Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Horse Health – Equine PMT

February 18th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

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We are all used to wives, daughters and girlfriends suffering from PMT, it can be distressing for anyone and is certainly not a subject to be treated lightly. Horses are no different and many mares suffer from hormonal mood swings and the equine equivalent of PMT. To maintain good horse health you want to do all you can to alleviate this to make life safer and more pleasant for everyone.

Many mares can become extremely moody when coming into season. If you are at all concerned you should consult your Vet, certainly if you want to use hormone supplements to help handle the problem. There are many herbal ‘remedies’ that you can use including Vervain, Yarrow, Valerian and Chamomile. Do be aware though that some herbs can lead to positive tests for some prohibited substances – Vervain is one of the main culprits and you should always check with the manufacturer before using if this is likely to be an issue.

Good diet is important as always, make sure your mare has plenty of good slow release carbohydrate energy foods including small quantities of sugar, together with plenty of fibre, starch and oil bearing foods.

If you do decide to go along the hormonal supplement route you must take advice from your vet and the correct handling of these medications is essential. Certainly no one who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant should handle these medications.

Finally spend time with your mare, plenty of exercise and just time spent with her with go along way to steadying those mood swings that can so undermine your horse’s health and sense of well being.