Majestic and indestructible as they seem, horses are highly sensitive creatures. Emotional too. One might even say they wear their hearts on their hooves. As equestrians and horse caretakers, we understand this better than anyone. Which means we also understand the delicate balance between nurturing our equine companions’ magnificent physical prowess and safeguarding their mental well-being. Enter ashwagandha: a centuries-old natural solution to stress which can be harnessed to treat equine anxiety and overall horse health.
Understanding Equine Stress
From long journeys, to bustling competitions and unfamiliar surroundings, horses face a myriad of stressors that can affect their performance and overall health. What’s more, given their sensitive souls, they are quick to respond to almost any form of environmental stimulation and change.
Stress in horses can arise from:
- Unfamiliar noises
- Objects
- Transportation
- Social isolation
- Alterations to their routine or exercise regimen
- And more
And when stress strikes, it can manifest in behaviors that make life difficult for both horse and caretaker. Think:
- Shaking
- Stall walking
- Kicking
- Biting
- Spooking
- Bolting
More concerning though, is the fact that not only does stress modify equine behavior, it also affects physiological responses: it can negatively impact heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and hormone expression.
Fortunately, for all the challenge stress presents to horse lovers and their beautiful beasts, nature has a solution… KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract – a botanical marvel that has captured the attention of health professionals and equine enthusiasts alike.
Clinical Efficacy of Ashwagandha Root in Horses
This adaptogenic herb, derived from the Withania somnifera plant, has long been revered in traditional medicine for its ability to promote resilience to stress and enhance overall well-being in humans. (4000 years and counting!)
Of course, these are qualities that are equally beneficial for our four-legged friends. And now, with clinical studies proving the safety and efficacy of Ashwagandha in treating equine stress and overall health, it’s little wonder that this healing herb will soon be included in equine supplements and feed everywhere.
The Study
Designed to determine the adaptogenic antioxidant, hematological, and immunomodulatory effect of Ashwagandha root extract in varying doses on horses exposed to various kinds of stress, a study recently published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, shed light on the remarkable benefits of KSM-66 Ashwagandha for equine stress management.
Over the course of 21 days, 24 Kathaiwari horses were subjected to separation-
induced, noise-induced, and exercise-induced stress. They were then fed a normal diet combined with Ashwagandha mixed with jaggery at varying doses. Results showed the following positive benefits:
The Results
The outcomes of the study suggested that Ashwagandha root extract has potential hemopoietic, anti-stress, antioxidant, adaptogenic, and immunostimulant properties.
Specifically, KSM-66 Ashwagandha supplementation resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline) levels, indicating a reduction in stress.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha supplementation also resulted in a significant improvement in antioxidant parameters, indicating the potential to help reduce the risk of many diseases.
Horses also showed an insignificant weight gain – too little to be unhealthy, but enough to suggest improved overall well-being.
The supplement was also found to be 100% safe for the horses with no adverse effects witnessed during the study period for any animal consuming the experimental herbal product.
Integrating KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract into your horse’s wellness routine is a proactive step towards nurturing their emotional resilience and enhancing their quality of life. Not only does it promote relaxation and mental clarity, but results show it also supports immune function and overall vitality. Whether you’re a competitive rider seeking to optimize performance or a conscientious caretaker prioritizing your horse’s well-being, ashwagandha will take your horse towards optimal health at a gallop.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Equine Wellness Magazine is North America’s most trusted natural health and lifestyle magazine for horses, and the premiere publication educating a growing audience in natural and integrative approaches to health and horsemanship. EW transcends all areas of the equine market and appeals to everyone from backyard enthusiasts to serious competitors.
