Valerian cordial

[Caramac71]

I've just ordered some of this to try on our mare who is coming back into work after rehab. We need to get her out hacking but she's quite anxious outside the yard, so we thought we'd give this a try and see if we can get her a bit more relaxed.

Is this something we need to give on a daily basis to build up the effects, or does it work as an instant calmer?

 

[skint1]

I've got some of this, but have never used it, would be interested to know the same!

 

[ossy]

I've tried to use it before but it stinks and my horse wouldn't eat it, didn't find it instant either had the feed for a few days like a everyday calmer. I used the captules from Holland and Barrett as they didn't smell the same. It's not competition legal if you were thinking of competing

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I can't tell you what effect it may have on your horse, I compete my horses & Valerian, I believe, is on the list of banned substances.

 

[Ladyinred]

I tried some herbal sleeping tablets for myself and containing valerian. I can confirm they stink!! My horses are by no means fussy eaters but I very much doubt they would touch valerian unless very camouflaged with a strong flavour.

 

[Equi]

I can't tell you what effect it may have on your horse, I compete my horses & Valerian, I believe, is on the list of banned substances.

I was going to say this myself. Its BANNED.

 

[Caramac71]

I was going to say this myself. Its BANNED.

I am well aware that it is banned from competition but that is because it affects performance (mildly sedatitive) and it is still available to buy and use for non competition situations which, as stated in first post, is what I am looking to use it for.

I just wasn't clear whether it is something to use as and when needed, or if it needs to be built up over a few days to take effect.

 

[crystalpony]

I used it for much the same purpose as you. I only used it when needed and found it took the edge off about 20 mins after giving it. I found easy mare by hilton herbs much more effective, think that was daily. Once she got better though I found it started to make her drowsy, so knew it was time to stop.

 

[Alphamare]

It can be used as and when needed. No need to build it up, that's not how it works. I think my Arab got addicted to it (she was very very flighty and it helped her) as she would in the end eat it straight out of my hand! I fed it in solid form.

 

[TheSylv007]

I use it for my mare (usually the night before in her feed) and it works pretty well. It's just used to keep her sensible while we build up our hacking as she's a spooky nightmare and it's really helped. Not sure why other posters are going on about it being banned, the OP isn't using it for competing :/

 

[MDB]

I got this for my crazy gelding last year in the hope that he would chill out in the field, stop attacking my mares, and be less spooky and nappy when hacking. Maybe my expectations were unrealistic, (he really needed a total personality change!) but I didnt notice a difference...sorry.

 

[[100323]]

I use Clop, Valarian in Linseed oil. I find it effective, even with a single dose. I do not compete.

 

[TheHairyOne]

I got some liquid calmer with valerian for my little cob to try and chill him out on arrival at new places, figured if it's actually banned it must have a proper effect.

So I booked a lesson about a half hours drive away and gave it to him about 20 mins before travelling.

Worst lesson I ever had, may have overdone the amount as poor little cob was basically asleep! However, he was extremely easy to tack up, no stamped on feet, no leap of faith to try and mount as he spun around...and actually it did do the trick as he was much better the next time out without it!