The behaviour your horse demonstrates is often a sign that there is something deeper going on that needs to be addressed – this could be anything from diet, to discomfort, to signs of stress. A fizzy horse is often over-excitable and can be difficult to manage, but knowing how nutrition, feeds, and horse supplements can play a part in the way your horse acts is essential. Read on as we take a closer look at the impact nutrition can have on a horse’s behaviour, along with a few other essential factors.
Table of Contents
Identifying A Fizzy Horse
How do you know if you’re dealing with a fizzy horse? Generally, this term simply refers to a horse that can be over-excitable, and demonstrates disruptive behaviours like spooking, shying or in a more extreme situation, bolting. A horse showing fizzy behaviour can be particularly difficult to train and control which can be dangerous for the rider but also compromise performance in a sports horse. There are a few ways in which you can manage an over-excited horse, which we will take a closer look at below.
Nutritional Factors
The way you feed your horse has a huge impact on their behaviour. Quick release energy sources include starch and sugar which are found in highest concentrations in cereal based feeds and ingredients like molasses. In moderation these ingredients are fine to use for most horses but if your horse is particularly over-excitable, reducing starch and sugar in the diet may be beneficial. Using slow-release energy sources such as fibre and oil are better alternatives and can still provide enough energy to support a horse in hard work.
So, what adjustments need to be made to your horse’s nutrition to help them remain calm and obedient? Swapping high-sugar and starch feeds for a diet high in fibre means your horse will no longer be subject to the spikes and crashes that come with the quick release energy sources. High-fibre feeds provide sustained energy over a longer period, which means your horse can remain calm and level-headed. Not only this, but it helps to keep the gut in good condition, which if not sustained, can lead to further behavioural issues.
Do Calmers Work?
Many people try adding calmers to the feed which contain ingredients believed to have calming effects. Herbal options such as chamomile and valerian are often used but it is important to note that they may result in a positive dope test if horses are competing. The intent to use something to impact a horse’s behaviour is also a breach of the doping regulations even if the product doesn’t work! Other ingredients include magnesium which may be beneficial if it’s counteracting a deficiency but research suggests feeding more than a horse needs is unlikely to have a sustained effect on behaviour.
Other Factors To Consider
A fizzy horse’s behaviour can be managed with a few dietary changes, but there are other factors that can have an impact on overexcitability in a horse. Environmental factors can also affect how your horse behaves. Keep your horse’s surroundings calm and comfortable – busy, crowded environments may lead to your horse becoming stressed and showing behavioural changes. You should also ensure that your horse has a consistent exercise routine in line with their age, breed, and fitness level. Burning off excess energy means your horse is more likely to behave in a calm and collected way!
