The new release CEN Frisky Mare supplement is formulated to help maintain the hormonal balance of mares and to help address specific behavioral concerns in horses.
Among the myriad of natural ingredients, Chaste Tree Berry, Dong Quai, Ashwagandha, Schisandra, and Cinnamon Bark stand out for their potential to positively impact horse behavior. In this article, we’ll delve into their unique properties and explore how they contribute to enhancing equine behavior.
Chaste Tree Berry: Regulating Hormones for a Calmer Equine Companion
Chaste Tree Berry, derived from the Vitex agnus-castus shrub. Known to influence the pituitary gland, helping to balance reproductive hormones in mares. This includes luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and progesterone. This regulation can be particularly beneficial for moody mares experiencing behavior issues related to their estrus cycle.
Benefits for Horse Behaviour:
- Mood Stabilisation: Chaste Tree Berry supports optimal levels of reproductive hormones, including luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen. This can contribute to a more stable mood, reducing irritability and unpredictable behavior in mares.
- Improved Handling: By supporting the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, Chaste Tree Berry aids in maintaining mental well-being, making horses easier to handle and cooperate with.
Dong Quai: The “Female Ginseng” for Hormonal Harmony
Known as the “female ginseng,” Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. While its primary reputation lies in women’s health, Dong Quai’s adaptogenic properties make it a valuable addition to equine care, especially for mares experiencing hormonal imbalances.
Benefits for Horse Behaviour:
- Hormone Balance: Dong Quai contains compounds that act as adaptogens, helping to regulate hormonal fluctuations. This can be particularly useful for mares prone to mood swings and behavioral changes during their reproductive cycle.
- Calming Effects: The adaptogenic nature of Dong Quai may contribute to a calming effect, promoting a more even-tempered disposition in horses.
Ashwagandha: Stress Reduction for Equine Serenity
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an adaptogenic herb, has gained recognition for its stress-relieving properties in both humans and animals. As stress can significantly impact horse behavior, incorporating Ashwagandha into equine supplementation may provide a natural solution for promoting calmness and reducing anxiety.
Benefits for Horse Behaviour:
- Stress Reduction: Ashwagandha helps modulate the stress response by regulating cortisol levels. This can result in a more relaxed and composed demeanor in horses, making them less susceptible to anxiety-induced behaviors.
- Improved Focus: By alleviating stress, Ashwagandha may enhance a horse’s ability to focus and concentrate, contributing to improved training and performance outcomes.
Schisandra: Adaptogenic Support for Vitality and Endurance
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is an adaptogenic berry recognized for its ability to enhance endurance and vitality, Schisandra offers a holistic approach to promoting overall well-being in horses, potentially influencing behavior positively.
Benefits for Horse Behaviour:
- Increased Endurance: Schisandra’s adaptogenic properties may contribute to increased endurance levels in horses, making them more resilient to physical and environmental stressors.
- Balanced Energy: By supporting the body’s stress response system, Schisandra helps maintain balanced energy levels. This can result in a more consistent and steady behavior, especially during physically demanding activities.
Cinnamon Bark: Balancing Blood Sugar for Steady Energy
Cinnamon Bark, derived from the Cinnamomum verum tree, is celebrated for its aromatic flavor and potential health benefits. In equine care, its ability to influence blood sugar levels may play a role in promoting steady energy and preventing mood swings related to fluctuating glucose levels.
Benefits for Horse Behaviour:
- Stable Blood Sugar: Cinnamon Bark has been associated with stabilizing blood sugar levels. This can contribute to improved temperament in horses, reducing the likelihood of mood swings or irritability associated with glucose fluctuations.
- Enhanced Focus: By promoting stable energy levels, Cinnamon Bark may support improved focus and concentration, aiding horses in maintaining attention during training sessions.
Summary
Incorporating CEN Frisky Mare into equine care regimens presents a natural and holistic approach to promoting positive behaviour in horses. The only restrictions on this product is it not suitable for pregnant mares, lactating or immature horses below 3yo of age.
While individual responses may vary, the adaptogenic and hormone-regulating properties of these herbs offer a promising avenue for enhancing the overall well-being of our equine companions.
As with any supplementation, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian before introducing into a horse’s diet, ensuring that they align with the specific needs and health status of the individual horse.
By Bryan Meggitt (BMedSc. PGCrtMedSc.)
Blood Scientist and Co-founder of CEN Horse Nutrition
References:
- Priyanka G, Anil Kumar B, Lakshman M, Manvitha V, Kala Kumar B. Adaptogenic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Ashwagandha Root Extract: An Experimental Study in an Equine Model. Front Vet Sci. 2020 Sep 29;7:541112. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.541112. PMID: 33134345.
- Harman, Joyce The toxicology of herbs in equine practice. Clin Tech Equine Pract. 2002.
- Seidlova-Wuttke, D. and Wuttke, W. The premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual mastodynia, fibrocystic mastopathy and infertility have often common roots: effects of extracts of chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus) as a solution. Clinical Phytoscience. 2017.
- Webster, D.E. et al. Opioidergic mechanisms underlying the actions of Vitex agnus-castus L. Biochem Pharmacol. 2011.