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.
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.
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Hilary Self, BSc. MNIMH., is co-founder of Hilton Herbs, Ltd. For the last 20 years Hilton Herbs has been at the forefront of manufacturing and formulating herbal products for horses and dogs. Hilary is a Medical Herbalist and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (founded in 1864). She is responsible for the company’s formulations and for the clinical research behind the use of herbs for animals. In 2004 Hilary received the Nigel Wynn award from the National Institute for innovative projects in herbal medicine, in recognition of clinical trials she undertook into the application of herbs for horses with Cushing’s disease. Hilary has lectured frequently on the application of herbs for horses in the UK, Europe, Australia and the United States. In 2007 she was a guest lecturer and keynote speaker at the Equine Nutrition Conference in Vienna, Austria. Hilary is the author of two books on the use of herbs and complementary therapies for horses: A Modern Horse Herbal, now in its 8th re-print, and A Veteran Horse Herbal, which focuses on the care of senior horses. Hilary is also a member of the National Animal Supplements Council’s Scientific Advisory Committee. In addition to her work for Hilton Herbs, Hilary helps private patients through her own herbal practice, and acts as a consultant for local veterinarians. Hilary and her husband, Tony, live with their 3 horses, 3 sheep, 1 dog, 1 cat, free range chickens and a small herd of cattle on their Downclose Farm in Somerset, England.
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.