Distracted by kids playing and golf carts buzzing by. Washed out in the starting gate. Spooked by the crowd in the indoor area. Unable to master a flying lead change. All of these are common challenges faced by riders as they train and compete with their horses. The common denominator is stress and the lack of focus that often comes with it.

Zylkene® Equine is a tool that trainers and riders can use to help their horse cope with situational stressors and focus on the task at hand. The product is an easy-to-give, apple-flavored powder that comes in single-serving pouches. The active ingredient in Zylkene® Equine is a hydrolyzed milk protein that provides α-casozepine. It is made from bovine casein that has been hydrolyzed by trypsin. Best results are seen when the product is used in combination with environmental management and training.

For riders and trainers looking for a more focused horse in the competition, the following commonly used protocol may be helpful. If the competition is on Saturday, 1-2 pouches of Zylkene® Equine should be given on Thursday, 1-2 pouches on Friday, and then again 2-4 hours prior to the event. This protocol can be used in a similar fashion for horses that have aversions to trailering, nervousness associated with veterinary or farrier visits, the stress associated with weaning, or other situational uses on the farm.

The recently launched Zylkene® Equine 6-Pack makes following this protocol simple and easy. The small package size fits easily in a tack trunk. The product also comes in a larger 20-Pack for those looking to use the product regularly, as a longer-term training tool, or in barns with multiple horses.

As is recommended with the use of any supplement, competitors should follow the recommendations of their governing body regarding the use of Zylkene® Equine in competition.