If your horse just has too much energy and is too excitable, your first impulse might be to put him on a calming supplement. But before you reach for that supplement bucket, there are a few other things that you should try first that can make a big difference in your horse’s energy levels.

Increase Turnout Time

Too much time in a stall  can lead to excess energy in any horse. Increasing the amount of time that your horse spends turned out can give him more opportunity to work off excess energy on his own. Try leaving your horse outside for as long as possible each day. If the summer heat and bugs are oppressive, then consider turning him out at night, if possible.

Also consider whether you want to turn your horse out with other horses. Being with a buddy or a small herd can provide your horse with mental stimulation and will encourage him to move around more.

Provide Regular Exercise

In the wild, your horse would be naturally moving about consistently throughout the day. Since we keep our horses in barns and stables, it’s important to provide them with regular exercise to compensate. Regularly riding, lunging, or round penning your horse can provide him with a way to positively channel his energy.

Giving an energetic horse a job to focus on can help him mentally, as well. As you ride or work your horse, be sure to provide plenty of variation in the routine. Ask for circles, changes of direction, and gait transitions. Putting a busy horse to work will productively use his energy.

Evaluate Diet

Diet plays a huge role in your horse’s energy level. What works for one horse will not necessarily work for another, so it’s important to evaluate each horse’s diet individually. Adjusting the levels of fat, starch, and fiber in your horse’s diet can affect his energy levels and his reactivity. Remember, you should only feed as many calories as your horse needs for his daily activity. Feeding excess calories results in excess energy and weight, neither of which your horse needs. Consider consulting with your vet or an equine nutritionist if you have questions about your horse’s diet.

Consider Calming Supplements Last

Calming supplements certainly have a place in treating horses who cannot be improved through dietary and exercise changes. Supplementing with thiamin and magnesium are popular methods of regulating a horse’s energy and calming the horse. Herbal supplements provide another calming option.

When calming an energetic horse, it’s important to evaluate all of the factors that play into a horse’s energy level, including his diet, exercise level, and turnout time. With careful evaluation and adjustments you can help regulate your horse’s energy and turn it into something positive.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/fivefurlongs/8013999552

Original Source: Calming the Energetic Horse