The return of a sport horse after a break is always a challenge – not just physically, but especially emotionally.
In the case of the 9-year-old Holsteiner mare Infertina Rose (called "Riri" at home), this challenge had a double dimension. Riri is a horse with an exceptionally sensitive psyche, reacting strongly to stress and tension – and memories from the period of an ill-fitting saddle still made themselves felt despite physical healing.
Although the body was ready to work, the mind kept returning to old patterns. Stress during saddling, excessive tension during training, difficulties in controlling emotions at competitions... It was at this point that Hempqualizer Compete came into play.
How did Riri react? How did her concentration, approach to work, and behavior on the course change? We invite you to read the full story and the observations of the owner who decided to share her experiences.
Infertina Rose, 9 years old, mare, Holsteiner breed
Riri is naturally a very hot and nervous horse. Once she gets worked up, it's very hard to calm her down, which can be problematic in training.
Currently, we're returning to the courses after a year-long break, which alone brings a lot of emotions for the mare. But another reason that prompted me to use the paste was that Riri worked for a long time with an ill-fitting saddle, and we're still dealing with the consequences (hence the break). Even though her back doesn't hurt and the saddle fits, muscle memory occasionally takes over, and already during saddling, the stress level reaches its peak.
The Hempqualizer paste showed its effect already at the first administration. Riri was attentive but calm both during saddling and riding. She also didn't exhibit her typical defensive reactions.
We also tested the paste at competitions, and it was definitely easier for the mare to keep her nerves in check, maintain concentration, or return to a calm state more quickly after an explosive situation. However, in the competition environment, a higher dose proved to be more effective.
Overall, the product worked very well for us, and I will definitely purchase it again.