Main image: Rhys Stones, by Flash Pony.
Nerve issues are highly misunderstood in the equine space, as imaging constraints and communication with our horses is not comparable to that of humans. Neuropathic itch, tingling sensations, nerve fire, nerve jolting – the things that humans experience, we can communicate with our doctors. Horses, not so much.
Following her own experiences with horses suffering from suspected nerve-related problems, Samantha of AXLR8 Equine Therapeutics made it her mission to develop a product that could assist with these type of issues.
Last month, AXLR8 released Australia’s first nerve and soft tissue support supplement, AXLR8 RESTORE. Formulated from specific ingredients known for their neurological support and nerve strengthening properties, AXLR8 RESTORE has already yielded positive anecdotal responses from those who have tried it with their horses.
Olivia Hamood
With an Australian Senior Jumping Championship title on her long list of career successes, Olivia Hamood knows what it takes to manage elite-level competition horses. One of her current young talents had a tricky habit in the competition arena, and when Olivia discovered that it could in fact be a nerve issue rather than “a young horse thing”, she decided to give RESTORE a go to see if it made a difference.
“I trialled this product on a really good horse of mine that was always kicking up on the right side behind,” explains Olivia. “I would come around a corner to a fence and she would always kick up behind making it difficult to get to the fence and would disunite. She was never unsound or irregular; I suspected it was more of a young horse thing getting confidence and balance, which we so often see in the jumping world.
“After a chat with Sam, she recommended I try AXLR8 RESTORE on my mare. After using AXLR8 RESTORE for three weeks I started to see a big difference: she had completely stopped kicking up behind and was far less nappy to ride. I honestly wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t experienced it first-hand. I’d highly recommend this product for any horse needing nerve or muscle support.”
Rhys Stones
Fellow show jumper Rhys Stones of Riverton Performance Horses has had a similar experience using the product with a mare that had issues with her gait and balance under saddle.
“Her ability to trot, tranter or counter canter around a Mini Prix course and still be competitive was somewhat admirable,” says Rhys. “Having sought veterinary advice, with limited success we ventured down alternative pathways. Since starting Peaches on AXLR8’s new product, we have found an improvement in her overall balance and gait.
“This new product has assisted in stabilising her back end and it now feels like I have a horse that is coming forward from behind, rather than trailing behind. Flying changes on course… who would have ever thought that would be a thing?”
Roger Fitzhardinge
Former Grand Prix dressage rider and in-demand coach, Roger Fitzhardinge, found the horse of a lifetime few years back – however just over a year ago he encountered the dreaded issue of headshaking. Notoriously hard to pinpoint the cause and treat successfully, Roger embarked on a journey to learn more about headshaking with the aim being to simply make Jeremy more comfortable.
“Having a horse with headshaking syndrome, it has been a very interesting journey,” he says. “My belief is that part of this syndrome is due to inflammatory change to a nerve or some nerve irritation.
“As a consequence, I was spoken to in great detail regarding nerve regeneration and the use of AXLR8 RESTORE. While it is very difficult to assess a positive outcome due to the complicated nature of the syndrome, there is no question that my horse’s symptoms have become remarkably less since he has been on this product.”
Headshaking syndrome has long stumped vets and other equine health practitioners, and there is no foolproof cure or silver bullet. However, with the causes and therefore treatment options likely varying from individual to individual, Roger’s view is that it’s about managing rather than curing the condition. He has therefore embarked on a combined approach to managing Jeremy and is taking it day by day.
“I’m not prepared to change things while my current management approach is working, so it’s difficult for me to stop the product and say that is exactly what’s creating the benefit, but in my mind I believe that Jeremy is much better since using AXLR8 RESTORE.”
Roger Fitzhardinge and Bloomfield Vision. Image supplied.
About AXLR8 RESTORE
AXLR8 RESTORE comes in two options, XTRA High Potency and Daily Maintenance. The former is designed to support acute periods of stress or recovery, with a larger blend of ingredients and an added amino acid Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) known for nerve pain relief. The latter is for those looking for ongoing nutritional support. AXLR8 does not recommend this blend for injury or rehabilitation support; XTRA High Potency is their recommendation in this instance.
You can find out more about AXLR8 RESTORE here.
AXLR8 RESTORE is a supplement designed to assist with nerve-related issues.
AXLR8 Equine Therapeutics products are not intended to replace veterinary care or medication. Their supplements are offered as support for your animal’s condition and not as a cure. All supplements are to be consumed voluntarily by your animal in feed, treats or liquid. If competing, always check the relevant prohibited substances list before introducing new supplements to your horse’s diet.
This article was written in conjunction with AXLR8 Equine Therapeutics.
