Is Equine CBD Helpful for Competition Horses? A Comprehensive Guide

Last updated: March 26, 2025

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

The buzz around cannabidiol (CBD) in equine care has increased dramatically, particularly among competitive horse owners seeking new ways to enhance performance and comfort. But can CBD truly benefit competitive horses, or are the risks and regulatory concerns too significant?

With over 25 years of experience as a horse owner and trainer, I’ve learned to approach such trends carefully. In this guide, I’ll provide a clear, evidence-based overview of Equine CBD’s potential benefits, risks, and critical legal considerations for competitive horses.

Understanding CBD

Before exploring CBD’s potential benefits for competitive horses, let’s briefly cover what CBD is and how it interacts with your horse’s body.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants, primarily hemp. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a “high.” Hemp-derived CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, ensuring it doesn’t negatively impact a horse’s mental state or performance.

The Equine Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

CBD interacts with your horse’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a network found in all mammals that plays a key role in regulating mood, pain, inflammation, appetite, and immune function (Silver, 2019). It may support the ECS by enhancing or prolonging the effects of the body’s natural cannabinoids, potentially improving overall health and homeostasis in your horse.

Potential Benefits of CBD for Competitive Horses

Competitive horses face intense physical demands and psychological stress. Let’s explore key areas where CBD may potentially support your horse’s health and performance based on current research and practical experiences.

Pain and Inflammation Relief

Research indicates that CBD could help reduce inflammation and manage chronic pain, potentially enhancing comfort and performance in competitive horses. Notably:

• A Frontiers in Veterinary Science study showed that mature horses with osteoarthritis experienced significant improvements in quality of life and reduced pain levels when CBD (0.03 mg/kg, oral transmucosal) was added to their pain management regimen.
• The same study also found a reduction in inflammatory markers in senior horses, suggesting CBD may help manage inflammation related to heavy training and competition.

When training Thoroughbred racehorses, managing inflammation and joint soreness is a daily concern. I remember a filly who regularly had mild joint swelling after intense workouts. Although I didn’t give her CBD due to competition restrictions, emerging research suggests it could become a valuable tool for managing similar cases—if and when regulations allow.

However, further controlled studies are still essential to confirm CBD’s effectiveness across a broader range of equine pain conditions (Turner et al., 2021).

Anxiety and Stress Management

Competitive horses regularly encounter stress from rigorous training schedules, travel, and high-pressure racing environments. Anecdotal evidence from trainers and horse owners suggests that CBD may offer calming benefits, potentially reducing stress-related behaviors and promoting improved performance and well-being.

While direct equine studies remain scarce, human research supports CBD’s efficacy in managing anxiety and stress symptoms, providing optimism that similar effects might apply to horses. Conversely, a study highlighted by AskAnimalweb observed no significant reduction in stress parameters in healthy horses administered oral CBD, underscoring the need for more targeted research on horses genuinely experiencing anxiety or stress.

Managing racehorse anxiety is a frequent challenge. I have a nervous horse who tends to wash out before races. We decided to try CBD, and while he didn’t win, he competed more confidently and didn’t wash out before the race—suggesting CBD could positively influence stress management for some horses.

To better understand stress behaviors in racehorses, you might find this article helpful: Understanding Stress and Behavior in Racehorses.

Muscle Recovery

Currently, there’s limited research specifically examining CBD for muscle recovery in horses. However, given CBD’s documented anti-inflammatory properties, it’s plausible that it may aid recovery after strenuous exercise or competition.

From my experience conditioning young horses, rapid recovery between training sessions significantly affects their performance trajectory. While the exact role CBD could play remains scientifically unclear, its anti-inflammatory effects are promising and merit further exploration.

CBD Safety and Competition Rules: What to Know

Using CBD in competitive horses requires close attention to strict rules, safety concerns, and evolving research. Below is a clear breakdown of key regulatory guidelines, testing issues, and safety recommendations.

Regulatory Guidelines

CBD is not universally approved for competitive use. Each governing body has its own rules:

• Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI): As of 2022, CBD is classified as a controlled medication. While it’s no longer banned outright, its use is still restricted in competition. Source
• United States Equestrian Federation (USEF): CBD and all cannabinoids are prohibited. Positive tests can result in disqualification, fines, and suspensions. Source
• Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA): CBD is listed as a controlled medication with no established withdrawal guidelines. Detection limits aren’t specified, so even small traces may lead to penalties. HISA Controlled Substance List

Note: Louisiana horse racing has not adopted HISA, but other state or track-level rules may still apply.

Drug Testing and Detection

CBD can remain in a horse’s system longer than expected. One study found CBD undetectable in plasma 28 days after low-dose administration (0.12–0.13 mg/kg). However, detection time varies based on dosage, formulation, and the horse’s metabolism.

Recommendation: Avoid CBD during active competition seasons unless under direct veterinary supervision during off-season training.

Veterinary Consultation and Safety

Always consult your veterinarian before giving your horse CBD. While vets can’t prescribe CBD in the U.S. or Canada, they can:

• Help identify potential interactions with other medications.
• Monitor for side effects such as mild hypocalcemia or elevated liver enzymes (source).
• Suggest safe dosing plans and observation periods before use in competition.

My vet recommended using CBD during training weeks before any race, just to monitor response without risk of disqualification.

Choosing and Using CBD Products

If you’re considering CBD for your horse, selecting the right product and using it correctly are key to ensuring safety and effectiveness. Here’s what to know about forms, dosages, quality, and administration.

Available Forms

CBD products for horses come in various forms, including:

• Oils and tinctures
• Pellets and powders
• Topical balms and creams

Each type has a different absorption rate. Some micellar-based formulations may offer better bioavailability, allowing more CBD to enter the bloodstream. Oils are the most commonly used form and allow for flexible dosing, but some horses may prefer palatable pellets mixed with feed.

Dosage Guidelines

There is currently no universal standard for CBD dosing in horses, but most sources recommend starting with 0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg per day. Doses below 0.5 mg/kg are often considered too low to be effective.

Always begin with the lowest dose possible, observe your horse’s response, and adjust gradually as needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely and consult your veterinarian to tailor the dosage to your horse’s needs.

When I tried CBD for one of my horses who routinely washed out before races, I started with 0.5 mg/kg during training and gradually increased it over two weeks. He became noticeably calmer and more focused. We stayed within safe dosing limits and monitored closely to avoid any adverse effects or regulatory risks.

Ensuring Quality and Safety

Not all CBD products are created equal. To ensure safety and consistency, choose products that meet the following criteria:

• Third-party Certificates of Analysis (COA) that verify cannabinoid content, purity, and absence of harmful contaminants
• Low or non-detectable THC levels, typically below 0.3%
• Compliance with cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices), ensuring clean, safe production environments

Be cautious of cheap or unverified products, which may be contaminated, mislabeled, or ineffective. The FDA has issued warnings to companies illegally marketing CBD products for use in food-producing animals—highlighting the importance of choosing high-quality, tested supplements.

Administration Methods

CBD can be administered in several ways:

• Oral dosing, either directly with a syringe or mixed into grain or feed
• Topical application for localized issues like joint inflammation or skin irritation

Administering CBD with food may help improve absorption. In my experience, horses tolerate it best when mixed into a moist feed or molasses-based ration, especially for those picky about new supplements.

FAQ’s About Equine CBD and Competitive Horses

Should You Try CBD for Your Competitive Horse?

CBD may offer relief for pain and anxiety, but if you’re actively racing, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against strict regulations. Consider trialing it during downtime, and always involve your veterinarian.

Final Thoughts on Equine CBD for Competitive Horses

Current evidence suggests that CBD holds promise for pain relief, inflammation management, and potentially, anxiety reduction in horses. However, competitive horse owners must be cautious due to significant regulatory constraints and limited research.

Always consult your veterinarian, stay informed about rule changes, and prioritize safe, compliant care. As more research emerges, the role of CBD in equine sports medicine may become clearer (Iffland & Grotenhermen, 2017).

Want to understand how stress affects your horse’s focus and performance? Read this guide on equine stress and performance for a deeper dive.

Have you tried CBD with your horse? I’d love to hear about your experiences—whether during training, travel, or recovery. Drop a comment or contact me directly to share your story.

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Internal Links:

• Equine Nutrition Guide: Joint Health and Soundness
• Mental Conditioning for Horses: Racehorses and Beyond
• Recognizing Early Signs of Lameness in Horses
• Young Horse Conditioning for Health and Soundness