Horses are naturally sensitive to stress and anxiety. Due to their highly developed senses and genetic predisposition as prey animals, horses react strongly to external stimuli, environmental changes and unfamiliar situations. Because they are constantly in a state of alertness, their reaction time is extremely short.
Just like dogs, horses are often considered “man’s best friend”. Given this close relationship, it truly matters how they respond to their surroundings, and how stress affects their work, training, competition performance, obedience and focus.
The goal behind developing KEEP CALM was to create a supplement that helps restore mental balance and manageability in nervous, restless, excitable or mood-unstable horses—specifically during the time they are being handled, trained or worked with by humans.
This is essential both for the horse’s safety and for the safety of its environment.
KEEP CALM is not a medicine and not a classic sedative. It is a herbal extract acting on the nervous system, designed to gently raise the horse’s stimulus threshold, making the horse calmer, more focused and easier to handle—without suppressing awareness.
When do we recommend using KEEP CALM in horses?
There are many situations where calming support may be needed.
In some horses, a herbal extract like KEEP CALM is sufficient to improve manageability. In other cases, veterinary medical intervention may be necessary.
Below are common situations—beyond individual temperament—that can trigger stress and irritability in horses. In many cases, removing or reducing the stressor itself may already be enough.
Common stress-inducing situations in horses
- Sudden changes or unfamiliar situations
- Relocation to a new environment (new stable, competition venue)
- Unusual noises (fireworks, tractors, construction)
- Sudden weather changes (storms, strong wind)
- Confined or enclosed spaces
- Prolonged box rest
- Transport in narrow trailers
- Overcrowded stables where the horse feels unsafe
- Inadequate housing conditions
- Poor bedding, drafts or excessive noise
- Insufficient feed or water intake
- Pain or discomfort
- Injury, illness or poorly fitting tack (saddle, bridle)
- Dental problems affecting chewing
- Musculoskeletal issues (joint pain, overexertion)
- Excessive workload
- Overtraining leading to physical and mental exhaustion
- Training plans that progress too quickly
- Inappropriate feeding
- Nutrient deficiencies or unbalanced diets (e.g. excess starch or grain)
- Irregular feeding schedules causing hunger or gastric discomfort
- Lack of social contact
- Horses are social animals; isolation can cause anxiety
- Horses kept alone or without visual contact with others
- Dominance conflicts within a group
- Introduction of a new horse disrupting hierarchy
- Ongoing aggression from a dominant horse
- Boredom and under-stimulation
- Long periods of stall confinement
- Lack of turnout, play or mental stimulation
- Overstimulation
- Highly active environments (competitions, exhibitions)
- Introducing new tasks too quickly or too intensely
- Improper handling or training methods
- Impatience, aggression or incorrect training techniques
- Repeated punishment or negative handling experiences
- Tasks exceeding the horse’s mental or physical capacity
- Competition and training stress
- Pre-competition tension, unfamiliar locations and transport
- Long training sessions causing mental fatigue
- Transport stress
- Long journeys, confined spaces and vehicle movement
- Separation from other horses
- Weaning of foals
- Removal from a group or being left alone
Composition
Concentrated herbal extracts (valerian root, hops, lemon balm, chamomile flower, peppermint),
magnesium (as MgSO₄): 2,000 mg / 100 ml,
L-tryptophan: 1,000 mg / 100 ml
Dosage
Horses
- Regular use: 20 ml per day
- Occasional use: 50 ml per day
Ponies
- Regular use: 10 ml per day
- Occasional use: 20 ml per day
IMPORTANT – Doping Notice
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is listed on the FEI prohibited substances list.
KEEP CALM contains valerian root as one of its active ingredients.
Please take this into account before participating in competitions subject to doping control.
