I have a 3 year old filly I bought as a weanling. She has been the most reactive horse I have ever trained, mainly goosey and likes to pull back. I’ve worked with her from day 1 but she is always going to be a horse that’s edgy. She is kind, doesn’t really try to hurt anyone, doesnt kick and wants to trust her handler. So, I sent her off for training this spring, 4 months of riding. My trainer, who has trained and shown for 30 years, says she’s the toughest one to start he’s had in a long time. She does not like having her back end messed with. So after 4 months they had her riding well, but we have to be careful of events that might cause her to bolt. I have read a lot about Synchill and have heard testimonials from people who use it and it sounds too good to be true. Anyone here have experience with this product for relaxing a hyper vigilante horse? I suspect with maturity and repetitive work, she will become a much better horse but for now, we need to prevent any disasters and injuries to me and her. Synchill users what u think? . Not looking for a critique on my trainer, my experience or her training.
I really like it. I recommend the pellets over the gel in terms of bang for your buck.
I used it primarily when I was bringing my mare back into work and during some challenging weather/environmental conditions (outdoor ring only). To start, I gave her 2 scoops 2 hours before our rides. It worked really well to just take the edge off and allow her to focus. I gradually got her down to one scoop and then stopped altogether.
I also used it with my gelding as we started getting into the cold weather and he got a bit spooky with noises. I only ever used one scoop with him and was more lax about timing. It also toned down the reactivity.
I much prefer it to the magnesium-based calming supplements when you have a very specific situation you’re dealing with. For an overall anxious horse, I’d still do a magnesium supp to start. You can also use them together – actually, I did that at the very beginning of bringing my mare back into work now that I think about it.
I have been using the pellets for close to a year. I can say they have made a big difference in my tense PRE. He wasn’t reactive/spooky, just anxious about everything in a “above average worker bee” way. Wouldnt even stand still in the arena for a rest….expecting…. What? Who knows?
There is a cumulative effect so it will take a bit to see a real difference.
If she is spooky, try MagRestore from Performance Equine Nutrition. It made a big difference in another horse. Saw the difference in less than a week. They also make an Amino Acid product “Focus”. You can get sample sizes of them for a nice price. https://performanceequinenutrition.com/collections/horse-supplements
I prefer Equine Elixers and 1/4 tube of Ulcergard (after the loading dose) and Ultra Calm
Going to be “that” person - have you had her physically checked out? Not much you can do on a PPE as a weanling, but now that she’s older, maybe some flexions/x-rays and bloodwork for hormone levels?
Love it. It’s the only calming product that takes the edge off my gelding and allows him to focus.
I just ordered a B complex to see if it has the same effects because it’s essentially B6, 5 HTP and melatonin. I’m just trying to save a buck. If it isn’t comparable, he’ll go right back on the daily pellets.
Ooh, so let us know!
I’m not in the market for calmers, at this time. But I’m always intrigued by cheaper alternatives should the need arise
A friend of mine puts all her long 3 year olds on Biostar’s Thera-Calm and swears it has drastically cut down on how many she has to treat for ulcers.
Separately, if you haven’t already, I’d run Lyme and EPM titers.
Sooooo, I have had her on the daily dose for a week and I saw and felt an immediate difference within 3-4 days. I do believe this stuff is a miracle potion! I love everything about my baby girl but wanted her to be less responsive/reactive. She has a very kind personality and wants to do good so with the help of Synchill, I think we can work better together. I expected the product to take a few weeks to affect her but the change was pretty immediate. Thanks for the other tips!
I’ve used SynChill gel with great success and always have a tube handy just in case although I no longer have the horse for which it was needed. It’s just nice to have on hand. Glad you’re having good results!
