Why is Valerian a banned substance?

It's a sedative - the active ingredient (valeneric acid) is still on the FEI banned list. That's why it is an effective calmer ;)

This is a bit old, but explains it: http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/best/article.php?aid=47207

Loads of things are on the banned list for a similar reason - for example meadowsweet will metabolise to produce one of the metabolites of aspirin, so meadowsweet shouldn't be fed to horses competing under rules.
 
Isn't it a sedative?

(toodles of to look up the history of diazepam, thinking that diazepam (valium) might be derived from valerian?)

ETA: it's got nothing to do with diazepam (that I can find) but is sometimes used as an alternative, so probably works to a similar strength. Oddly, it's also a cat-attractant (according to wikipedia) a bit like catnip, but I don't think that use is why it's not FEI legal :p
 
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BN are you suggesting that there is nothing dangerous about herds of cats chasing horses round the XC? Or being attracted to a large arena (and all the potential dangers that could cause when they discover it is like a large litter tray)?

I do not think you are taking the problem seriously.
 
Ha ha Funny you should say that.. I ordered some for a friend and it came through and my 3 cats shreaded the wrapping ;) might hold some back for them :D
 
SpottedCat said:
BN are you suggesting that there is nothing dangerous about herds of cats chasing horses round the XC? Or being attracted to a large arena (and all the potential dangers that could cause when they discover it is like a large litter tray)?

I do not think you are taking the problem seriously.
Click to expand...

Nope, I see no problem with that :confused: If the horse is sedated then they will not care about the cats!

Just out of interest, and for eww factor, our long jump pit at my old school used to be used as a litter tray for the local feral cats. Always good fun - we used to leave it unraked for the year 7s :D
 
Which reminds me, I have almost a full tub of it now surplus to requirements. I decided not to mess around with a horse on box rest with good - and very obvious - results. If anyone in Surrey wants to try it for non competitive purposes, drop me a p.m and you can have it.
 
SpottedCat said:
BN are you suggesting that there is nothing dangerous about herds of cats chasing horses round the XC? Or being attracted to a large arena (and all the potential dangers that could cause when they discover it is like a large litter tray)?

I do not think you are taking the problem seriously.
Click to expand...

PMSL - people seem to take themselves a bit less seriously in CR, i like it :)
 
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