Exploring Equine CBD Benefits, Uses, and What You Need to Know

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

Cannabidiol (CBD) and its precursor, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), are becoming popular for horse health. Owners and veterinarians are looking into these compounds for pain relief, calming effects, and anti-inflammatory benefits. But what does research from veterinary journals say about CBD and CBDA use in horses? Below, we summarize the latest findings on efficacy, absorption, safety, and regulations.

Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Early reports and studies support CBD’s potential as a pain reliever in horses. A 4-year-old mare with high touch sensitivity showed great improvement after taking oral CBD twice a day. Previous treatments, like steroids and gabapentin, were ineffective. After 36 hours on CBD, her pain responses dropped. CBD might help reduce neuropathic pain in horses when other treatments don’t work. The authors noted that cannabinoid receptors in the nervous and immune systems may help reduce pain and inflammation.

Veterinarians also report positive outcomes using CBD for orthopedic pain and arthritis. A study from Colorado State University (CSU) found CBD in horses' joint fluid after they took it orally. This shows that CBD, especially in higher doses, can reach joints and may reduce inflammation.

Calming Effects on Stress and Anxiety

Another key interest is using CBD to lower stress and anxiety in horses. This is especially important during transport or vet visits. A study from Murray State University looked at how horses reacted to sudden surprises before and after CBD. Horses on CBD were less likely to startle, suggesting calmer responses. Heart rates were similar in both groups. However, the behavioral differences suggest that CBD may help reduce anxiety.

Field studies also examined CBD’s effect on transport stress. Researchers at Tarleton State University looked at how CBD affects horses during transportation. Horses got either low or high doses of full-spectrum CBD oil every day before a trailering trial. Higher doses had a stronger calming effect. Both doses lowered cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. A drop in cortisol suggests the CBD-treated horses experienced less transport stress. The higher CBD dose group took longer to finish their feed. This shows they were more relaxed. No lasting side effects were found. Also, CBD was undetectable in their blood 24 hours after dosing.

Unlike sedatives, common doses of CBD do not impair alertness or coordination. Horses remain bright and responsive.

However, not all research found quick anti-anxiety benefits. A double-blind trial in Germany tested CBD paste against a placebo for 15 days. Researchers measured signs of anxiety, heart rate, and cortisol levels. No significant differences were found between the CBD-treated horses and controls. This suggests that 15 days of CBD may not have been enough to show a measurable effect. The dose or duration might have been too low. Also, CBD's effects can be subtle and depend on the situation.

Absorption and Bioavailability in Horses

One challenge with CBD is its variable oral absorption, especially in large animals. Horses can absorb CBD from oral products, but the bioavailability is low. CBDA might be absorbed more effectively. A recent study found that horses absorbed and retained CBDA much better than CBD. This supports the idea that full-spectrum hemp extracts may be more effective when they have CBDA.

When given orally, only a small fraction of CBD reaches the bloodstream. Trials show that horses have lower plasma CBD levels than dogs or humans when given the same doses. This might be due to differences in digestion and metabolism. Horses have long GI tracts that could break down much of the CBD before it enters circulation. Eating CBD with a high-fat meal can greatly improve absorption. CBD loves fat. Human studies show that a fatty meal can increase CBD uptake four- to five-fold. Researchers are now giving CBD right after feeding grain or mixing it with oil. This helps improve bioavailability. After oral dosing, CBD peaks in a horse’s system within a few hours. Studies have found that maximum concentration occurs around 4–5 hours post-administration. Without repeat dosing, CBD levels drop within a day or two. With daily dosing, some accumulation of CBD or its metabolites can occur in the first week. Researchers noted that one metabolite tends to accumulate early and is important for drug testing.

Long-Term Safety and Side Effects

One key question is: Is CBD safe for horses over time? Current research shows that CBD (and CBDA) have a good safety profile in horses. They usually tolerate CBD well, with few side effects. In a study from Colorado State, horses received prolonged dosing. Veterinarians conducted daily health checks and periodic blood tests. All horses maintained normal health, attitude, and appetite throughout the study. There were no abnormal behaviors, and no sedative effects were noted at either dose. Body weights stayed stable. There were two minor changes: a small drop in total calcium and a short-term rise in liver enzymes in some horses. The enzyme increases were mild. No horse got sick, so they were likely normal adaptations. Detailed liver checks (ultrasounds and biopsies) showed no harm. A study at Louisiana State University confirmed no negative changes in behavior or coordination in horses over eight weeks. This supports that even two months of daily CBD at moderate doses didn’t harm horse health.

Overall, the consensus is that chronic cannabinoid use in horses is safe at the studied doses. Research on adult and senior horses showed no neurologic or gastrointestinal side effects. There were also no significant abnormalities linked to CBD use. Notably, the doses horse owners typically use are lower than those in many studies. This adds a safety margin, as these levels have been shown to be safe. Horses don’t get “high” from hemp CBD products because they have less than 0.3% THC. So, any psychoactive effects are very small. They showed no signs of being intoxicated or lethargic.

However, caution is still key. Use only high-quality CBD products, free of contaminants. Hemp absorbs toxins from the soil. So, pick products with third-party lab testing (COA). This checks for purity and correct CBD levels. While no "lethal dose" has been found in animals, very high doses are not well-studied in horses. It’s wise to stick to recommended amounts and involve a veterinarian in your horse’s care plan. Treat CBD like a medicine. Use it responsibly. Watch for changes in your horse and keep your vet updated.

CBD Use and Competition Regulations

Horse owners in competitions must be careful with CBD use. Most equestrian authorities prohibit CBD in competing horses. The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) ban any detectable levels of CBD in competitions. This strict stance is due to uncertainties. Regulators prioritize caution regarding anything that might affect performance or mask pain.

What should competitors do? The safest option is to stop using CBD well before any event. How long to withdraw isn’t fully clear yet. Studies show that after a single dose, CBD usually leaves the horse's system in 24–48 hours. However, metabolites can last longer with repeated doses, and testing might detect those. Some veterinarians recommend stopping CBD at least a week before competition until more conclusive data is available. If your horse isn’t competing, these rules don’t apply, but once they enter an event, they must be CBD-free.

Equine CBD Products and Practical Considerations

Interest in CBD for horses is rising. So, the range of equine products is expanding. You can find oils, pastes, pellets, and powders now. Equine CBD powders and pellets provide a tasty, easy way to dose horses. They can be mixed with feed, making daily use convenient. A major benefit of powders and pellets is their consistent dosing. Each scoop has a precise amount of CBD. This helps maintain steady intake. Pastes or formulations that absorb in the mouth may work faster than pellets that go directly to the stomach.

Paste syringes are great for quick use. They deliver CBD that starts to absorb in the mouth in 30 to 45 minutes. Powders and pellets work well for daily use. They take a bit longer to show effects, peaking in a few hours. Owners can pick what works best for them. They can choose treats and pellets for daily wellness or paste for quick stress relief.

Choose an equine CBD product with clear labels and third-party lab tests. Reputable companies give a Certificate of Analysis. This confirms the CBD content and shows there are no contaminants. Dose per serving is also crucial—many equine products offer between 25 mg to 250 mg CBD per serving. Know how that translates to mg/kg for your horse’s weight. Since every horse’s metabolism is different, you may need to adjust the dose to find the right level. Always consult your vet, especially if your horse is on other medications.

If you’d like personalized guidance on whether CBD or CBDA is right for your horse, schedule an appointment with The Zen Vet. Together we can create a safe, effective plan tailored to your horse’s needs. If you want a holistic addition to your horse’s care, consider VetCS CBD Products, a company I trust.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

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

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

• Transparent plant sourcing from Colorado.

• Products are hemp-derived, containing CBDA and CBD.

Cons

• CBD is not show-safe and is banned by USEF, like many pain relief medications.

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

• Tolerance may build over time, making doses less effective.

Additional Reading & Resources

Want to dive deeper into the science and safety of CBD and CBDA for horses? Below are trusted studies, articles, and veterinary resources to help you better understand the research behind these hemp-derived compounds and how they may support equine health:

Scientific Research on CBD for Horses

• Case Report: Cannabidiol for Mechanical Allodynia in a Horse – Ellis & Contino, Equine Vet Education – Documents a mare’s dramatic response to CBD for touch sensitivity.

• Behavioral Effects of CBD in Horses – Draeger et al., Journal of Veterinary Behavior – CBD reduced startle responses in horses after oral dosing.

• CBD Transport Stress Study – Tarleton State University/dvm360 – CBD lowered cortisol levels and improved behavior in trailered horses.

• CBD Paste Trial in Horses – Eichler et al., Frontiers in Veterinary Science – A 15-day controlled study showing subtle or no calming effects under lab stress conditions.

Pharmacokinetics & Bioavailability

• CBD vs. CBDA in Horses: A Pharmacokinetic Comparison – Cercone et al., AJVR (2025) – CBDA was absorbed and retained better than CBD in horses.

• CBD Metabolism and Blood Levels in Horses – Ryan et al., Drug Testing & Analysis – Examines how quickly and efficiently horses process oral CBD.

• Feeding Considerations for Better CBD Absorption – CSU/VetCS Summary – Highlights how fat content in meals affects CBD uptake.

Long-Term Safety and Clinical Monitoring

• 6-Week CBD Safety Study in Horses – Yocom et al., JEVS/CSU – No sedation or health concerns observed with daily dosing.

• 8-Week Safety Trial on CBD in Horses – St. Blanc et al., LSU/JEVS – No behavioral changes, sedation, or adverse bloodwork findings.

• Overview of Veterinary CBD Research & Safety – Nancy Loving, DVM, EquiManagement – A summary of current research and real-world observations.

Competition Rules & Legal Considerations

• CBD Bans in Competition – USEF & FEI Guidelines 

  
  

Equine CBD Products & Practical Tips

• CBD’s Effects on Behavior & Movement – The Horse – Covers Murray State’s work on equine behavior and CBD use.