> FAQs

How much do I give?

The quantity for our herbal products is generally dependent on the height of your horse but full instructions will be found on the product packaging.

Dried herbs will take approximately 3-4 weeks to be fully absorbed, whilst liquid products are usually absorbed within 5-10 days.

If you have been giving your horse the correct quantity of herbs for several weeks and have seen no change then please contact our Helpline - we may be able to suggest an alternative product.

The quantity given can be both increased and decreased depending on the circumstances. Very often a low maintenance amount can be sufficient for a horse that is going to be kept on the herbs long term. Remember - that like humans, all horses and ponies are individuals!

How long will the herbs take to work?

The time it takes for the herbs to be absorbed will vary slightly according to each horse and pony, however in general tems you need to allow 2-3 weeks for the dry herbs and 7-10 days for the liquid products.

Liquid products in the Gold Solutions range are absorbed more rapidly than the ordinary solutions because they contain a higher proportion of herbal tinctures.  A product like Equimmune Gold will be absorbed into the horse or pony's system within 5-7 days, sometimes even less.

Are the herbs addictive?

No, your horse or pony will not become dependent on the herbs.

Will the effects wear off if I give my horse herbs long-term?

No, your horse or pony's reaction to the herbs should not change with long-term use.

Bear in mind however that your horses situation may change with time. In this case we recommend that you contact our helpline to check that you are using the most appropriate product for the situation.  For example you may have been using the Hilton Veteran for some time because your horse is getting older, however as he ages his mobility may be more affected, if this is the situation then perhaps it would be worth changing to the Hilton Reflex which is not only excellent for elderly horses but will also help maintain healthy joints.

Will my horse eat the herbs?

Most horses will readily eat the herbs mixed into their normal feeds.  If your horse or pony is particularly fussy the best thing is to introduce the herbs VERY gradually, if necessary just a pinch at a time.  If possible introduce them into a feed that your horse or pony likes. If the feed is dampened with water or sugar beet there should be no problem with getting your horse to eat them. 

The liquid products are herbal tinctures blended with cidar vinegar and honey.  The smell and taste of the cidar vinegar is very distinctive and whilst most horses and ponies will happily eat it in their feed there are some who just do not like it.  The alternative is to use a plastic syringe and squirt the liquid into your horse or pony's mouth in the same way as you do with a wormer.

What is the difference between the dry and liquid products?

The main difference between the dry and liquid products is in the speed of absorption by your horse or pony's system.  The dry herbs take longer to be absorbed - typically 2-3 weeks.  The liquid herbal tinctures are absorbed more rapidly - typically 7-10 days.  In the case of the Gold Solutions, absorption is even quicker - typically 5-7 days.

There is no difference in efficacy between the dry and liquid products.  Just occasionally you will find that your horse or pony responds better to one or the other.  There is no logic to this, just an individual response.

Can I mix several products?

In principle there is no problem with mixing several of our herbal products.  If you have any concerns about duplication of herbs then please don't hesitate to contact our Helpline for advice.

If my horse feed already contains herbs can I give herbal products?

In principle there is no reason why you cannot use our herbal products in addition to a horse feed which has added herbs.  If you have any concerns about possible duplication then please call our Helpline for advice.

Which is better - dry or liquid herbal products?

There is no difference in efficacy between the dry herbal products and the liquid herbal tinctures.

If you want to get the herbs into the horses system quickly then the liquid products would be better, as the tinctures are absorbed more rapidly.  If this is not a concern then we advise using the dry herbs, they are equally as good and usually cost less than their liquid equivalents.

How long with 1kg of the dry or 1L of the liquid product last?

The dry mixes vary in their volume and density.  A 50ml scoop of Hackaway, for example, weighs 12.5g whereas a 50ml scoop of Reflex weighs 9g.  In general terms 1kg of dry herbs or 1L of liquid tinctures will last a 15.2hh horse 3-4 weeks.

Can I administer herbal products in conjunction with conventional medicine?

In principle herbal products can safely be administered in conjunction with the vast majority of conventional medicines.  If your horse or pony is already receiving medication, or if you have any doubts at all about drug/herb interaction, please contact your vet and/or our Helpline for advice.

Can I compete my horse whilst using herbal products?

If you are competing your horse in unaffiliated competition there should be no problems with giving your horse whatever feed or supplement you wish.

If you are competing in affiliated competition then you need to get up-to-date advice from the society governing your discipline, as the list of prohibited substances can change from one month to the next.

For example the herb Valerian is prohibited for use in horses / ponies competing under Jockey Club and FEI rules.  Valerian has been added to the prohibited substances list not because it is dangerous in any way for your horse or pony, simply because these governing bodies consider it to be a performance enhancer for horses that may become stressed or nervous.

Hilton Herbs offers several mixes for the nutritional maintenance of the nervous system that contain Valerian or are Valerian Free.

However, it is important that competitors using our products are aware that we DO NOT routinely test our products for the presence of prohibited substances. Therefore we CANNOT guarantee that our products are safe to use in competition. 

For further information please contact our Helpline.

Can herbs cause allergic reactions?

Reactions to herbal mixes are extemely rare, however it is possible that from time to time a horse or pony may have an adverse reaction to a particular herb. Remember horses like humans are individuals.

In the unlikely event of your horse or pony having an allergic reaction we advise you to stop giving the herbs immediately and contact our Helpline for advice.