Q: What is Chasteberry used for in horses?

Chasteberry ( Vitex agnus-castus ) is a herbal supplement that influences hormonal balance and pituitary function. In horses, it is commonly used to support hormonal balance, mood, coat shedding, energy levels, and overall behavior. While not a treatment for medical conditions, many horse owners use Chasteberry to support mares with irritability, geldings with behavior changes, or horses with pituitary dysfunction (PPID/Cushing’s) alongside veterinary care.

Q: What are the benefits of Chasteberry compared to raspberry leaf for horses?

Raspberry leaf ( Rubus idaeus ) is most often used in mares to help maintain normal muscle tone and comfort during seasonal cycles. Its use in horses is based largely on traditional practice and research in humans, with limited equine-specific evidence showing benefits. Chasteberry ( Vitex agnus-castus ) is used to support a broader range of functions related to hormonal balance, behavior, coat shedding, and energy regulation. Because it influences pituitary activity, Chasteberry is often chosen for mature horses to maintain balanced endocrine function.

Question 1

What is Chasteberry used for in horses?

Accepted Answer

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is a herbal supplement that influences hormonal balance and pituitary function. In horses, it is commonly used to support hormonal balance, mood, coat shedding, energy levels, and overall behavior. While not a treatment for medical conditions, many horse owners use Chasteberry to support mares with irritability, geldings with behavior changes, or horses with pituitary dysfunction (PPID/Cushing’s) alongside veterinary care.

Question 2

Which horses benefit the most from Chasteberry supplementation?

Accepted Answer

Mares that show signs of hormonal moodiness, irritability, or irregular behavior often benefit from Chasteberry. Geldings may also respond positively, though results can vary. Mature horses with Cushing’s/PPID are another group where Chasteberry is frequently used to support outward signs such as coat shedding, energy, and attitude. It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating mares, foals, weanlings, yearlings, or breeding stallions.

Question 3

Will Chasteberry help with my mare’s behavior during her heat cycle?

Accepted Answer

Many mare owners use Chasteberry to help support calmer behavior, reduced irritability, and a steadier attitude during their mare’s heat cycles. While individual responses vary, Chasteberry is often chosen to help maintain hormonal balance and support more consistent behavior during seasonal changes.

Question 4

Does Chasteberry help with hormonal balance in mares?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chasteberry is often used to support mares that experience moodiness, irritability, or irregular heat cycles. Many horse owners report improvements in calmness, focus, and attitude when supplementing mares with Chasteberry as part of a balanced feeding program.

Question 5

Can geldings benefit from Chasteberry?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Although Chasteberry is most often used in mares, some geldings may also benefit, particularly those showing signs of aggression, irritability, or difficulty focusing.

Question 6

What are the benefits of Chasteberry compared to raspberry leaf for horses?

Accepted Answer

Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) is most often used in mares to help maintain normal muscle tone and comfort during seasonal cycles. Its use in horses is based largely on traditional practice and research in humans, with limited equine-specific evidence showing benefits. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is used to support a broader range of functions related to hormonal balance, behavior, coat shedding, and energy regulation. Because it influences pituitary activity, Chasteberry is often chosen for mature horses to maintain balanced endocrine function.

Question 7

Is Mad Barn’s Chasteberry made from pure ground fruit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mad Barn’s Chasteberry powder is made from pure ground chasteberry fruit. This product is not certified organic, but it is a 100% single-ingredient supplement with no fillers or additives.

Question 8

Are there side effects of Chasteberry for horses?

Accepted Answer

Chasteberry is generally considered safe for mature horses. No serious side effects have been reported at typical feeding rates. However, because it influences hormones, it should not be fed to pregnant or lactating mares, immature horses, or breeding stallions. It should not be used alongside pergolide (Prascend) or Regumate unless approved by a veterinarian. Always introduce gradually and monitor your horse’s response.

Question 9

At what age can mares be supplemented with Chasteberry?

Accepted Answer

Chasteberry should be fed only to mature horses. We recommend use in mares over 5 years of age, unless otherwise approved by a veterinarian. It should not be fed to foals, weanlings, or yearlings. Always consult your veterinarian before using Chasteberry in young or developing horses.

Question 10

Is Chasteberry safe for horses with Cushing’s (PPID), laminitis, or metabolic issues?

Accepted Answer

Chasteberry is often used in horses with Cushing’s (PPID) to support external signs such as coat shedding, attitude, and energy. However, it is not a treatment for Cushing’s/PPID and should never replace pergolide (Prascend), the only FDA-approved medication for this condition. Chasteberry can be used as a complementary supplement under veterinary guidance. It is safe for horses with laminitis or insulin resistance when fed as part of a balanced diet.

Question 11

Is Chasteberry safe to use with medications such as REGU-MATE® (altrenogest) and Prascend® (pergolide)?

Accepted Answer

Chasteberry should not be used at the same time as REGU-MATE® (altrenogest) and Prascend® (pergolide) unless approved by your veterinarian, as they act on similar hormonal pathways. If your horse is receiving prescription medications for reproductive or pituitary conditions, always consult your veterinarian before adding Chasteberry to the diet. It can be used safely alongside non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and most common supplements.

Question 12

Is Chasteberry competition legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chasteberry is not listed as a prohibited substance by the FEI and is considered competition-legal. However, rules can change, so it is always best to confirm with your sport’s governing organization before competition.

Question 13

Can Chasteberry be fed with Omneity, AminoTrace+, or other vitamin/mineral supplements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chasteberry is an herbal supplement and should be fed as part of a balanced diet. For best results, it should be combined with a comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement such as Omneity or AminoTrace+. These products ensure that your horse’s diet supplies all essential nutrients, while Chasteberry is used specifically to support normal hormonal balance, behavior, and seasonal changes.

Question 14

Can Chasteberry be used with Visceral+, Optimum Probiotic, or other gut supplements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chasteberry can be safely combined with gut health supplements such as Visceral+, Optimum Probiotic, or other digestive products. It has no negative interactions with probiotics or gut supplements.

Question 15

What is the typical feeding rate for Chasteberry?

Accepted Answer

The typical feeding rate is 5–20 g per day, depending on the horse’s size and response. For a 500 kg (1,100 lb) horse, a common serving is around 10 g daily. Higher amounts should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian or equine nutritionist. For best results, feed consistently every day.

Question 16

How should I feed Chasteberry? Can it be soaked, and should it be fed daily?

Accepted Answer

Chasteberry powder can be fed dry, top-dressed on feed, or mixed into soaked hay cubes, beet pulp, or mash. It retains its effectiveness whether fed wet or dry. For best results, feed daily and consistently year-round. Some owners choose to cycle it (e.g., three weeks on, one week off), but there is no research showing cycling is more effective than continuous feeding.

Question 17

Can Chasteberry be fed to horses long-term?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chasteberry can be fed daily and long-term. It has been used safely in horses for extended periods, and many horse owners report positive results with year-round use. Some people choose to cycle it (for example, three weeks on and one week off), but there is no research showing that cycling is more effective than continuous daily feeding. For best results, use consistently as part of a balanced diet.

Question 18

How long does Chasteberry take to work in horses?

Accepted Answer

Some horses may show results within 2–3 weeks, while others may require 1–3 months of consistent daily supplementation before noticeable improvements occur. Reported changes include calmer behavior, more consistent coat shedding, improved energy, and better overall attitude. As with any supplement, individual responses vary, and not all horses will show the same results.

Question 19

What is the shelf life of Chasteberry, and how should it be stored?

Accepted Answer

Chasteberry has a guaranteed shelf life of two years from the date of manufacture. Store sealed in a cool, dry, temperature-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the container tightly sealed to preserve potency.

5 stars		87%
4 stars		4%
3 stars		5%
2 stars		2%
1 star		3%

Body Weight	Scoops	Dose
< 200 kg	1 scoop	5 g
200 – 500 kg	2 scoops	10 g
> 500 kg	3 scoops	15 g
1 scoop = 9 cc = 5 grams

Body Weight	Scoops	Dose
< 440 lb	1 scoop	5 g
440 – 1100 lb	2 scoops	10 g
> 1100 lb	3 scoops	15 g
1 scoop = 9 cc = 5 grams

Active Ingredients: Per gram serving
Ingredient	Per 10 g
Chasteberry Fruit Powder	10	g

Body Weight:		kg
Serving size:		grams
		scoops

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