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CBD for Horses: A Practical Guide for Equine Owners
- Romas Marcin
- May 1
- 9 min read
Quick takeaway: Horses have an endocannabinoid system like all mammals, and a growing number of equine owners are interested in incorporating CBD into their horses' wellness routines. GoGreen Hemp no longer carries horse-specific products, but our unflavored CBD oil tinctures can be used for equine applications. Always consult your equine veterinarian before adding CBD or any new supplement to your horse's routine — particularly if your horse is on other medications or has specific health considerations. CBD is not a substitute for veterinary care.
Horses are demanding animals to care for properly. Daily routines, nutrition, exercise, and health monitoring all add up to a substantial commitment. As more equine owners have started exploring CBD as a wellness option, we've gotten consistent questions about how it fits into horse care.
This guide covers what CBD is in the equine context, how to think about it sensibly, what to discuss with your veterinarian, and which of our products work for horse use given that we no longer make horse-specific formulations.
Important Note: This Is Educational Information
A few important things to establish upfront before getting into specifics:
This guide is educational, not veterinary advice. Your equine veterinarian is the authoritative source for decisions about your specific horse's health and supplements.
CBD is not a substitute for veterinary care. Any horse with health concerns needs proper veterinary diagnosis and treatment. CBD, if you use it, should be one component of a comprehensive care approach overseen by a vet — not a replacement for that care.
CBD interactions with other medications are possible. If your horse is on any medications, talk to your vet before introducing CBD. The same liver enzymes that process CBD in humans also process medications in horses.
CBD use in equine competition has specific rules. USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and other equestrian governing bodies have specific policies on CBD/cannabis use. Verify current rules with your governing body if your horse competes.
With those framings established, let's get into the practical information.
CBD and the Equine Endocannabinoid System
Horses, like all mammals, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a network of receptors and signaling molecules involved in regulating various body functions. The two primary cannabinoid receptors are:
CB1 receptors — found primarily in the central nervous system
CB2 receptors — found primarily throughout the body, including the immune system, organs, and connective tissues
This is the same general anatomy across all mammals — humans, dogs, cats, horses. The presence of the ECS is what makes cannabinoids like CBD biologically relevant to multiple species rather than just one.
CBD interacts with the ECS, though the specifics of how this translates to outcomes for horses (or any animal) is still an active area of research. We're not going to make specific claims here about what CBD does for horses — those are questions for ongoing research and for your veterinarian to address based on your specific horse.
Why Equine Owners Are Interested in CBD
Across the equine community, CBD interest has grown for several practical reasons:
General wellness interest — many owners view CBD as a potential addition to overall wellness routines
Aging horse considerations — owners of older horses often look at supplements that may support quality of life
Routine adjustments — life transitions for horses (retirement from competition, new boarding situations, travel) can prompt routine reassessment
Following human use experience — owners who've used CBD themselves often consider whether it might fit their horses' routines
Research curiosity — the growing body of veterinary research on cannabinoids in animals has driven interest
We can't make specific claims about what CBD will or won't do for any individual horse. What we can offer is practical information about how horse owners think about CBD, what to discuss with your vet, and which of our products work for equine applications.
A Note on Our Equine Product Line
We previously offered horse-specific products:
CBD Horse Pellets (800mg)
Peppermint CBD Horse Oil Tincture
These products have been discontinued. We don't currently make horse-specific formulations.
For equine owners interested in our products for horse use, our unflavored CBD oil tinctures are the appropriate option:
No added flavorings (peppermint, orange, etc. that might appeal less to horses)
Broad-spectrum formulation with non-detectable THC
Multiple strengths available
Third-party lab tested per batch
We're being transparent about the product change because we don't want to mislead horse owners arriving here expecting horse-specific products. The unflavored tincture can fit equine use; the horse-specific formulation no longer exists in our line.
How Equine Owners Typically Administer CBD
Practical administration is a real consideration for horse owners. Several approaches are common:
Direct oral administration — using the tincture dropper to apply CBD directly into the horse's mouth, ideally on the inside of the cheek where there's good absorption
Mixed with food — adding tincture drops to grain or treats (slower onset since it goes through digestion)
Apple wedges or carrot pieces — some owners apply tincture to a small food piece their horse already loves
Practical considerations:
Start at the low end of any range and adjust based on observation
Be consistent with timing and method to make observation easier
Track what you give and any observations in a simple log
Discuss timing with your vet, especially if your horse is on other medications
What to Discuss With Your Veterinarian
Before adding CBD (or any new supplement) to your horse's routine, an equine vet consultation should cover:
Your specific horse's current health status and any conditions being managed
Current medications and potential CBD interactions
Appropriate starting amounts based on your horse's size, weight, and individual circumstances
What to watch for as you introduce a new supplement
Whether CBD makes sense given your horse's specific situation — sometimes it does, sometimes other options are better
Equine veterinary knowledge of CBD has grown significantly since 2019, but it's still an area of evolving understanding. A vet who's familiar with current cannabinoid research is the best resource for your specific decisions.
If your regular vet doesn't have CBD experience, ask for a referral to a vet who does — equine sports medicine and integrative veterinary practices are typically more current on cannabinoid topics.
CBD and Equestrian Competition
If your horse competes, CBD use is subject to specific rules from equestrian governing bodies:
USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) has rules regarding cannabinoid substances in competition
FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) has its own equine anti-doping policies
Various breed-specific and discipline-specific organizations may have additional rules
Important: these rules change periodically, and the specific compounds tested for and thresholds applied have evolved. Before using CBD in a competing horse, verify current rules with your specific governing body. The most conservative approach is to assume CBD use may affect competition eligibility unless you've verified otherwise.
For testing-sensitive horses, broad-spectrum or isolate CBD products (with non-detectable THC) provide more documentation than full-spectrum, but verify your specific competition's rules.
Choosing a Quality CBD Product (for Any Animal Use)
Whether you use our unflavored tincture or any other CBD product for your horse, look for:
Third-Party Lab Testing
Every product should have a Certificate of Analysis matching the specific batch number on your bottle. Public access to COAs is standard for quality brands. Browse our Certificate of Analysis library as an example of how this should look.
Broad-Spectrum or Isolate Over Full-Spectrum
For animal use, broad-spectrum or isolate products (non-detectable THC) are typically the safer choice over full-spectrum (which contains trace THC). This is especially important because:
THC is more toxic to dogs and cats than to humans (specific to those species)
Competition-sensitive horses need verified non-detectable THC
Some animals may be more sensitive to cannabinoids than humans
U.S.-Grown Hemp
U.S.-grown hemp is subject to specific agricultural regulations including testing requirements. Imported hemp often lacks the same documentation.
CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction is the industry-preferred clean extraction method.
Reputable Brand With Track Record
Buy from established brands that have been operating long enough to develop quality processes and that respond to customer questions. Read our How to Find a Trustworthy CBD Brand guide for the full brand evaluation framework.
Our Unflavored Tincture for Equine Use
Specifically for horse owners, our unflavored CBD oil tinctures offer:
Multiple strengths — 500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, and higher options to fit different horse sizes and routines
Broad-spectrum formulation — non-detectable THC verified per batch
No added flavors — many horses respond better to unflavored than to flavored tinctures
MCT oil carrier — clean, neutral base
Third-party lab tested — every batch has a public Certificate of Analysis
U.S.-grown hemp, CO2 extracted
Manufactured in a facility that follows GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) protocols
Your vet can help you think through appropriate amounts for your specific horse based on size and individual factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you give CBD oil to horses?
CBD products formulated for animals are commonly used in equine wellness routines. Always consult your equine veterinarian before introducing CBD or any new supplement to your horse, especially if your horse is on other medications or has specific health considerations.
What CBD product is best for horses?
Look for: broad-spectrum or isolate (non-detectable THC), unflavored (many horses prefer this), third-party lab tested per batch, made from U.S.-grown hemp, and from a reputable brand. Our unflavored tinctures fit these criteria. Talk to your vet about strength and amount appropriate for your specific horse.
Will CBD make my horse high?
No. Broad-spectrum or isolate CBD products contain non-detectable THC, which means they're non-intoxicating. Even full-spectrum hemp CBD with trace THC (up to 0.3%) is below the threshold for intoxicating effects in mammals.
How do you give CBD to a horse?
Common methods include: applying tincture drops directly into the mouth (typically on the inside of the cheek), mixing into grain or feed, or applying to a small piece of food the horse already enjoys (apple wedge, carrot). Direct oral administration generally has faster onset than mixing with food. Your vet can suggest what works best for your specific horse.
Are there CBD products specifically for horses?
Many CBD brands make horse-specific products (pellets, equine-formulated tinctures, etc.). GoGreen Hemp no longer carries horse-specific products — our unflavored CBD oil tinctures are the appropriate option from our current line for equine use.
Should I talk to my vet before giving my horse CBD?
Yes. Your equine veterinarian is the authoritative source for decisions about your specific horse's supplements. A vet consultation should cover your horse's current health status, any medications (which CBD might interact with), appropriate amounts, and whether CBD makes sense for your specific situation.
Is CBD legal for horses in equestrian competition?
It depends on the governing body and the specific compound. USEF, FEI, and other equestrian organizations have specific cannabinoid policies that change periodically. Verify current rules with your specific competition's governing body before using CBD in a competing horse. Broad-spectrum or isolate products with verified non-detectable THC provide more documentation than full-spectrum.
How much CBD do horses need?
There's no universal answer — appropriate amounts depend on horse size, individual factors, the specific product, and your vet's guidance. Horses are large animals and may use larger amounts than smaller pets, but specific guidance should come from your veterinarian, not a blog post. Start at the low end of any range and adjust based on observation.
What's the best way to administer CBD to a horse?
Direct oral application (drops on the inside of the cheek) has the fastest onset. Mixing with food has slower onset but is easier for some owners and horses. Apple or carrot pieces with tincture applied work well for horses who don't tolerate direct administration. Consistency in method helps with observation.
Can CBD interact with horse medications?
Yes, potentially. CBD is processed by the same liver enzymes (cytochrome P450) that process many medications. If your horse is on any medications, discuss CBD use with your vet before introducing it. This is one of the most important reasons to involve a vet in the decision rather than starting CBD on your own.
Final Thoughts
CBD for horses is an area of growing interest among equine owners, with research and veterinary understanding still evolving. The practical reality: many owners do incorporate CBD into their horses' wellness routines, but doing it sensibly means involving your vet, choosing quality products, and observing your horse over time.
We don't make horse-specific products anymore, but our unflavored CBD tinctures fit equine use and meet the same quality standards as our human-focused line — same lab testing, same manufacturing, same broad-spectrum formulation.
Whatever brand or product you choose, your vet remains the essential partner in this decision. CBD is a supplement, not a substitute for veterinary care.
About the Author
Romas Marcin — Founder, GoGreen Hemp
Romas founded GoGreen Hemp in 2016 and has spent nearly a decade studying cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and the hemp industry. He leads product development and quality standards across all GoGreen Hemp products — including the broad-spectrum, lab-tested formulations that have worked for many types of customer routines.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Hemp-derived products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. This article provides general educational information and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your equine veterinarian before adding CBD or any new supplement to your horse's routine, especially if your horse is on other medications or has specific health considerations.
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