Travel and competition are unavoidable realities of modern equine and camelid sport. Yet for both horses and camels, the journey from stable to starting gate—and the intense physiological demand of racing itself—represents one of the most significant welfare and performance challenges in veterinary practice. For veterinarians, breeders, and racing managers, the goal is not merely to produce a calm animal on race day, but to protect the animal’s long-term health, immune competence, and metabolic stability while remaining fully compliant with anti-doping regulations.

This article provides a comprehensive, evidence-informed overview of safe calming solutions for horses and camels during travel and racing. It examines the physiology of transport and racing stress, evaluates non-pharmacological management, critically appraises nutritional and nutraceutical options, and outlines responsible pharmacological sedation where clinically indicated. Throughout, the emphasis is on solutions that are both effective and safe—for the animal, the handler, and the integrity of competition.

Understanding the Physiology of Travel and Racing Stress

Stress in horses and camels is not a purely behavioural phenomenon. It is a cascade of endocrine, metabolic, and immunological events that directly influence performance, recovery, and disease susceptibility. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal system are the principal mediators. During transport and racing, cortisol and adrenaline concentrations rise, mobilising energy reserves but also suppressing immune function, reducing appetite, and promoting catabolism when the stressor is prolonged or repeated.

In horses, road transport reliably elevates salivary and blood cortisol, even in animals with substantial travel experience. A detailed case study following a single horse over 17 repeated short-distance journeys found that cortisol remained elevated throughout transport and training, only declining after unloading back at the home farm. A gradual reduction in cortisol was observed after approximately the tenth trip, suggesting partial physiological habituation—but a notable cortisol spike during the fifth journey demonstrated that even seasoned travellers can mount acute stress responses without an identifiable external cause. Heart rate data reinforced this: pre-loading heart rates were recorded at 73 beats per minute, far above the typical resting range of 28 to 40 beats per minute.

Long-distance transport in tropical climates introduces additional complexity. Research on horses travelling to and from a jumping competition in a hot, humid environment showed that cortisol concentrations increased within five minutes of unloading and remained elevated for up to 180 minutes on the outbound journey. Heart rate variability analysis indicated that horses primarily experienced stress during the initial hours of travel and immediately after unloading, with stress responses differing between outbound and return journeys and being partly influenced by environmental and housing conditions. This reinforces a critical clinical point: transport stress is not uniform, and individual monitoring—at minimum by heart rate—is essential for rational intervention.

Camels share the fundamental stress biology but present distinct physiological priorities. Heat stress, transport stress, racing stress, social stress, and nutritional stress are recognised as the major categories affecting racing and working camels. During stress, camels mobilise energy from hump reserves and increase water retention, but chronic stress can overwhelm these adaptations, leading to metabolic acidosis, appetite loss, immune suppression, and reduced reproductive performance. Long-distance transport in camels is associated with dehydration and muscle fatigue, while racing itself imposes excessive energy expenditure, lactic acid accumulation, and heightened nervous sensitivity. These species-specific differences must inform any calming strategy.

Non-Pharmacological Foundations: The First and Most Important Layer of Stress Reduction

No supplement or sedative can compensate for poor transport management or inadequate training. The foundation of safe calming in both horses and camels is environmental, behavioural, and managerial. Veterinarians advising breeders and racing operations should prioritise these interventions before considering nutraceutical or pharmaceutical support.

Habituation, Loading Training, and Positive Reinforcement

Loading and travel anxiety are frequently rooted in insufficient preparation rather than inherent temperament. For horses, non-aversive training methods have been shown to produce measurable physiological benefits. In a controlled study of “problem loaders,” six 30-minute sessions over two weeks using Tellington-Touch Equine Awareness Method (TTEAM)-based leading exercises with trailering-simulating obstacles reduced loading time, lowered heart rate during loading, and reduced salivary cortisol compared with pre-training assessments. The practical implication is clear: calm travel begins weeks before the journey, through gradual exposure and consistent, low-stress handling.

For camels, recent international research led by Southern Cross University has demonstrated that more humane transport is achievable through positive reinforcement rather than physical punishment. Camels of both Kohi and Barilya breeds were trained to self-load and unload using food incentives and reinforcement of calm behaviour, improving welfare during live transport. This approach aligns with broader camel welfare guidance emphasising camel-friendly handling and training as core management practices. For breeders and racing managers, investing in low-stress loading training is not a welfare luxury; it is a performance and safety strategy that reduces injury risk for both animals and handlers.

Vehicle Design, Ventilation, and Thermal Management

The physical environment of transport exerts a direct and immediate effect on stress physiology. Adequate ventilation is non-negotiable. In hot conditions, travel should be scheduled during the coolest parts of the day, ventilation maximised, and water offered before departure and at regular intervals during longer journeys. When ambient temperatures exceed 30°C or fall below 5°C for extended periods, forced ventilation above the animals is recommended to promote heat loss. Practical cooling measures include cross-ventilation through protected windows and roof vents, portable fans, and the judicious use of cool water or rubbing alcohol on the neck and shoulders to assist evaporative cooling.

Positioning and space allowance also matter. Research on horse transport has suggested that rear-facing travel and wider bays may reduce the impact of transport on health and welfare, although the effects on cortisol and muscle enzymes were minimal in that study. For camels, vehicle design must account for their tendency to lie down during rest; gaps below partitions should be sufficient to prevent limb entrapment when animals rise. These details are not peripheral—they are the physical determinants of whether an animal arrives at the racecourse physiologically prepared or already compromised.

Hydration, Nutrition, and Gastric Protection

Horses and camels are both prone to dehydration and gastrointestinal disturbance during travel. Horses should be well hydrated and fed at least one hour before travel, with a familiar diet to minimise gastrointestinal upset. A biscuit of lucerne prior to travel is often recommended to suppress stomach acid and reduce the risk of gastric discomfort; lucerne’s higher protein, energy, calcium, and fibre content supports digestive health and hydration during the journey. During transit, access to hay or haylage allows ongoing forage intake, which supports gastric buffering and behavioural calm.

For camels, sudden feed changes, toxin exposure, and mineral imbalances are recognised nutritional stressors that negatively affect the digestive system. Maintaining familiar forage and avoiding abrupt dietary transitions around racing and transport are therefore fundamental. In both species, the provision of antioxidants and digestive support—such as marine-derived EPA and DHA fatty acids for horses with inflammatory airway disease, and targeted antioxidant supplementation to counteract muscle fatigue—can be considered as part of a comprehensive recovery and stress-management plan.

Rest, Recovery, and Individual Monitoring

Travel stress does not end at unloading. In horses, cortisol can remain elevated for hours after arrival, and the return journey may produce a different stress profile from the outbound trip. Recovery periods must be planned, not assumed. The FEI Code of Conduct requires that all journeys be carefully planned with regular rest breaks and access to food and water, and that horses receive adequate rest between training, competitions, and travel.

Individual monitoring is the single most practical tool available to veterinarians and handlers. Heart rate is a minimum metric: a horse with a pre-loading heart rate of 73 beats per minute is already physiologically stressed before the vehicle moves. Behavioural indicators—excessive vocalisation, pacing, pawing, excessive spooking, and failure to lower the head—can help identify animals that require additional support. Monitoring should continue during and after transport, with handling and recovery periods adjusted accordingly. In camels, monitoring should include appetite, behavioural stability, and signs of metabolic imbalance, particularly during pre- and post-race adaptation periods.

Nutritional and Nutraceutical Calming Solutions

When non-pharmacological foundations are in place, nutritional and nutraceutical support can serve as a safe, regulation-compliant adjunct for animals that remain anxious during travel or competition. The evidence base varies considerably between ingredients, and veterinarians should counsel clients accordingly.

Magnesium

Magnesium is among the most widely used calming ingredients in equine and camelid supplements. It supports nervous system and muscle function and is thought to inhibit neurotransmitters associated with anxiety. Magnesium is known to regulate cortisol levels, which provides a mechanistic rationale for use during transport and other stressful situations. However, the scientific evidence in horses is less robust than marketing claims suggest; effectiveness appears to vary between individuals, and high doses can lead to magnesium toxicity, making veterinary oversight essential. In practice, magnesium is often combined with other nutrients rather than used alone.

L-Tryptophan

L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and the precursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with relaxation, sedation, and reduced fear and aggression. A 2017 study found that tryptophan supplementation reduced cortisol levels in horses undergoing a startle test, and a subsequent 2023 study examined calming effects in the context of a 15-minute trailer ride. Importantly, tryptophan and magnesium are normal dietary components and are not banned substances in competition horses; they are essential nutrients rather than pharmacological sedatives. That said, responses are individual, and a study at 12.5 mg/kg found that tryptophan did not markedly alter behaviour, suggesting that dose, context, and formulation matter.

Alpha-Casozepine and B Vitamins

Alpha-casozepine, a peptide derived from milk protein, has attracted attention because it stimulates calming neurotransmitters and interacts with the brain’s opioid system without producing sedative effects. Studies suggest it may help calm horses during stressful experiences, and it is one of the better-supported nutraceutical options for equine anxiety. Thiamine (vitamin B1) and other B vitamins support nervous system stability and muscle contraction; deficiencies can produce severe neurological effects, and nervous animals may consume these nutrients in greater amounts. Vitamin B6 is also involved in neurotransmitter production and is commonly included in calming formulations.

Herbal Extracts and Aromatherapy

Valerian root, chamomile, ashwagandha, and lemon balm are common herbal components of calming supplements. Valerian is thought to interact with GABA, the brain’s principal inhibitory neurotransmitter, and has a long traditional use for nervousness and sleep promotion. However, studies in horses are limited, and many herbal products are not regulated by the FDA, meaning purity and potency can vary. Aromatherapy with lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus has been reported to reduce heart rate and vigilance in stabled horses, making it a low-risk adjunct in the stable or transport environment. Herbal options should be used with caution in competition animals, as some sporting organisations prohibit certain plant-derived substances during competition.

Formulated Equine Calming Products

Commercial formulations typically combine several of the above ingredients to target multiple pathways. Prequine Librium, for example, contains magnesium citrate, L-tryptophan, and vitamin B6 to calm and relax horses during transport, events, or other stressful situations; magnesium regulates cortisol, tryptophan supports serotonin production, and vitamin B6 supports calming neurotransmitter synthesis. Products such as Formula 707 Lifecare Calming rely on magnesium and thiamin to regulate an overactive nervous system, alongside tryptophan. Zzen oral solution reinforces its formula with tryptophan and vitamin B6 while maintaining high concentrations of magnesium and vitamin B1. These combinations are rational, but veterinarians should evaluate products on the basis of ingredient doses, evidence, and competition status rather than brand claims alone.

Calming Solutions for Camels: Species-Specific Considerations

Camel calming and stress management require a distinct approach. Camels are not horses, and their handling, metabolism, and regulatory environment differ substantially. The evidence base is smaller, but recent years have seen meaningful progress in both natural and pharmacological strategies.

Plant-Based and Nutritional Support

Plant-derived calming supplements are increasingly positioned as sustainable, regulation-friendly tools for camels. Calm Camel, developed by Retrovet, is formulated to reduce stress-induced metabolic imbalances; its plant-derived components exert calming effects on the nervous system, help balance cortisol levels, preserve appetite, and support immune function. Reported field outcomes include shortened adaptation periods after racing and transport, more stable feed intake, and reduced behavioural stress. Magnesium-based products such as Focus are also marketed for both horses and camels, with the aim of inducing muscular relaxation and alleviating stress-related behaviour while remaining compliant with racing regulations; a typical racing camel dose is up to 30 g per day. Vitamin B1–based soothing products are used to relieve nervous tension and support neuromuscular performance in horses, cattle, and camels.

These products are attractive because they avoid the risks of profound sedation and are generally compatible with anti-doping requirements. However, the peer-reviewed evidence base for many camel-specific formulations remains limited, and veterinarians should recommend them as part of an integrated management plan rather than as standalone solutions.

Pharmacological Sedation in Camels

When chemical restraint is necessary—for example, for transport by aircraft or sea, or for handling a non-trained or dangerous animal—several agents are available. Reserpine is described as a long-lasting calming and tranquilising agent commonly used to assist with handling and transportation of camels by aircraft or by sea; it may also make a non-trained camel easier to ride. Acepromazine, alpha-2 agonists (xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine, romifidine), pentobarbital, chloral hydrate, and diazepam are among the drugs used to induce tranquilisation or sedation in camels.

Xylazine is widely used at 0.1–0.2 mg/kg intravenously or intramuscularly, with onset of sedation usually within 10 minutes and a duration varying from 45 minutes to 5 hours; bradycardia and salivation can be lessened by prior intramuscular atropine at 0.1 mg/kg. For immobilisation, 0.5 mg/kg may be used, though not without risk, especially in camels with cardiorespiratory compromise. Detomidine is more potent than xylazine and has greater specificity at central alpha-2 adrenoceptors. These drugs are valuable veterinary tools, but they produce profound physiological effects and must be used under direct veterinary supervision, with careful attention to dose, route, and the animal’s cardiovascular status. They are not casual “calming” solutions and are generally inappropriate for routine pre-race use in the absence of a specific clinical or handling indication.

Pharmacological Sedation in Horses: When Calming Supplements Are Not Enough

For horses, the decision to use prescription sedatives should be made on clinical and welfare grounds, not convenience. The ideal sedative produces a calm, stress-free animal that is non-responsive to stimulation, sufficiently sedated to prevent movement, not ataxic, and free of hyperaesthesia. It should be easy to administer, have a rapid and reliable onset and duration, produce predictable sedation, provide analgesia if required, and induce minimal cardiovascular and respiratory effects.

Acepromazine and Detomidine

Acepromazine and detomidine are both licensed in injectable and oral formulations in the UK, making them the mainstays of equine sedation. Intravenous administration produces rapid, high plasma levels and deeper sedation, but a higher risk of adverse effects; oral administration produces lower peak concentrations, slower onset, longer duration, and less profound sedation, with a lower risk of adverse events. Detomidine undergoes high first-pass hepatic metabolism but is well absorbed transmucosally and is therefore administered sublingually, whereas acepromazine must be swallowed for gastrointestinal absorption.

Dose ranges reported in veterinary sources include acepromazine at 0.02–0.05 mg/kg intravenously, alone or in combination with detomidine at 10–30 micrograms/kg intravenously. In a rescue and transport context, acepromazine at 0.03 mg/kg intravenously has been administered approximately 30 minutes before departure, followed by detomidine at 0.02 mg/kg with butorphanol at 0.02 mg/kg. Oral acepromazine at 0.5 mg/kg has been compared with intravenous administration at 0.1 mg/kg, with no significant differences in onset of sedation.

Regardless of the agent chosen, the horse must be left undisturbed until sedation is accomplished. Temperament strongly influences success: a very anxious, stressed horse will be difficult to sedate regardless of protocol, whereas a calm, tractable animal will be more amenable. This is why sedation should never be used as a substitute for training and management; it is an adjunct for specific, justified circumstances.

Safety Considerations and Regulatory Compliance

The use of sedatives in competition animals is tightly regulated. Many equestrian sports organisations prohibit calming supplements during competition, and some jurisdictions prohibit specific drugs or impose withdrawal periods. In camels, racing authorities enforce anti-doping regulations prohibiting stimulants and banned substances; race-winning camels undergo testing, and violations result in forfeiture of prizes and penalties. Phenylbutazone, for example, is forbidden in racing camels in certain countries and should not be given for at least seven days before racing. The UAE and other major racing jurisdictions mandate veterinary presence at events and regulate transportation, facility design, and animal welfare, reflecting a broader shift toward enforceable welfare standards.

For veterinarians and breeders, this means that any calming strategy must be evaluated not only for safety and efficacy but also for compliance. Nutritional supplements such as magnesium, tryptophan, and B vitamins are generally permitted because they are normal dietary components, but even these should be checked against the specific rules of the relevant racing authority. Plant-derived and pharmacological agents require particular caution, and records of administration should be maintained.

Practical Decision-Making for Veterinarians and Breeders

The following framework can help guide safe calming decisions in practice.

Step 1: Optimise management first. Address loading training, vehicle ventilation, thermal conditions, hydration, forage access, rest breaks, and recovery periods before considering any supplement or drug. These interventions are universally applicable, low-risk, and often sufficient for animals with mild to moderate anxiety.

Step 2: Identify the animal’s individual stress profile. Use heart rate, behavioural signs, and where possible cortisol or heart rate variability to determine whether the animal is experiencing acute situational anxiety or chronic, maladaptive stress. A horse that spikes cortisol on the fifth of seventeen identical journeys is not simply “naughty”; it is demonstrating that habituation is incomplete and that individual variation must be respected.

Step 3: Select nutritional support appropriate to the species and context. For horses, consider magnesium, L-tryptophan, alpha-casozepine, and B vitamins, ideally in a formulated product with transparent dosing. For camels, consider plant-based calming formulations and magnesium-based products, recognising that the evidence base is still developing.

Step 4: Reserve pharmacological sedation for justified indications. Use acepromazine or detomidine in horses, and xylazine, detomidine, or reserpine in camels, only when handling safety, transport welfare, or clinical necessity warrants it. Calculate doses carefully, consider route and temperament, and monitor for adverse effects.

Step 5: Verify regulatory compliance. Check the rules of the relevant racing federation or equestrian organisation before administering any product. Maintain records and be prepared to demonstrate that any intervention was clinically justified and compliant.

Conclusion

Reducing stress in horses and camels during travel and racing is not a single intervention but a layered strategy. The most important layer is non-pharmacological: habituation, positive reinforcement, well-designed vehicles, thermal management, hydration, forage access, rest, and individual monitoring. The second layer is nutritional: magnesium, tryptophan, alpha-casozepine, B vitamins, and plant-derived calming agents can provide safe, regulation-compliant support for animals that remain anxious despite good management. The third layer is pharmacological: acepromazine and detomidine in horses, and xylazine, detomidine, or reserpine in camels, are valuable veterinary tools but carry physiological risks and regulatory responsibilities that demand professional oversight.

For veterinarians and breeders, the unifying principle is that calm animals are not produced by sedatives alone. They are produced by predictable handling, appropriate environments, and respect for individual variation. When these foundations are in place, safe calming solutions—nutritional and, where necessary, pharmacological—can be used judiciously to protect welfare and performance without compromising the integrity of competition.