Ex racehorse-kicking

Question
Hi Ed,

I have a 9 year old Thoroughbred that raced until he was 5.  He has a number of 'quirks' including strange facial expressions, shooting his tongue out from one side of his face to the other, bobbing his head repeatedly if he is stall and a quick, nervous kick with his back legs.  I do not mind the first 3 things, but the kick is very concerning.  I really do not think he intends to hurt anyone when he does it; it seems to be a nervous reaction that maybe he would do right before a race?  It is a quick, short kick back with his hind leg, usually his right, and the more nervous he is, the more often and forceful he kicks out.  I desperately want to solve this problem because I would like to continue doing local shows, but he is a danger to other people and horses when his energy level is high.  The only recommendation that I've received so far is to consider hobbling him, but I'm not sure this is the best alternative.  I'd like to try something I can work on at home and then I can carry that through to when we are at a show as well.  Do you have any ideas?

Answer
hi--you can buy a calm and cool or any thing like that at the horse supply store. it comes in a syringe type container. you give it to the horse a couple of hours before you intend to show or use him. it seems to take out the nervous tension and lets the horse do it's job much better. i have used this product on very nervous race horses with great results.  please try it at least once  hope this helps your horse  thanks ED HESS