March ‘Mare’ Madness: 4 ingredients to look for when picking a supplement
Do you have a mare that seems to be possessed when spring comes? Yeah, I feel you. One of our mares was actually not rideable in the spring. She just hated to be touched and was so sore in the back that you were taking your life into your own hands if you tried to get on. I don’t think we are alone either. Just looking at the dozens of options out there for supplements for moody mares, it’s obvious it’s a problem a lot of horse owners struggle with. In this post, I explain some of the ingredients we find in mare products out there so you can find what works for you and your mare.
1. Rasberry Leaf
Raspberry Leaf is the primary ingredient in Mare Magic. Here on the ranch, we love to use the raspberry leaf for uncomfortable mares. Just this ingredient alone can make a difference if you start it early. Why? Raspberry leaves are a good source of Magnesium and Calcium. Both of these can help calm cramps and reduce pain.
2. Dong Quai Root
Dong Quai Root is known for it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, pain reducing, and sedative qualities. Add these benefits together and it’s a great option for your suffering mare. It’s so beneficial that is often called the “female ginseng” in reference material because of it’s ability to restore a mare back to her healthy, happy self.
3. Chasteberry Extract
Chasteberry helps level out a mare’s hormones and return her to a happier self. It’s 120 compounds not only help to level out a mare’s hormones, it may also help with horses suffering from insulin resistance.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium (also found in the raspberry leaf) is known to calm the smooth muscles in the uterus. For humans, it can also help with PMS headaches and food cravings. It also has a ton of other benefits for horses as mentioned in our post, “Does your horse have a magnesium deficiency?”
How and where to buy
Equine websites and herbal sites for horses will carry a wide variety of options that include these ingredients. Magnesium can be purchased in a powder formula for a less expensive option or in pellet format for easier feeding. Raspberry Leaves can be found at a great price if you look for it packages as loose leaves for tea. I’ve included some links below that I think are good options.
- Raspberry Leaf – 100% Natural – 1 lb (16oz) – EarthWise Aromatics (Amazon.com – this is where we buy ours)
- Feisty Mare (Chastberry and other herbs)
- Uckele Mare Ease Equine Supplement 1.5 lb (dong Quai and Chastberry, plus more)
- Uckele Magnesium Oxide 58%, Highly Concentrated (Powder)
- Med-Vet Magnesium 5000 20 lb (Pellet, I buy the biggest bucket I can get every year.)
