Valerian dosage

[[127815]]

I'm getting some valerian (v-calm by James Hart) for a stressed out youngster.
Should I give him a daily dose accompanied with a larger dose before the 'stressful event' or just use as needed before the 'stressful event' what have people found works well? Thank you

 

[stangs]

I was always taught to give it at most 2 days before stressful event, on the day, and then day after if horse is likely to still be upset about it. (You can’t give it less than 24hr before a competition though, as it’s not competition legal.)

Definitely don’t give a larger dose on the day - too much valerian results in a laxative effect.

Depending on why the horse is stressed out, I suppose you could give a daily dose. However, it should never be used as a band aid solution for solving the root of the stress.

 

[conniegirl]

I believe valerian is now banned in competition

 

[myheartinahoofbeat]

I believe valerian is now banned in competition

It was banned at FEI competitions, not sure about other ones. I think it's the only calmer that is, which makes me think it's the only one that actually works !

 

[[127815]]

Yes it is banned for competitions. 24 hour withdrawal period apparently. I'm not competing this guy just now. He just needs a wee bit of help to chill out while we tackle some situations where he gets himself in a tizzy. Calmer with lots of repetition then reduce calmer till none is needed... That is the plan

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I used it for a horse to settle him I the stable. I gave a daily dose and it worked well

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

I gave Dex the same one every day for about 3 weeks while he settled in after coming over from Ireland.
I noticed no difference between the V-Calm (£35) and the Lincoln Valerian Cordial (£9.99 from Amazon)