Equine Calming Products: A Short Survey Into Their Use, Effect, and Knowledge Using a Small Sample of Horse Owners in the North of Scotland, UK.
Authors: Ross Diane J, Roberts Jayne L
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Ross and Roberts surveyed 58 horse owners across livery yards, riding clubs and instructors in North Scotland to establish how widely equine calming products (ECPs) are used, what owners believe makes them effective, and whether users perceive tangible benefits. Remarkably, 69% of respondents confirmed using ECPs—with 82% willing to repurchase them—yet a concerning knowledge gap emerged: whilst 59% attributed the calming effect to magnesium, a third of users couldn't identify any active ingredient, and only 9% correctly recognised herbs, valerian or tryptophan as potential mechanisms. Perhaps most striking, when asked about observable outcomes, only 40% reported a positive behavioural change, 30% remained uncertain whether the product made any difference whatsoever, and 25% saw no effect at all. This pilot work suggests that ECP use is driven more by word-of-mouth recommendation and hope than by evidence-based understanding, creating an opportunity—and arguably an obligation—for veterinarians, nutritionists and coaches to educate owners on ingredient efficacy, to distinguish between products with scientific support and those lacking robust trials, and to help clients understand realistic expectations before investing in these supplements.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •ECPs are widely used but effectiveness is inconsistent and often unsubstantiated; practitioners should discuss evidence-based behavioral management alternatives with clients
- •There is a significant knowledge gap among horse owners regarding ECP ingredients and mechanisms; educational opportunities exist for advisors to provide evidence-based guidance
- •The high usage rate (69%) despite lack of demonstrated efficacy (only 40% positive effect) suggests strong placebo effect; this should inform counseling about realistic expectations and cost-benefit analysis
Key Findings
- •69% of surveyed horse owners use equine calming products (ECPs), with 82% willing to use them again
- •Only 40% of ECP users reported positive behavioral effects, while 30% were unsure and 25% perceived no difference
- •59% of respondents incorrectly believed magnesium was the active calming ingredient, while 32% had no knowledge of active ingredients
- •Horse owners use ECPs without underpinning scientific evidence or knowledge of product composition