Valerian ?

Someone at our old yard used to use this. Not sure which make it was but it used to smell lovely and her mare would wolf it down. From memory I think it was a black bottle but couldn't be 100%. All I can remember is that it was liquid not powder.
 
Lincoln make valerian cordial (black and yellow packaging) and we used it very successfully years ago before it became a banned substance on a very over excitable WHP. It dosnt smell or taste very nice so you would have to introduce it a few drops at a time and build it up gradually.
Remember though you cannot use it in competition of any kind as it is a banned substance.
 
I know it's banned but bringing a sharp stressy and big strong horse back into work after 6 months off due to injury
Fine at the mo as has 6 weeks of walking which I can do on the roads grass under foot just makes him think he can go faster !
However as he gets fitter I know he'll start to 'try it on ' I've tried every other type of calmer on this horse over the years, the only thing that's ever taken the edge off are acp tablets but only resort to that as a last measure
He won't be back out competing for at least 6-9 months so thought this might just help keep him focused and a bit more level headed- I hope ! Thanks for replys will get some and give it a go I think
 
I use valerian root for my mare every winter cos even though she doesnt get 'hard' feed, she still hypes up, smells horrible (add loadsa garlic) but definately works. I bought off ebay, a bag lasts weeks whereas a bottle of liquid will cost you way more & won't last as long!!
 
I feed this to my mare, started when she had a tendon injury and couldnt be box rested so had to be calm outside. i now give it to her in the run up to a stressy situation (like begining hand walking or riding) but i dont give it to her all the time as i dont want her to be dependent on it. She LOVES it, eats it out of my hand! I use the actual root not the liquid form.
 
chestnutmarelover said:
I use valerian root for my mare every winter cos even though she doesnt get 'hard' feed, she still hypes up, smells horrible (add loadsa garlic) but definately works. I bought off ebay, a bag lasts weeks whereas a bottle of liquid will cost you way more & won't last as long!!
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I have used a home made tincture made from Valerian root bought from Ebay. It was excellent when teaching a three year old about loading into trailers. If you buy the root, then you can experiment making the tincture in a form that he will find more palatable. Perhaps mint leaves boiled with the valerian might help cover the smell and taste a little?
 
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