top of page

CBD for Horses: Exploring Its Benefits, Uses, and What You Need to Know

Writer: Dr. Colleen O'LearyDr. Colleen O'Leary
Mar 99 min read

Updated: 7 days ago



CBD and CBDA for Horses: What Does the Science Say?

Cannabidiol (CBD) and its precursor cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are hemp-derived compounds gaining popularity for equine health. Owners and veterinarians are exploring these supplements for potential pain relief, calming effects, and anti-inflammatory benefits. But what does scientific research from veterinary and equine journals actually show about CBD/CBDA use in horses? Below we break down the latest findings on efficacy, absorption, safety, and regulations – all backed by research.


Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

CBD’s potential as a pain reliever in horses is supported by early case reports and studies. In one published case, a 4-year-old mare with extreme touch sensitivity showed dramatic improvement when treated with oral CBD twice daily. The mare had touch sensitivity around her withers and shoulders that did not respond to steroids, vitamin E, or gabapentin. After 36 hours on CBD her pain responses dropped significantly. This case suggests CBD can alleviate neuropathic pain in horses where other treatments failed. The authors noted that cannabinoid receptors in the nervous and immune systems may mediate pain relief and reduce inflammation.


Anecdotally, equine veterinarians report positive outcomes using CBD for orthopedic pain and arthritis. These reports align with the finding that CBD was detectable in joint fluid of horses after oral supplementation. In a Colorado State University (CSU) study, horses given daily CBD had the compound appear in their joint fluid. This indicates orally administered CBD (especially at higher doses) can penetrate into joints, where it might directly exert anti-inflammatory effects for orthopedic issues.


Calming Effects on Stress and Anxiety

Another major interest is using CBD to reduce stress and anxiety in horses – for example, to calm horses during transport, farrier/vet visits, or competition. A Murray State University study tested horses’ reactivity to a startling stimulus before and after CBD supplementation. Horses on CBD were less likely to startle or attempt to flee, indicating a calmer response . Interestingly, heart rate during the test was similar between groups, but the behavioral difference suggests CBD reduced the anxiety or fear response to the novel stimulus. These findings led researchers to conclude the CBD-supplemented horses were “less reactive” and supported further investigation of CBD for stress-related behaviors.


Field studies have also looked at trailering stress. Tarleton State University researchers, in collaboration with an equine CBD manufacturer, examined CBD’s effect on horses during transportation stress. In their program, horses received either a low or higher dose of a full-spectrum CBD oil daily leading up to a trailering trial. They reported that higher doses had a greater calming effect, with both doses resulting in measurably reduced cortisol levels during transport. Cortisol is a hormone that rises with stress, so a drop in cortisol suggests the CBD-treated horses experienced less transport stress. The higher CBD dose group also took longer to finish their feed, which the authors interpreted as the horses being more relaxed (not bolting down feed due to stress). Notably, the study found no lasting side effects, and CBD was not detectable in the horses’ blood 24 hours after dosing in either group.



Unlike a sedative, CBD at common doses does not appear to impair alertness or coordination. Horses remain bright, responsive, and well-coordinated.


However, not all research found instant anti-anxiety benefits. A rigorous double-blind trial in Germany investigated whether CBD truly reduces stress in a controlled setting . In this study, CBD paste or a placebo paste for 15 days. Researchers measured behavioral signs of anxiety (using a sedation/facial expression scale), heart rate and variability, and cortisol levels , both at rest and during stress tests. The result: no statistically significant differences were found between the CBD-treated horses and controls on any stress measures. These findings suggest that 15 days of CBD at was not enough to produce a measurable anti-anxiety effect under the conditions of this study. It’s possible that the dose or duration were insufficient, or that CBD’s effects are subtle and situation-dependent. CBD's calming effect, if present, is more subtle and might help in specific scenarios like easing mild anxiety or enhancing focus rather than knocking a horse down.


Absorption and Bioavailability in Horses

One challenge with CBD is that oral absorption can be variable – especially in large animals like horses. Overall, horses do absorb CBD from oral products, but bioavailability is on the low side, and CBDA may be absorbed more efficiently than CBD.  A recent study directly compared equal doses of CBD and CBDA in adult horses. The horses’ bodies absorbed and retained CBDA far more effectively than CBD. These findings align with prior hints that full-spectrum hemp extracts might be absorbed better when they contain CBDA. Scientists speculate that CBDA could act as a more bioavailable “prodrug” or aid absorption of other cannabinoids.


When CBD is given by mouth, only a fraction of the dose reaches the bloodstream. Several equine pharmacokinetic trials have noted that horses achieve lower plasma CBD concentrations than those reported in dogs or humans given similar doses. This could be due to differences in digestion and metabolism – horses have a long GI tract and fermentative digestion that might break down or expel much of the CBD before it enters circulation. Feeding CBD with a high-fat meal can significantly boost absorption. CBD is lipophilic (fat-loving), so how it’s administered matters. Human studies show a fatty meal can increase CBD uptake four- to five-fold Extrapolating this to horses, researchers have started dosing CBD shortly after feeding grain or mixing it with oil to enhance bioavailability.


After oral dosing, CBD takes a few hours to peak in a horse’s system. Multiple studies have found the time to maximum concentration is around 4–5 hours post-administration. Practically speaking, without repeat dosing the CBD levels drop off within a day or two. With chronic daily dosing, there can be some accumulation of CBD or its metabolites during the first week ), but steady-state is reached fairly quickly. Researchers observed that one metabolite, tends to accumulate early on with daily CBD administration in horses. This metabolite is inactive but important for drug testing (more on that later).


 We have scientific confirmation that these supplements are generally safe for horses long-term, and reach target tissues like joints


Long-Term Safety and Side Effects

One of the most important questions: Is CBD safe for horses, especially with long-term use? According to current research, CBD (and CBDA) have shown a favorable safety profile in horses so far. Horses generally tolerate CBD very well, with minimal side effects observed. In a Colorado State study that tested prolonged dosing. Throughout the trial, veterinarians performed daily health assessments and periodic blood tests. The authors reported that all horses maintained normal physical exam parameters, attitude, and appetite during the entire study. No abnormal behaviors emerged – importantly, no sedative effects were noted at either dose. Body weights remained stable, and there were no significant changes in routine blood chemistry aside from two findings: a mild decrease in total calcium and a transient increase in liver enzymes in some horses. The liver enzyme elevations were mild, and no horse became ill; this suggests the increases might have been mild adaptive changes rather than signs of damage. Indeed, detailed liver evaluations (ultrasounds and biopsies) showed no harm. Similarly, a Louisiana State University study found no adverse changes in behavior, coordination, or clinical parameters in horses over 8 weeks. This reinforces that even 2 months of daily CBD at moderate dose did not negatively affect horse health.


Across the board, the consensus so far is that chronic cannabinoid supplementation in horses is safe at the doses studied. Research in adult and senior horses has found no neurologic or gastrointestinal side effects and no clinically significant abnormalities during CBD administration. It’s worth mentioning that current recommended CBD doses used by horse owners are actually lower than the doses in many of these studies. This provides an added margin of safety – the typical use levels are well within the range that has been shown to be safe. Horses did not get “high” (hemp CBD products contain <0.3% THC, so psychoactive THC dose is negligible) and in fact showed no signs of intoxication or lethargy.


That said, caution and common sense are still advised. It’s crucial to use only high-quality CBD products that are free of contaminant. Hemp is a bioaccumulator plant; if it’s grown in soil with heavy metals or toxins, those could end up in the extract. Choosing a product with third-party lab testing (COA) ensures it’s pure and contains the labeled amount of CBD. Additionally, while no “lethal dose” has been identified in animals , extremely high doses haven’t been studied in horses – so it’s wise to stick to recommended amounts and involve a veterinarian in your horse’s care plan. In other words, treat CBD as you would a medication: use responsibly, observe your horse for any changes, and keep your vet informed.



CBD Use and Competition Regulations

Horse owners competing in regulated events must be very careful with CBD use. Most equestrian competition authorities currently prohibit CBD in competing horses. The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) do not allow any detectable levels of CBD in horses during competition. This strict approach is partly due to the unknowns – regulators err on the side of caution for anything that might affect performance or mask pain.


So what should competitors do? The safest route is to discontinue CBD well before any sanctioned event. How long to withdraw isn’t fully clear yet. Studies have shown that after a single dose, CBD itself is usually gone by 24–48 hours in most horses . However, metabolites can persist a bit longer with repeated dosing, and testing methods might detect those. Some veterinarians recommend stopping CBD at least a week or more prior to competition until more definitive data is available. If your horse isn’t competing, these rules don’t apply – but once they enter an event, they must be free of CBD.


Equine CBD Products and Practical Considerations

As interest in CBD for horses has grown, so have the number of specialized equine products on the market – from oils and pastes to pellets and powders. Equine CBD powders (as well as pelleted forms) offer a palatable, easy way to dose horses. They can be top-dressed on feed, which is convenient for daily administration. A big advantage of powders/pellets is consistent dosing – each scoop has a measured amount of CBD, which helps maintain steady intake. Pastes or formulations that allow some oral absorption (across the gums) might kick in faster than pellets that go straight to the stomach.

Paste syringes can be useful for situational use, delivering CBD that partially absorbs in the mouth within 30–45 minutes.


Powders and pellets are more geared toward daily supplementation with a slower onset (peaking in a few hours, as discussed). Owners can choose the format that fits their needs – treats and pellets for daily well-being, or paste for quick use before a known stressor.


When selecting an equine CBD product, look for transparent labeling and third-party lab testing. Reputable companies will provide a Certificate of Analysis confirming the CBD content and the absence of contaminants. Dose per serving is another key detail – many equine products provide between 25 mg to 250 mg CBD per serving, so make sure you know how that translates to mg/kg for your horse’s weight. Because every horse’s metabolism and condition is different, you may need to titrate the dose to find the “sweet spot” – and consult your vet, especially if your horse is on other medications.


If you’re looking for a holistic addition to your horse’s care routine, VetCS CBD Products is a company I trust and is worth considering.


Use our code for 15% off your purchase anytime: V267


Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High-quality, third-party tested product. Free of heavy metals, solvents, and pesticide residue.

  • Developed by a veterinary team dedicated to advancing CBD research.

  • Plant sourcing is transparent and based from Colorado.

  • Products are hemp derived which contains CBDA and CBD


Cons

  • CBD is not show safe, and is a USEF banned substance like many pain relief medications

  • Effects can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the individual horse.

  • Tolerance may build up overtime and dose is less effective



Sources:



 
 
 

Comments

We're here to help!

Click the buttons below to to learn more about services.  We look forward to helping you & your animal friend soon!

Clients are seen by appointment only Tuesday- Friday
Proudly serving the Lancaster, PA region
Sorry, we are unable to accommodate urgent care calls   
 

© The Zen Veterinarian, PLLC. PO Box #1 , Ephrata, PA 17522
Disclaimer |Privacy Policy| Terms Of Service
All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited.

bottom of page