With Storm Ciara, Storm Dennis and now Storm Jorge; this battering weather seems to be never-ending.
There are still remnants of the damage caused by storms Ciara and Dennis recently; fallen trees, broken fences, waterlogged fields, and heart-breaking destruction to homes.
Another storm is not good news for anyone, especially horse owners; trying to care for and manage horses in this unruly weather can be exhausting, even for the hardest of equestrians.
So, what has Storm Jorge got in store for us? Supposedly much of the same, 70mph winds and torrential rain, but certain locations will also need to brace themselves for some bitter snow showers.
Many horses can cope fairly well in bad weather, but extra precautions are certainly advisable during storms. Check the following are safe and suitable for your horse both before turning them out and whilst they are in the field:
- Fences
- Trees
- Water buckets and troughs
- Field shelters
- Ground condition - excessive mud (Click here to help defend your horse's skin against mud)
Being turned out isn’t necessarily the ideal place for many horses during a heavy storm but equally, some horses can become stressed if they are confined to their stables. With the wind whistling, doors banging, buckets flying, trees falling and, in some cases, rooves lifting off, it can all make a traumatic experience for many horses. If the horse panics, they may then attempt to jump out of the stable. For these reasons, it is often a case of knowing your horse and doing what is best for them.
Nutritional support for a calm horse:
If there’s one thing we can be sure of, it’s that there will be more storms after Jorge… so what can you do to help support a nervous horse?
Nutritional support can play a key role in promoting relaxation and reducing tension. Certain calming herbs, such as lemon balm and chamomile, are known to soothe the nervous system and encourage calm behavior. Magnesium, provided in multiple forms, is often included in equine diets to help minimize stress-related reactions and support overall well-being.
Brewer’s yeast is another beneficial ingredient, offering naturally occurring B vitamins that contribute to correct nerve function and impulse transmission. It also provides amino acids, including tryptophan, which the body uses to produce serotonin—a neurotransmitter associated with mood balance. Additionally, brewer’s yeast acts as a prebiotic, supporting the beneficial bacteria in the hindgut, which can contribute to overall digestive and behavioral health.
For decades, horse owners have turned to nutritional strategies to help their horses stay focused and at ease, especially in times of increased stress.