Valerian for horses: How the medicinal plant supports your nervous horse in stressful situations

If you have a nervous or skittish horse, you know how challenging everyday life in the stable or during training can be. Perhaps your horse reacts sensitively to new situations, has difficulty with transport, or shows restlessness at the farrier or veterinarian.

In such moments, you are surely looking for natural ways to give your horse more peace, composure, and resilience. A medicinal plant that has been proven effective for centuries can help you: valerian, botanically known as Valeriana officinalis .

What is valerian anyway?

Valerian is a perennial plant in the Valerianaceae family. Valerian plants prefer to grow in moist meadows and on forest edges. Valerian root, in particular, is known for its calming effects—not only in humans but also in horses. The roots contain a variety of compounds, including essential oils, valepotriates, and alkaloids, which have a positive effect on the central nervous system.

These substances promote the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that promote relaxation, calm, and well-being. It's no wonder, then, that valerian is becoming increasingly popular in horse feed.

The effect of valerian on horses

The calming effect of valerian has been scientifically well-researched—especially in humans. However, the plant can also have a similar effect on horses. Many horse owners report positive experiences with nervous, skittish, or tense horses.

Valerian can help with:

• Nervousness and inner restlessness

• Irritability and tension

• Stress in new or difficult situations (e.g. tournaments, transport, vet visits)

• Supports digestion in stressful situations

• Promoting general calmness and better resilience

Valerian is therefore ideal for supporting nervous horses – without the need for chemical sedatives.

Valerian in horse feeding: forms and products

You can find various products based on valerian plants on the market. These are usually:

• Feed material in the form of dried root

• Valerian as a liquid extract or tincture

• Mixed preparations with other calming herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile or hops

Valerian root is particularly suitable for your horse; you can use it as a tea or mix it directly into the feed. When choosing, make sure it's high quality—preferably food-grade or pharmacopoeia-grade.

Application and dosage: How to use valerian correctly

The correct use of valerian depends on the specific product. Typically, you add the dried root or extract to your horse's daily feed.

A guideline:
👉 10 to 25 grams of valerian root per day for a large horse (approx. 500–600 kg).
👉 For ponies, correspondingly less (about 5–10 g).

Important: Valerian should not be given continuously. A course of 2–4 weeks has proven effective. After that, you should take a break to prevent habituation. In acute stressful situations (e.g., moving, tournament, transport), you can also start a few days beforehand.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Valerian is generally well tolerated – by both humans and horses. However, you should note:

• Valerian can have a slightly sedative effect – more calming than performance-enhancing.

• Pay attention to possible doping relevance in sport horses (depending on the competition association, a waiting period may be required).

• Only use tested products – not every plant or root is suitable for animals.

Although rare, mild gastrointestinal reactions can occur—especially in very sensitive animals. If your horse shows signs such as diarrhea or loss of appetite, discontinue use of the product and observe its effects.

Review: Is valerian worth it for nervous horses?

Experiences with valerian in horses are overwhelmingly positive. Many horse owners report increased relaxation, improved resilience, and calmer behavior in difficult situations. Valerian can also be beneficial in combination with other natural remedies.

For example, combination preparations with valerian, hops, and lemon balm often have an even more harmonious effect and can provide support on several levels.

If your horse is suffering from stress, restlessness or a lack of calm, valerian is definitely worth a try.

Conclusion: Natural help with tradition

The use of valerian plants for calming purposes has a long tradition – both in humans and in animals. For nervous horses, valerian can provide valuable support in coping better with stressful situations and finding inner peace.

The ingredients contained in the root gently influence the central nervous system without stressing the animal. Whether as a treatment or as targeted support before challenging events, valerian is a real insider tip for strengthening nerves in the stable.