The use of CBD, or cannabidiol, in the equine world is becoming more common as horse owners and trainers look for natural remedies to help manage their horses' health.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant that has been shown to have a variety of health benefits for both humans and animals. In this blog, we will explore the use of CBD in horses and how it is being introduced into the equine world.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives users a "high," CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. Instead, it has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties.
How does CBD work?
CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex system of receptors and enzymes that helps regulate many physiological processes, including pain, inflammation, and anxiety. When CBD is consumed, it interacts with the ECS, helping to regulate these processes and promote overall health and well-being.
CBD is becoming increasingly popular in the equine world as horse owners and trainers look for natural remedies to help manage their horses' health. CBD has been shown to have a variety of health benefits for horses, including these top 5:
1 - Pain relief
Pain is a common problem in horses, especially as they age. Chronic pain can significantly alter a horse's quality of life and limit their ability to perform. CBD has been shown to have analgesic properties, which can help reduce pain in horses.
A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that horses with chronic lameness who were given CBD oil experienced a significant reduction in pain and improved mobility. Another study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that CBD reduced pain and improved mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis.
2 - Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can cause significant damage to the body over time. CBD has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling in horses overtime.
3 - Anxiety relief
Horses, like humans, can experience anxiety and stress in certain situations. This can be especially problematic for performance horses, who need to be calm and focused during competition. CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic properties, which can help calm anxious horses and reduce stress-related behaviours.
A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that horses who were given CBD oil experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and stress-related behaviours, such as pawing and head-shaking. Another study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that CBD reduced anxiety in dogs with separation anxiety.
4 - Digestive health
Digestive issues are common in horses and can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and medication. CBD has been shown to have beneficial effects on the digestive system, helping to promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues in horses.
5 - Skin health
Skin issues, such as dermatitis and infections, are common in horses and can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, parasites, and bacterial or fungal infections. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help promote healthy skin and reduce the risk of skin infections in horses.
CBD is being introduced into the equine world in a variety of ways. One of the most common ways is through CBD oil, which can be added to a horse's feed or administered orally using a syringe. CBD oil is typically made from hemp, which is a variety of cannabis that is low in THC and high in CBD.
Another way CBD is being introduced into the equine world is through topical products, such as creams and balms. These products can be applied directly to the skin, where they can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin.
CBD is also being used in equine supplements, which can be added to a horse's feed. These supplements typically contain other natural ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, that are commonly used to promote joint health in horses.
Is CBD safe for horses?
CBD is generally considered to be safe for horses, but it is important to use high-quality and trusted products and always follow dosage guidelines carefully. It is also important to note that CBD is not a cure-all and should not be used as a replacement for proper veterinary care. If you are considering using CBD for your horse, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian first.
CBD is a promising natural remedy for horses that may help promote overall health and well-being. It has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and anxiety relief.
As with any supplement or medication, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are using a reputable product. Look for products that are made from high-quality, organic hemp and are third-party tested for purity and potency. It is also important to follow dosage guidelines carefully and monitor your horse for any potential side effects.
One potential concern with CBD use in horses is the risk of a positive drug test. While CBD itself is not a prohibited substance in most equine sports, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, which is a prohibited substance. It is important to use THC-free CBD products to minimise the risk of a positive drug test, if you and your horse are participating in equine sports or shows.
We’re seeing the integration of CBD into healthcare and now equine healthcare more prominent, as it is a promising natural remedy for a variety of health concerns that are often presented with horses.
So do you think you’ll consider CBD for your horses? This is still very new territory for the equine world, but it might be something worth considering if you’re looking for an alternative and natural method to help with your horses pre-existing medical concerns!
