Q: How was Easy Mare formulated, and what types of “mare personalities” tend to benefit the most? Also, is it only for mares or can other horses benefit from the supplement as well?
A: Easy Mare is one of Hilton Herbs most successful formulations and has been responsible for turning around many so-called “moody mares”! I formulated Easy Mare using many of the same herbs I would use for one of my human patients suffering with PMS. The formulation includes herbs intended to help balance the hormones in the system, help reduce ovarian discomfort, discourage muscle cramping, assist in the removal of blood toxins and help promote normal circulation.
The mix contains Vitex agnus castus (Chaste Berry) which is specific for helping to balance the huge hormonal surges these mares experience during their cycle. The herb does not contain hormones, but works by helping to regulate the circulating hormones present in the mare’s system. I then use both Valerian root and its sister herb Cramp Bark. Most people associate Valerian with calming, but in this instance I am using both herbs to help with muscle cramping. These herbs are also helpful for mares that are prone to digestive upset prior to and during their seasons. I use Milk Thistle, which acts as an antioxidant, to help support the liver, the organ responsible for processing the circulating hormones. To help fight inflammation and support healthy circulation, particularly to the pelvic area, I include the herb Yarrow. Lastly, Easy Mare contains Chamomile and Vervain, which are both known for their ability to support the female systems. Chamomile is included to help manage reproductive problems because it helps fight inflammation, supports the digestive tract, helps address muscle cramping, and supports tissue health. Vervain also has an affinity with females and is used to help with the menstrual cycle and female sex hormone fluctuations.Mares that have hormonal problems will often display some classic physical symptoms. See if you recognize any of the following physical traits in your mare:
- Displays a tendency to almost “buck” or spring into the canter
- Becomes disunited in the canter, particularly when worked on a circle
- Reluctance or inability to lengthen stride
- Difficulty in performing lateral movements
- Overly sensitive when being groomed, particularly on the flanks
- Difficulty in rounding her back over jumps
- Stallion-like behavior in the field, such as rounding up or being overly protective of other horses
- Difficulty in negotiating hills – tendency to turn sideways
- Reluctance to pick up back feet, particularly when the farrier lifts them up high
- Rearing when asked to go forward
In fact, because a mare’s ovaries are located just behind the saddle area, mares can show reluctance with any movement that requires them to engage their hindquarters, round their back or put the area behind the saddle under pressure. I believe that this is one of the primary reasons mares can be “grumpy” or “moody” when asked to undertake strenuous and demanding physical exercise.
Despite its name, the Easy Mare formula can also benefit geldings that act like stallions. The Vitex agnus castus (Chaste Berry) is also known as ‘Monks Pepper’. The herb got this name because in medieval days it was used in monasteries to help reduce the male libido! Therefore, Vitex agnus castus is ideal for lowering anti-social behavior of “studdy” geldings.
Read more »
How does this compare to Mare Magic?
Hi Donna, that’s a great question. Mare Magic contains one ingredient, dried raspberry leaves, which are known for their ability to support a healthy balance in the female reproductive hormones. Easy Mare by Hilton Herbs does not contain raspberry leaves, but does contains a blend of 7 other herbs (Vitex Agnus Castus, Bruised Milk Thistle, Valerian, Vervain, Cramp Bark, Yarrow, Chammomile), which are also known to help balance out reproductive hormones and support the female systems. Both products are intended to help with the same sorts of mare issues, but while Mare Magic provides raspberry leaf alone, Easy Mare provides a wider selection of herbs. You might find it helpful to read other customers’ reviews of Easy Mare, by visiting this link: http://reviews.smartpakequine.com/7493/745/easy-mare-reviews/reviews.htm We hope this is helpful, please let us know if you have any additional questions!
Will it test at shows?
Hi Miranda, thank you for your question. The rules of different competitive organizations can vary, but if you are competing in horse shows sanctioned by USEF, they do list Valerian, Chamomile and Vervain as Forbidden Substances. Generally speaking, it is best to avoid herbal calming formulas prior to and during rated competition. Non-herbal formulas that you might consider instead include SmartCalm Ultra, Quiessence or Ex Stress.
SmartCalm Ultra: http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=7477
Quiessence: http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=17
Ex Stress: http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=1818
The product sounds like a good mix and just what one of my mares needs, but USEF rules state that valerian must be out of their system for 7 days prior to showing. I think going on and off of the product would defeat the purpose no?
Hi Jennifer, you’re correct that you want to be sure and avoid the use of Valerian prior to and during USEF-rated competitions. Hilton Herbs does offer a Valerian-Free version of Easy Mare, which we also carry (see the link below), but note that the Valerian-Free formula contains Chamomile and Lemon Balm, which are also listed as Forbidden Substances by USEF. As we mentioned to Miranda above, you might consider a non-herbal formula such as SmartCalm Ultra, Quiessence or Ex Stress. That being said, you might find that it is worthwhile trying your horse on Easy Mare if you have a few months of “off season” where she won’t be showing. You may find that even a temporary use of the formula has the benefits you’re looking for, though each horse is different. We hope this helps!
Easy Mare Valerian-Free: http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=5569
Is Easy Mare safe to be combined with Magnesium and Smart Hoof. I am wondering if Easy Mare will help becaue I am noticing that my mare displays ALL the physical symptomes listed in the article, but I want to make sure that nothing will react.