Wow 2 tablespoons? I only give half a teaspoon and it works so well, I feel like I have a drugged pony

I have had the best luck with a product called Engage by Stride Animal Health. My horses dont act doped up. They are still alert and learn. But they acted like seasoned horses, not looking around, they stay focused and relaxed. No nervousness. 

Yes, that was the reccomended dosage from my vet--I wonder if there are different strengths?

Did you give it every day, or just when you needed it?

I've only used it on that one horse who was EXTREMELY nervous in the box.  It worked like a dream for her--she bumped the corner and stood there, but still had plenty of run.  I've never used it for barrels (although I would if I felt the need). 

I use it only on race days, makes my msre amazibg and calm in the warm up ring(used to run around like a lunatic) but doesn't take the run out in the actual arena. And I think you are right on the strengths. I had bought some Valeria root and ground it. That stuff is much stronger then the stuff I actually ordered. That stuff I may have to go up to a tablespoon!!

Do you give it the morning of the race or do you give it a few hours before your run? 

Try the supliment way before race/event day. It could take a bit to figure out what works for your horse. 

Im finding out the sweet spot for my horse. Some say it takes a week or so to really make a difference.  I can tell 

a difference in my horse 3 to 4 hours after doseing.  This past weekend I tried morning tablespoon and evening tablespoon. 

He felt “slow” he would still go, but I didn’t like the feel of him. 

Now im feeding it in the morning to see how he is in the evening.  It could be he needs a smaller dose twice a day. I will find out :) 

I didn't see an answer to this... but it starts there... you can't feed them hot and not expect hot... it's like giving a kid a super sized candy bar and a monster drink and telling them to be good... 

I don't go over 12% protein on feed... any higher then that, I have a different horse.  

With my previous batch, I would give it about 30 min befor3 and I could really tell it kicked in. Now the new stuff I have about 1.5 hours ahead and there was no change whats so ever. And no change throughout the day. 

She gets ridden every day, it has helped some but she is just a on the go mare.  This is more for her spooky, jumpy side which will eventually go away with hauling but I have to be able to haul her without getting us in a bind.  Thats why im trying a calming supplement.  :) 

My mare is hot and nervous. It doesn't matter how much you ride her. She's bred to go, go, go, go! I see her out there galloping all by herself in the field while everyone else is grazing. They all look up, "Oh, Fireball is running again," lol, and go back to eating. My mare is also suspected of having ulcers. I give her a scoop of ViaCalm twice a day to calm her down and to prevent nervousness which would flare up the ulcers. She's still running around but the ViaCalm has taken just enough of the edge off that she's not out of her mind and she's safe to handle. I give her a heaping scoop when something is going to happen that makes her nervous like going to a race. I can't say if it slowed her speed down because we haven't run her long enough. She's pretty fast though. 

I know we can't name suppliers on here that don't advertise on BHW, so can someone please, please PM the name of your valerian root powder supplier?  I'm anxious to try this one.  BTW, I only feed 10% protein and small amount of stabilized rice bran.