What is CBD and why are horse owners using it?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound from the hemp plant that interacts with a horse’s endocannabinoid system. Horse owners use CBD to support joint comfort, mobility, recovery, stress balance, digestion, and overall wellness in a gentle, natural way.

What are the potential benefits of CBD for horses?

CBD may help support a healthy inflammatory response in joints, promote smoother mobility and post-exercise recovery, encourage a calmer response to stress and environmental changes, support digestion and appetite, and improve overall comfort for senior, performance, and rescue horses.

What side effects can CBD cause in horses?

Potential side effects of CBD in horses are uncommon but may include mild drowsiness, dry mouth or increased thirst, soft stool, and temporary appetite or behavior changes. If these occur, the dose should be reduced or paused and a veterinarian consulted.

How do I choose high-quality CBD for horses?

Look for equine CBD products that are made from USA-grown hemp, are full-spectrum or THC-free broad spectrum, provide clear milligrams of CBD per milliliter, use an MCT oil carrier, and include up-to-date third-party lab tests for potency, contaminants, and THC levels. Avoid products with unnecessary additives or artificial flavorings.

How much CBD should I give my horse?

General guidelines suggest 0.2–1.0 mg of CBD per pound of bodyweight per day, depending on the horse’s size and needs. Lower ranges are often used for general wellness and mild anxiety, while higher ranges may be used for joint stiffness, performance recovery, or senior horse support. Doses should always be calculated by weight and confirmed with a veterinarian.

Will CBD make my horse sleepy or sedated?

Most horses experience mild relaxation rather than heavy sedation when given typical doses of CBD. Drowsiness is more likely at higher doses or in sensitive horses, in which case the dose can be reduced.

Does CBD show up on a drug test for competition horses?

THC and cannabinoids can be detected on drug tests, and many equine competition organizations prohibit their use. Even hemp-derived CBD products may create testing risk, so owners of competing horses should use THC-free products with caution and consult their veterinarian and governing body about withdrawal times.

⭐CBD for Horses: The Complete 2025 Guide to Equine Wellness, Joint Support & Natural Balance

Q: Is CBD safe for horses?

Current research suggests that CBD has a strong safety profile in horses when used at appropriate doses. Studies report good tolerance and few serious adverse effects, but veterinarians still recommend starting with low doses, increasing gradually, and using only high-quality, tested products.

Q: How long does CBD take to work in horses?

For stress or situational anxiety, many horses respond within 30–90 minutes of a dose. For joint comfort, mobility, and overall wellness, consistent daily use for 1–3 weeks is often needed before full benefits are seen.

Q: When should horses not use CBD?

CBD is not recommended for pregnant or lactating mares, for horses on certain liver-metabolized medications without veterinary oversight, or for competition horses subject to strict anti-doping rules unless withdrawal times are carefully planned. Always consult a veterinarian before starting CBD if your horse is on prescription drugs.

Q: Is CBD legal for horses?

In the United States, hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal. However, many equine sports organizations prohibit cannabinoids in competition, so owners of performance horses must review the rules of their governing bodies before using CBD.

Travis C
4 days ago
5 min read

CBD for horses has exploded in popularity as owners look for natural ways to support joint comfort, mobility, recovery, stress balance, and overall wellness. While CBD is best known for its benefits in humans and dogs, horses also have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) — meaning they can benefit from cannabinoid-rich hemp extracts in similar ways.

This guide gives horse owners a research-backed, veterinarian-informed, in-depth explanation of:

How CBD works for horses
Potential benefits for joint comfort, mobility, inflammation balance & anxiety
CBD for senior horses, performance horses & rescue horses
Scientific studies on equine CBD (with links)
Safety, side effects & what veterinarians say
How to choose high-quality CBD for horses
Dosing charts based on weight & condition
When CBD is NOT recommended
How to introduce CBD safely

This is the most comprehensive CBD-for-horses resource available online in 2025 — designed to help horse owners make informed, confident decisions.

What Is CBD & Why Are Horse Owners Using It?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound extracted from the hemp plant. It is non-intoxicating, contains less than 0.3% THC in legal products, and interacts with a horse’s endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate:

Because horses have cannabinoid receptors throughout their bodies, CBD may provide gentle, natural support in these areas.

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Why CBD Is Popular in the Equine World

Owners want natural solutions without harsh side effects
Senior horses often struggle with joint discomfort and mobility issues
Performance horses experience post-workout inflammation
Horses easily develop anxiety from trailering, vet visits, or changes in environment
CBD has a strong safety profile in animals when properly dosed

Scientific Research on CBD for Horses

Key Equine CBD Research

1. Colorado State University (CSU) – Pharmacokinetic Study in Horses

This foundational study found CBD to be well-tolerated and provided data on how horses metabolize cannabinoids.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34962763/

2. “Cannabidiol Supplementation in Horses” – Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

This 2021 peer-reviewed publication found no significant adverse effects.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080621001845

3. “Cannabinoid Receptors in Horses” – Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research

Confirmed the presence of CB1 and CB2 receptors in equine tissue, supporting CBD’s potential effectiveness.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18074926/

4. Veterinary Review on CBD Use in EquinesThis review examines potential benefits for inflammation, stress, and pain modulation.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.744802/full

Potential Benefits of CBD for Horses

1. Joint Discomfort & Mobility Support

Senior horses and active horses commonly experience stiffness and joint discomfort. CBD may help support:

Healthy inflammatory response in joints
Mobility and gait fluidity
Comfort during cold weather or after exercise

CBD interacts with TRPV1 receptors, which influence inflammation pathways — a major driver of joint stiffness.

2. Healthy Stress Response & Calming Support

Many horses experience stress in situations such as:

Traveling / trailering
New environments
Vet and farrier visits
Competitions
Separation

CBD may promote calm behavior by supporting serotonin receptors (5-HT1A) and helping regulate the stress response.

3. Recovery After Exercise

Performance horses (barrel racers, jumpers, reiners, cutting horses, endurance horses) experience muscle soreness after training. CBD may support:

Inflammation balance
Muscle relaxation
Faster recovery between sessions

4. Appetite, Digestion & Overall Wellness

The ECS influences digestion and appetite signaling, making CBD helpful for:

Finicky eaters
Stress-induced digestive upset
Horses adjusting to a new barn or training schedule

5. Senior Horse Comfort

Older horses commonly face:

Joint stiffness
Worn cartilage
Reduced mobility
Slower recovery
Increased stress in new situations

CBD may help aging horses maintain comfort, activity levels, and quality of life.

Is CBD Safe for Horses?

Current research suggests CBD has a strong safety profile in horses when used at appropriate dosages.

Veterinary Organizations Still Caution:

More long-term studies are needed
CBD may affect liver enzyme values in some animals
You should start low and increase gradually
Not all CBD oils are created equal (quality varies widely)

Most veterinarians agree that high-quality CBD with no detectable THC is generally well-tolerated.

Potential Side Effects (Uncommon)

Drowsiness
Dry mouth / thirst
Soft stool
Temporary appetite changes

If any of these occur, reduce the dose.

How to Choose High-Quality CBD for Horses

Because horses are large animals with sensitive digestive systems, product quality is crucial.

Look for Products That Are:

THC-Free (Broad Spectrum) — safest for competition & drug testing concerns
Full Spectrum — offers maximum natural plant synergy
3rd-party lab tested with results visible online
Made from USA-grown hemp (Colorado preferred)
Free from additives, fillers, or artificial flavorings
Suspended in MCT oil for optimal absorption

Equus Select from Cannagea meets these criteria and is formulated for equine use.

CBD Dosing for Horses (2025 Updated Chart)

General guideline: Horses typically need 0.1 mg – 0.5 mg CBD per kg of bodyweight depending on condition.

Check out our CBD for Horses Dosage Guide!

Complete with a CBD Dosage Calculator for Horses

Complete Dosage Guide CBD for Horses

Daily CBD Amount	Use Case
.1mg - .3mg per kg	General wellness / mild anxiety
.3mg - .5mg per kg	Joint stiffness / performance recovery
.5mg - .7mg per kg	Moderate discomfort / Anxiety

Always consult with your veterinarian before administering cbd to your horse.

Ready to Choose the Correct Strength for Your Horse?

Once you know the right dosage, choosing a properly formulated equine CBD oil becomes easy. Equus Select offers high-potency concentrations that make accurate dosing simple — even for large horses.

Stronger concentrations made just for horses
Consistent mg/mL for predictable results
Vet-trusted formulation

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How to Dose

Start low (¼ to ½ dose)
Increase every 3–4 days as needed
Split into 2 doses for best results

Place oil directly into grain, feed, or a treat — horses tolerate hemp flavor well.

How Long Does CBD Take to Work in Horses?

Stress support: 30–90 minutes
Joint & mobility support: 7–14 days of consistent use
Senior horse support: noticeable change in 1–3 weeks

CBD is most effective when used daily rather than “as needed.”

When Should Horses NOT Use CBD?

Pregnant or lactating mares
Horses on strong liver-metabolized medications (consult vet)
Horses requiring THC-free products for competition rules

Always check with your veterinarian if your horse is on prescription medication.

How CBD Compares to Other Equine Supplements

CBD is often compared to:

MSM
Glucosamine
Hyaluronic acid
Omega-3 supplements
Herbal calming blends

The difference:

CBD interacts with multiple body systems at once (ECS, immune function, inflammation pathways), making it a holistic option.

FAQ: CBD for Horses

Is CBD legal for horses?

Yes — hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal in the U.S. However, some equine sports organizations prohibit cannabinoids in competition.

Will CBD make my horse sleepy?

Some horses show mild relaxation, but sedation is uncommon unless using higher doses.

Can horses overdose on CBD?

CBD has a low toxicity profile. Extremely high doses may cause drowsiness or diarrhea. Start low and increase slowly.

Does CBD show up on a drug test?

THC may. Broad-spectrum CBD without THC is recommended for competition horses.

Where to Buy High-Quality CBD for Horses

Cannagea’s Equus Select is formulated specifically for horses with:

High-potency cannabinoid extract
Full-spectrum or THC-free options
MCT oil for superior absorption
Lab-tested safety & purity
Colorado-grown hemp

Link: https://www.cannagea.com/cbd-for-horses

CBD is becoming one of the most trusted natural supplements for equine wellness, supporting joint comfort, mobility, stress balance, recovery, and overall quality of life. The science continues to grow, and early research — plus thousands of horse-owner reports — shows significant potential.

With proper dosing and high-quality products, CBD may offer your horse gentle, effective daily support.

Give Your Horse the Calm, Comfort & Balance They Deserve

Now that you understand how equine CBD dosing works, you’re ready to choose a product designed specifically for horses. Equus Select delivers premium full-spectrum hemp extract, reliable potency, and real results your horse can feel.

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Always consult your veterinarian when beginning a new supplement, especially if your horse is on medication.