How Can CBD for Horses Help?

Cannabinoids have been incorporated into our daily lives for a plethora of conditions and ailments. Discover the facts of CBD for horses.

11:32 16 October 2019

What if you could give your horse relief from pain and anxiety in a natural and holistic way?

The use of CBD is on the rise and by this point, you may have already heard of its many benefits for humans. But did you know horses are also benefitted by CBD? 

Cannabinoids have gotten incorporated into our daily lives for a plethora of conditions, ailments, and useful products. It turns out many of these health benefits are available to our equine friends too!

Discover the facts of CBD for horses so you can share in the amazing effects of this plant with your loyal companions.

Are You Considering CBD for Your Horse?

If you are an equine competitor you should first check the regulation of CBD with your discipline's governing body. The USEF and FEI have already banned all use of cannabinoids and will disqualify anyone whose horse tests positive.

CBD's anxiolytic effect can improve a horse's performance which is why it can get you disqualified. This means it has anti-anxiety results. But don't worry, it won't have hallucinatory or psychedelic effects on your horse.

Both marijuana and hemp are part of the Cannabis Sativa plant family. This is probably why they get confused often and are accidentally referred to interchangeably. However, there is a big difference between marijuana (or cannabis) which has high levels of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and hemp. 

THC is the aspect of marijuana that gives the user a feeling of being "high." This is the hallucinatory agent that is a stereotypical effect of smoking marijuana.

When we talk about CBD oil or hemp oil, we are referring to the versatile plant that, along with having health benefits, can be used for products such as textiles, paper, concrete, and even fuel. 

CBD (Cannabidiol) oil treats symptoms such as pain and anxiety. It has low levels of THC so it isn't used as a recreational drug. It is a compound that is extracted from hemp. It may have a similar chemical makeup as THC but it doesn't have the same psychoactive effect.

This makes it a safe compound for many to use for medicinal purposes. In fact, many states are now legalizing CBD in order to allow for more people and animals to gain the healing benefits of CBD. 

It's important to look into the laws within your state before purchasing CBD, since each individual state can have different regulations surrounding its legalization or lack thereof.

Still interested in CBD oil for horses? Let's take a look at some of the many benefits it can offer.

Benefits of CBD for Horses

When it comes to owning horses we know how prone to injury they can be. Whether you've been riding for hours or you just left them overnight in the paddock. No matter how careful we are to keep them safe and pain-free, they can often end up with stiffness, inflammation, and even lameness.

Whether you're a hardcore competitor or seasoned trail rider, keeping your horse supple is a priority. Amazingly, CBD offers a number of health benefits that can offer your horse some major relief.

Pain Relief

Studies show that CBD is known to reduce pain, inflammation, and stress. It does this by quickly suppressing pain signals, boosting immune functions, and increasing naturally occurring cells in the body.

Since horses often end up with joint pain and hoof pain that can cause lameness, CBD oil is a great way to reduce your horse's suffering. It has also been known to mitigate the symptoms of cancer.

CBD oil can get used to assist with healing after an injury or recovery following surgery. 

Calm, Cool, & Collected

Because CBD is known to reduce anxiety it is also being shown to have a positive effect on horses who are prone to cribbing. It is also getting used to treat laminitis which is a disease affecting horse's hooves.

We love our four-legged companions but sometimes it's impossible to train them due to anxieties and fears. Some horses are terrified of trailering. Others get spooked on the trail by the slightest movements.

Using CBD oil can not only calm your horse's nerves but also be a lifesaver. When you lose control of your horse, you and your horse can get seriously injured. CBD oil is a tool that can help horses and trainers in a variety of ways including on the racetrack or simply in their own backyard.

You can treat your horse with CBD oil to keep them relaxed during farrier or vet visits along with during travel or introductions to new horses.

Better Digestion

Many horses suffer from gastrointestinal issues that result in colic, gastric ulcers, and leaky gut. Horses are known for having sensitive digestive tracts that can flare up at a moment's notice. CBD oil is helpful in treating this and other digestive related ailments. 

CBD oil is also going to provide an overall immune system boost for your horse. This helps with allergies and keeps your horse's mane, tail and coat shiny and healthy. 

CBD has been shown to help with immune system depression and oxidative stress as a result of Cushing's disease. It can also help regulate your horse's appetite and prevent obesity. 

Hemp Products for Horses

Medicinal benefits aren't the only areas where horses and horse owners can find uses for hemp products. Since hemp is easy to grow and produce, it is becoming a great bedding alternative. 

Researchers at Kentucky Equine Research (KER) are finding that it is an excellent option for horses as bedding. It is absorbent, biodegradable, and a lot less dusty than other options. 

There is still a lot to learn about the long term effects of CBD oil on horses. So keep in mind that we don't have all the answers just yet. That's why it's important to purchase quality CBD oil that you know comes from a reliable source.

Studies are still getting done to determine the dosages that are best for individual animals. Typically the dosage amount will be given on the packaging of the product you purchase. It is usually based on your horse's weight, although it can depend on if the product is being used to treat an ailment or as regular maintenance.

The general consensus with using CBD oil for humans and animals is that it is a highly safe product. Many agree that because horses share the same endocannabinoid system (ECS) as humans, they can safely process cannabinoids like CBD in a beneficial way.

Horses can be given CBD as a daily supplement to ease any discomfort or inflammation from regular activities or workouts. Elderly horses would especially benefit from this type of treatment since many struggle with arthritis. 

How to Pick CBD for Your Horse

If you're unsure of how to find the best CBD for your horse then there are a few things to look out for.

The first sign that a CBD product isn't all it's cracked up to be is if it is noticeable inexpensive. It's not uncommon for some companies to sell synthetic chemical substances like CBD oil products. Even if a product says it is all-natural, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be authentic CBD oil.

There should be a "Tried and Tested" certification on the product's label. Plus, make sure it says that the CBD is full spectrum. Even though isolate CBD oil tends to cost less, it won't give your horse the same benefits.

Choose a treat your horse will love! CBD oil not only comes in the form of pellets used for supplementation. They also can be given in treat form or dropped on sugar cubes. Your horse will gobble them up!

Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before giving CBD oil to your horse. In some cases, CBD has been known to interfere with other medications. There have been known to be some mild side effects if too much CBD is taken.

These side effects can be drowsiness, decreased blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, or even diarrhea. You should cut back on your animal's dosage if you notice these types of symptoms. 

From Hooves to Hindquarters

Inside and out, CBD oil for horses is proving to be a new solution to many common equine ailments. From top to bottom, your horse can benefit from the healing properties of quality CBD oil.

We hope this information about the benefits of CBD for horses has opened your eyes to new ways to help your horse's performance. 

Looking for more innovative news and information? Check our site for a variety of amazing ways to better your life.