Hops are a recognized medicinal plant.

It has always been used to calm the nervous system . This traditional use is recognized by several health authorities, including the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the World Health Organization (WHO), Commission E of the German Federal Ministry of Health, and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP). There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of hops in treating nervousness, tension, stress, restlessness, and anxiety. It can therefore greatly help to soothe sensitive or easily distracted horses, helping them to focus on training or to acclimate more smoothly, for example.

In addition to its primary use as a sedative (excellent in synergy with valerian!), hops—rich in tannins with antiviral properties—are traditionally used in India and China to treat ailments such as headaches, indigestion, and intestinal cramps. The Cherokee people also used them as an anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and to treat inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract. But hops are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and play an important role in the body’s normal functioning. Hops thus seem ideal for promoting overall well-being .

Research from the University of Kentucky and the U.S. Department of Agriculture* suggests that the antibacterial properties of hops slow the growth of harmful bacteria and help maintain a proper intestinal pH . Hops thus become a valuable aid in controlling microbiological problems and reducing the risk of laminitis .

In addition to its recognized antispasmodic effect on intestinal and gastric problems, it is also used in cases of general weakness, particularly when the animal has lost its appetite and is emaciated. The bitter principle of hops helps to stimulate the digestive system and trigger the appetite .

*“Inhibition of fructan-fermenting equine faecal bacteria and Streptococcus bovis by hops (Humulus lupulus L.) beta acid,” Journal of Applied Microbiology, April 2014

What does the regulation say?

On the AFLD (French Anti-Doping Association) website , “HUMULUS LUPULUS” or “HOPS”, hops are not considered a doping product:

Status : Authorized drug // Authorization procedure : No specific steps // Additional information: Specific specifications : None

Here’s some good news: your horses will certainly appreciate the stress-relieving benefits of hops during various competitions, meetings, gatherings, group outings, shows, exhibitions, and more! Hops are also not on the International Equestrian Federation’s list of prohibited substances: https://prohibitedsubstancesdatabase.feicleansport.org/

How can we use this fantastic plant?

We have created a varietal blend capable of providing the best support for your animal(s).

Here is the recommended daily dose for ingestion:

• • Adult horse: 20g/day for 3 weeks
  • Pony: 10g/day for 3 weeks

In case of a severe crisis, you can increase the dose to 50g/day. While hops do have therapeutic effects, it’s not always easy to get horses to ingest them. Hop pellets are high in vegetable oils and therefore very pungent. Horses often refuse them when presented in their raw form. Here are several ways to prepare hops:

• Grind the pellets and mix them into the ration (less than 5% of the total weight)
• Infuse in cold water for 24 hours (50g in 1L) then filter before mixing with clear water (4L) to obtain 5L of infused drink.
• Boil water and add the pellets. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then strain through a sieve. Reduce the liquid to obtain a concentrate that you can inject directly into the back of the mouth with a syringe.
• Heat a mixture of butter and water. Add the pellets and simmer over low heat for 40 minutes. Refrigerate. Skim off the butter that has risen to the surface and become infused with hop oils. This butter can be eaten as is or mixed into the feed.

If he still refuses to swallow it, you can try throwing the pellets directly into the stall. The oils will diffuse into the air and be inhaled. In this case, you’ll need to use larger quantities to achieve a therapeutic effect. Approximately 5 kg spread over the bedding, which should be renewed every two weeks. Since our sense of smell is 1000 times less developed than a horse’s, you can assume that if you can barely smell it… he smells it very, very strongly.

 

It’s up to you to find the method that works best for you and your horse. Although hops are an ancient plant, their therapeutic uses are still relatively unknown (or perhaps they’ve been forgotten over the centuries, like much other plant-related knowledge). Experimentation will therefore be necessary. We’re here to support you in ensuring your horse’s well-being.

To best preserve the properties of the hop pellets, we recommend carefully resealing the bag after opening, minimizing air and light exposure (as this oxidizes/degrades the product). Ideally, store in a cool place.

 

WARNING: The information mentioned above is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified veterinarian.