Introduction
The world of competition horses – thrilling, rewarding, and often nerve-wracking (for both you and your four-legged partner). If your horse has ever had a meltdown in the warm-up ring or spooked at an invisible monster mid-test, you’ve probably searched high and low for the perfect horse calmer. But let’s face it, finding one that’s effective, competition-legal, and safe isn’t exactly a walk in the park.
That’s why we’re here to unravel the mystery, cut through the noise, and share the lowdown on what works, what doesn’t, and why BUCK OFF, our competition-legal horse calmer, is earning rave reviews. Whether you’re prepping for a dressage test, showjumping round, or eventing cross-country, let’s dive into the science, strategy, and secrets behind keeping your horse cool, calm, and collected.
Why Do Competition-Legal Horse Calmers Matter?
When it comes to equestrian sports, the stakes are high – and so are the rules. Governing bodies like the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) enforce strict regulations to ensure fair play and horse welfare. That means anything that alters your horse’s central nervous system or mimics sedation is a big no-no.
But here’s the kicker: staying within the rules doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to dealing with spooks, bolts, or jittery behaviour. The key lies in finding a calmer that supports your horse’s natural physiology – rather than suppressing it.
Why Some Calm Supplements Get Riders in Trouble
- Hidden Ingredients: Some products contain banned substances or masking agents that aren’t disclosed on the label..
- Unproven Claims: Many supplements promise the moon but deliver little more than placebo effects (or worse, digestive upset).
Competition-legal horse calmers offer a safer, smarter approach. They work with your horse’s nervous system, not against it, helping to ease tension and improve focus without crossing any ethical or legal lines.
What to Look for in a Horse Calmer
Not all calmers are created equal. To separate the winners from the wannabes, here’s a checklist of what to look for:
- Transparent Ingredients: Every ingredient should be clearly listed and batch-tested for quality.
- No Banned Substances: Check against the FEI and BHA prohibited substances list.
- Science-Backed Ingredients: Look for proven calming agents like Withania Somnifera, Ashwagandhai and Passiflora.
- Natural, Non-Sedative Action: Opt for formulas that support calmness without numbing or tranquilising.
- Real-World Results: Choose products that have been tested by professional riders, vets, and everyday horse owners.
And guess what? BUCK OFF ticks all these boxes – and then some.
Why Most Horse Calmers Fall Short
If you’ve tried calmers in the past and been disappointed, you’re not alone. Many products fail to deliver because they:
- Contain ineffective “filler” ingredients.
- Over-rely on sedative herbs that aren’t competition-legal.
- Lack independent testing or quality control.
- Ignore the unique needs of performance horses.
BUCK OFF, on the other hand, was developed with input from veterinary nutritionists, holistic health practitioners, and professional riders. It’s been trialled in real-world competition settings – and the feedback speaks for itself.
How to Use BUCK OFF for Best Results
Ready to give BUCK OFF a go? Here’s how to incorporate it into your horse’s routine for maximum impact:
- Daily Maintenance: Start feeding BUCK OFF regularly before an event to build up its calming effects gradually.
- Pre-Competition Boost: Add an extra dose to your horse’s morning or evenign feed on competition day for added support.
This two-step approach helps manage stress at every stage – from preparation to performance to recovery.
Real-Life Results: What Riders Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what riders who’ve used BUCK OFF have to say:
- “One of my eventers is highly responsive and his default can be a bit frantic which means he wants to rush and not allow me to really ride and support him. We consistently go into the cross country phase in contention, but as the tracks got bigger and stiffer with more questions that require controlled speed, we started unravelling and throwing away podium placings for an unnecessary glance off. Within weeks of starting him on Buck Off, he’s relaxed and our partnership and trust in each other is on another level" - Hani MilsteinI, Event Rider and Veterinarian.
- My horse gets really anxious and ancy and ends us stressing so much he ends up with uncers. We decided to try BUCK OFF and its the best thing we've tried in years, you can ride him at the end of the buckle now" - Bev Walton, Equine Behaviourist.
FAQs About Horse Calmers
1. Are horse calmers safe?
Yes, when used correctly. Competition-legal calmers like BUCK OFF are carefully formulated to support your horse’s nervous system without causing sedation or adverse effects.
2. What makes a calmer competition-legal?
Competition-legal calmers contain no banned substances and don’t suppress the central nervous system. They work naturally to reduce stress and improve focus.
3. Can I use BUCK OFF for non-competition horses?
Absolutely! BUCK OFF is ideal for any horse prone to nervousness, anxiety, spookiness, whether they’re competing, hacking, or adjusting to a new environment.
4. How long does it take for BUCK OFF to work?
You’ll typically notice results within a few weeks of starting BUCK OFF, with optimal effects building over consistent use.
5. Will BUCK OFF make my horse drowsy?
Nope! BUCK OFF supports calmness and focus without causing drowsiness, dullness, or lack of energy.
Conclusion
Calming your horse doesn’t have to be a gamble – or a compromise. With BUCK OFF, you get a competition-legal, science-backed solution that supports your horse’s natural ability to handle stress and stay focused. It’s trusted by professionals, backed by real-world results, and designed to keep your horse feeling their best – no matter where the arena takes you.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is designed to be informational. We do not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.