absorbed into the blood through the small intestine without breaking down.
Sodium Chloride
This is just good ol’ salt, added to make sure your horse stays hydrated and muscle-cramp-free!
Shilajit
Pronounced “shee-luh-jeet” this resin is traditionally found in rocks in the mountains of India and Tibet. Aside from its high anti-inflammatory content, it’s also rich in fulvic acid. This antioxidant reduces the buildup of Tau proteins in the brain, which can decrease cognitive functions by damaging brain cells. Shilajit is often used to increase memory and mental clarity as well as reduce swelling and boost the immune system.
Rose Hips
Aside from adding a sweet flavor, rose hips are used as a natural alternative to NSAIDs. They reduce inflammation without causing stomach irritation or blood thinning and also add Vitamins like A & C.
Curious if NSAIDs could be contributing to your horse’s ulcers? Read this article.
Spirulina
This blue-green algae is thought to be an almost complete food source as it is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Spirulina’s high protein content allows the horse’s stomach to feel fuller longer while giving them sustained energy. It is also a strong anti-inflammatory and immune booster.
Fenugreek
Long used for digestive aid, fenugreek is also one of the flavors widely preferred by equines (which means they’ll likely take ITZ without fussing). Fenugreek is high in protein and high-soluble fiber, encouraging digestion and keeping bloating and gassiness at bay. It also reduces inflammation in the intestines and stomach lining, keeping that gut healthy even in times of stress.
We wrote about fenugreek as an all-around health supplement back in March. You can read the article here.
Raspberry Leaf Powder (RRL)
While commonly thought of as a mare supplement and not an overall horse calming supplement, RRL can do wonders for moods. And not just in mares, but in geldings and humans too! Aside from being rich in immune-boosting vitamins, red raspberry leaf has been shown to ease symptoms of depression. This is thought to be because RRL reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, as well as manages cortisol levels, and balances the endocrine system. This is HUGELY beneficial for a nervous horse in a new environment or stressful situation.
A Horse Calming Supplement Made With the Best Ingredients Nature Can Offer!
Individually, these ingredients might seem more fit to help with gut health or digestion issues. While that’s true, it’s also true that an unhappy gut has a direct correlation with a horse’s mood, performance, and overall health. If their stomach is calm and soothed, then their behavior is more likely to also be calm and less anxious. With ingredients like cognitive-boosting Shilajit, and calming Red Raspberry leaves, our In The Zone calming paste gives your horse an overall balanced and focused feeling.
ITZ takes the sting out of stressful experiences and allows your horse to focus on their performance. Being calmer lets them not focus on the uncomfortable feeling in their gut or all the new loud noises. If used regularly with Foundation Daily Detox and NuTrack Digestive Support, your horse will have a healthy gut and be prepared for any new situation thrown at them.
If you have any questions about the ingredients of In The Zone (or any of our supplements) feel free to give Mark a call at (509) 301-1798!
All content is intended for informational purposes only. Proudly written for Animal Element by the team at FaithHanan.com
Resources:
“5 Surprising Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Horse.” The Guide to Equine Natural Health, 17 Sept. 2023. Accessed online at https://equinenaturalhealth.co.uk/5-surprising-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar-for-your-horse/
Blake, Mia and Jon Johnson. “10 Benefits of Shilajit.” Medical News Today, 10 May 2024. Accessed online at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320318
Botha, Heather. “Aloe Vera- Is It Safe for Horses?” Horse Quarterly Magazine, 11 March 2023. Accessed online at https://hqmagazine.co.za/aloe-vera-is-it-safe-for-horses/
Lang, Ariane. “Top 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil.” Healthline.com, 13 March 2024. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil
Miller, Kelli. “Rosehip.” WebMD.com, 03 Sept. 2023. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/rosehip-uses-and-risks
Pearson, Wendy. “Spirulina for Horses.” Horse Journals, 29 Jan. 2016. Accessed online at https://www.horsejournals.com/horse-care/feed-nutrition/spirulina-horses
Richardson, Chris and Roger. “Bentonite Clay and Diatomaceous Earth.” Equine Wellness, 22 Oct. 2016. Accessed online at https://equinewellnessmagazine.com/bentonite-clay-diatomaceous-earth/
Shuttleworth, Beryl. “Benefits of Feeding Fenugreek to Horses.” The Herbal Horse, 21 Dec. 2012. Accessed online at https://www.horseandpethealth.com/benefits-feeding-fenugreek-horses/#