Magnesium for Nervous Horses: Does It Work for Anxiety and Behavior?
Magnesium is one of the most debated supplements in equitation. Many owners use it to calm nervous horses. But does it really work? We provide an evidence-based answer.
What role does magnesium play in horses?
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic processes. In the nervous system, it:
- Regulates nerve transmission
- Acts as a calcium antagonist (relaxes muscles)
- Magnesium deficiency is associated with muscle and nervous hyperexcitability
When might supplementation be justified?
Magnesium supplementation makes sense when:
- The horse primarily eats grass or hay from areas with low magnesium soil.
- Analyses have shown a deficiency in blood or urine.
- The veterinarian has recommended it after ruling out other causes of nervousness.
What magnesium does NOT do
Magnesium is not a tranquilizer. It will not sedate a healthy horse with normal magnesium levels. If nervousness persists, look for other causes: pain, ill-fitting tack, lack of exercise, inadequate feeding, or a behavioral issue that requires specialized work.
Forms of supplementation
| Form | Absorption | Approximate Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium oxide | Medium | 10-20g/day |
| Magnesium chloride | High | 10-15g/day |
| Magnesium chelate | Very High | 5-10g/day |
