Herbal Bach Flower Remedies - your experiences. Do they really work?

[TackRoomGang]

Ok i have a resuce called Dusty who is 8. Who faced the kennels if i didnt take him on. No one else was prepared to spend the time to help him.
He has a long history of abuse and neglect. It is suspected that he has substained beatings around the head in the past he takes the word head shy to a whole new level. He will not tolerate having his ears touched and will rear to avoid you. Should you scare him, or touch him when he doesnt want you to, he will RUN. If held on a lead rope he will normally dart away then calm. All you have o do is approach him and he runs. If you really scare him he will bolt. He was cut late and has a thick set kneck so is very strong. When he bolts you have no choic but to let go of him. He is IMPOSSIBLE to catch (we are working on him).
He will lunge in full tack and is amazing on the lunge. He will jump high and is a true gentelman to lead. However if you try mounting him or catching him, or attempt to touch the soars which are on his poll, kneck and withers he shakes with fear.
So i brought him a herbal remedy from Neals Year, the courage one (google it). Havent used it yet. but i would like to know if anyone else has used back remedies for horses and how effective they are.
Sam

There is already i board with this topic but i spelt the name, so have re-posted it hoping for osme more response x

[spannah91]

hey yeh your horse seems very nervous and i think you are doing tha right thing by trying to relieve his fear ... i regulary use Bach Flower Remedies and essenses with horses and it really is a big help, tha yard where i help out and have my 2 horses depend on my remedies!! lol they are really helpful and sort a horse right out! one of tha horses there spooked at anything and everything and was dangerous to ride so giving him mimulus and gentian kept things inperspective and helped with his anxiousness ... i have a few remedies you can try with your horse

Aspen - fear of unknown things
Gentian - encourages after a setback i.e the abuse
Gorse - helps with neglect
Rock Rose - extreme fear
Star of Bethlehem - shock, injury, trauma
Cherry Plum - for the horse who becomes agressive from fear

i find the easiest way to give to a horse is through the water bucket, 10 drops into the water and you can have up to 6 different rememdies at one time

i really hope you find something for your horse
good luck
Spannah xxx

[wonkeywoody]

Hi
Bach Rescue Remedy is brill! I take it before going X/C, important meetings etc. It quells the nerves without drowsyness.
The dog gets 4 drops annully on fireworks night. It stops him turning into a shivering wreck.
Have used it on horses. Seems to have a quietening effect - one nag I rather overdosed at a show as 4 drops wasnt effective. Gave him 8 and ended up having to do alot of kicking!!!!
You could try the Magic calmer. It contains 60% magnesium - known to keep the nervous system in balance. The cheaper alternative is Mag Ox (heavy) available in 500g pouches off ebay. Bit trial and error for dosage, some recommend 4g per 100kg bodyweight, but my 16.2hh CB is on 8g/day and that seems to keep him on a 'level'
Good luck, keep us posted....

[Afellpony]

I've taken the Rescue Remedy. I thought it was good.