INTRODUCTION
Pheromone communication has been at the heart of Duggan Veterinary Supplies expertise for over 40 years, and we are
now pleased to announce the launch of the innovative equine appeasing pheromone, ConfidenceEQ®.

WHAT ARE PHEROMONES?

A pheromone is a naturally occurring chemical that an animal produces that influences
the behavior of an individual or members of its species. They are used for intraspecies
communication, which means that their presence automatically and predictably affects all
members of the same species, regardless of age or gender. The vomeronasal organ, which is
situated at the front of the skull, will detect pheromones. Horses perform a specific movement
known as the Flehmen response to aid pheromones in reaching the vomeronasal organ. In
contrast to smelling, this biological reaction is quite specific and will facilitate the pheromones’
binding to the vomeronasal organ’s chemoreceptors.

EQUINE PHEROMONES

Horses communicate and send a wide range of information through the many pheromones, including:
• Social status
• Territorial limits
• Understanding other horses
• Setting off an alarm
• Sexual cycle
• Convey assurance
Different signals can be conveyed by these pheromones. For example if they felt alarmed somewhere they know to avoid it,
or in contrast if they felt relaxed (appeased) in an environment they know it is safe. Pheromones are secreted through sweat
glands, sebaceous glands and the urine in the horse.
WHAT IS CONFIDENCE EQ?
Like many mammals, nursing mares naturally emit a calming pheromone that reassures their newborn foal. When the foal
encounters unfamiliar situations and uncharted territory, this pheromone makes the foal feel comfortable, secure, and
more self-assured, enabling them to better learn about their surroundings.
ConfidenceEQ® is an identical replica of this horse appeasing pheromone. Numerous studies have been conducted since
the equine appeasing pheromone was discovered, proving its effectiveness in reducing stress in conditions that occur
frequently in horses of all ages

WHEN TO USE CONFIDENCE EQ?
The ideal time to use ConfidenceEQ® is when you anticipate your horse will be exposed to something new which they may
find stressful. Using ConfidenceEQ® alongside the appropriate training will help ensure they have a positive experience. If a
problem has already been established then ConfidenceEQ® can be helpful in resolving it, alongside appropriate corrective
training and handling as advised by a suitably qualified equine behaviourist. ConfidenceEQ® can be used to help build
confidence in situations such as:
• Loading, travelling and recovery after arrival
• Environmental changes (new yard, stabling) or competition environment
• Social situations (weaning foals, meeting new horses)
• Dealing with loud noises (large crowds, thunderstorms, fireworks)
• Breaking young horses and introducing new exercises during training
• Farrier, vet or dental visits
ConfidenceEQ helps reassure horses, helping them focus allowing them to use their own skills to cope with their surroundings.

• Training tool – Can be combined with behavioral and desensitization therapy.
• Safe for competition – Not listed on the FEI prohibited substance list.
• Fast & long-lasting – Takes effect in 30 minutes, lasts 2.5 hours, and can be reapplied as needed.
• Single-use packets – Ensure accurate dose every time.
• Easy to administer – No syringes, mixing food, pills or other uncomfortable application methods that can add stress to the horse.

SEEING THE SCIENCE
ConfidenceEQ® has many scientific papers showing how it can reduce equine stress. These include:
TRAVELLING*
Transporting horses has been shown to increase signs associated with stress
even in those reported to be confident travellers.
TRIAL
28 horses were split into two equal groups for sex, age and transportation
experience.
Equine appeasing pheromone (EAP) gel or a placebo was applied into the nostril
20-30 minutes before travelling. Along with other stress indicators, heart rate
and water loss in dung were measured.
CONCLUSION
The group given EAP has significantly lower heart rates (56.36 BPM compared to
64.48 BPM) and water loss (71.84% compared to 76.48%) in their dung.

FEARFUL EVENT
Horses often show fearful reactions when confronted with new or troubling
situations which can make them challenging to work with.
TRIAL
40 horses were split into two equal groups for sex, breed and reactivity. One
group was given equine appeasing pheromone, the other a placebo 18 minutes
before being walked through a fringed curtain into a stable. Time to travel
through the curtain, heart rate and behavioural patterns were monitored.
CONCLUSION
The group given EAP had significantly lower heart rates, displayed less
behavioural signs characteristic of fear and went through the curtain faster.
Please see table (left) showing entry time.