At Performance Equine Nutrition, we see a lot of horses struggling with behavioral issues rooted in physiology. But every once in a while, we hear a story that stops us in our tracks.
When Jonie first reached out to us, she was dealing with a situation that was, quite frankly, terrifying. On a scale of one to ten, this horse was a 25. Once a “very honest” and dependable partner, he had transformed into a rogue, dangerous animal.
Note: names have been changed for client confidentiality.
A Horse on the Edge
Jonie’s horse had become completely unrideable. The list of behaviors was a nightmare for any owner:
- Violent Outbursts: He was rearing and striking.
- Dangerous on the Ground: He could barely be hand-walked safely.
- Physical Distress: He paced his stall incessantly and never seemed to sleep or rest.
- Severe Pain: He was diagnosed with Grade 4 ulcers.
Jonie was doing everything “by the book” to help him, but the tools she was using were accidentally creating a perfect storm.
The “Hidden” Nutritional Trap
The horse was being fed super-rich, high-quality alfalfa, which is a forage extremely high in calcium. To treat his Grade 4 ulcers, he was on omeprazole and supplements like SmartGut Ultra.
Here is the scientific catch: Calcium and Magnesium compete for absorption. The high-calcium diet, combined with ulcer medications and gut supplements that can inhibit mineral uptake, had completely bottomed out the horse’s magnesium levels. He wasn’t “mean.” He was suffering from a severe neurological and muscular “short circuit” caused by a massive mineral imbalance. We were genuinely concerned for Jonie’s safety.
The MagRestore Turnaround
We started the horse on MagRestore, our high-bioavailability magnesium supplement designed to bypass absorption hurdles and get straight to the cellular level.
Six weeks later, Jonie called us back. The transformation was nothing short of a miracle.
The results?
- A “Brand New” Horse: The rogue, dangerous behavior has vanished.
- Peace and Rest: The pacing has stopped, and he is finally laying down to sleep.
- Delightful Under Saddle: He has returned to his honest roots and is a joy to ride again.
Why It Worked
By restoring his magnesium levels and balancing the high calcium from his alfalfa, MagRestore allowed his nervous system to “quiet down” and his muscles to relax. It wasn’t magic—it was targeted nutritional science.
For Jonie, it wasn’t just about getting a horse back; it was about getting her safety and her passion back. This was a true home run for MagRestore, and a reminder that when a horse’s behavior hits a “25,” the answer might be waiting in the right science.