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Post by FellFanatic on Apr 18, 2016 20:15:39 GMT
Looking for a calmer that works! My stallion has started to get rather wound up and is stressing condition off. I think it's likely just due to the spring grass coming through and the smell of the mares as he's usually very laid back. When he goes out he's just running up and down the fence so I want a calmer that will just take the edge off him. I've seen global herbs do a rig calm: has anyone used this before?
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Post by gillwales on Apr 19, 2016 4:52:06 GMT
Is he used for breeding? If not and if he wont be there is a much kinder and better thing you can do for him
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Post by waspblue on Apr 19, 2016 12:19:14 GMT
I have seen some very good results with Agnus Castus, which is a natural approach for hormonal issues and often helps them to chill out and relax x
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Post by ThisletonStud on Apr 19, 2016 22:23:17 GMT
I don't recommend using calmers on stallions for this reason. As stated above is he used for breeding? Stallions should know their job and be able to handle and differentiate turnout to covering etc. A calmer should not be used just to be able to turn them out. Personally if a stallion needs a calmer to be turned out, to work or go to a show, I wouldnt choose to breed from them as that is not the temperament I would wish to be passed down. I have a beautiful pony, was to be kept entire. Covered one mare and it blew his brain. He's now gelded. Sad but by far the best thing to do for his own quality of life One last thing almost forgot, if he is used for breeding, do not feed Agnus castus or any product which is for a rig. This causes a hormone unbalancement.
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Post by diadem on Apr 21, 2016 10:27:22 GMT
Our stallion is never alone. Hes either with mares or colts. He doesn't get stressy, noisy yes til settled, one of those who will shout the house down but never lift a paw. He thrives on company, male or female, can you not try to socialise your boy with a suitable companion, it may be all he wants, close contact, given the appropriate groundwork and slow build up of interaction. I hope this is the case, otherwise I'm afraid I agree with the above, good luck with him x
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Post by FellFanatic on Apr 26, 2016 9:29:02 GMT
Thanks for your comments. As I previously mentioned, my stallion is normally very laid back and easy to do. He is 5 years old and has been turned away with other stallions/colts his whole life. This is his first winter being stabled as I have backed him etc. He's been absolutely fine all winter and most of this year, but these past couple of weeks has been very stressed which I can only put down to it turning spring and that both mares on the yard have come into season. I just wanted something to take the edge off him until he settles down, but he will be turned away again over summer. I will be covering from him, so I'm not looking to geld. I was hoping to find someone who would like to use him this year which is why I wasn't looking at Agnus castus as I know it can't be given within 6 months of a stallion covering.
There aren't any suitable horses on my yard for him to turn out with (2 mares, a foal and an elderly gelding), however he does go in the turn out paddocks next to them. He doesn't usually bother at all, but there is something that is obviously stressing him out as the past couple of weeks he just won't settle. I'm looking for a calmer more for his sake then mine, to try and help him settle as he is loosing condition from being so wound up. He seems to have settled more over the past week so hopefully it was just a 'phase'.
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Post by gillwales on Apr 26, 2016 19:08:55 GMT
Now he is 5 he has come into maturity which could well be the reason he is worse this year than before. Some stallions refuse to eat during the mating season which is why it is important to get them fit and in really good condition prior to then, you will now know what he will be like when working. In this case I would try to find distractions for him, does he have any favourite toys? Also turn out when the mares are in. I would avoid using any sort of calmer, however I would make sure you are absolutely certain that you will want to use him for breeding. I assume you are on a public yard, it is very difficult using a stallion for breeding in these circumstances; do you have the yard owners permission? If it is your own yeard then it will be easy for you to organise some quiet time outside without seeing the others.
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Post by ThisletonStud on Apr 26, 2016 22:20:36 GMT
If this has been his first winter in, it may be a complete shock to the system for him and he maybe more sensitive than others, therefore taking longer to adapt to his new routine.
Have a good look at his surroundings (in and out of his turnout area) try and look for little things that maybe upsetting him. May be nothing to do with mares at all?
Try and keep his routine as consistent as possible. Stallions thrive off strict routine.
The only thing I would ever even think or dare give a stallion in a stressful situation is Rescue Remedy. It's a Bach remedy and can be very useful. Add a few drops to his drinking water for a week and then stop. See how he is. If it works for him give as and when required. Don't use it all the time.
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Post by FellFanatic on Apr 27, 2016 9:41:19 GMT
Yes I think it might just be a combination of him being in all winter and still getting used to being stabled. I'm on a private yard which is just myself and my friend so it's easy for me to make arrangements for turnout and I have permission for breeding him. Ideally I am looking at finding a breeder who is looking to lease a stallion for their mares as I don't currently have a mare to cover. I've been asking around and have a few people interested. I actually turned him out yesterday next to the young gelding and he seemed to be more settled than when I put him on his own. He's also a lot quieter once he's been exercised too. I Seem to be making some process with him this week which is good, I think it's just a matter of taking some time with him, and as you said- keeping him on a strict routine Thanks for both of your help
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Post by ThisletonStud on Apr 27, 2016 11:33:00 GMT
Glad to hear he seems a little more settled.
Maybe just seeing another horse might do the trick?
What is his breeding? Have you tried advertising on here?
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Post by FellFanatic on Apr 28, 2016 21:37:15 GMT
Glad to hear he seems a little more settled. Maybe just seeing another horse might do the trick? What is his breeding? Have you tried advertising on here? I'm hoping so! I think maybe he's just being a stroppy teenager and objecting to the 'working' life. He's probably ready for his summer holiday now He's very well bred (Fell). Has lots of old lines- Castlehill, Lunesdale, Midtown. I've advertised him on the Fell pony groups on Facebook but hadn't thought to do one on here.
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