CBD and our Equestrian Friends, Horses

While the use of cannabidiol, is gaining a lot of traction in the human realm, for approximately one hundred years, CBD hemp oil has played a role in the treatment of horses. Just like in humans, there are many uses and health benefits associated with cannabidiol (CBD). Most are similar in both mammals. In fact, dogs and cats can derive the same benefits.

For many years, it’s the racehorses, old and sickly horses that have benefited most from CBD hemp oil. Cannabidiol keeps racehorses in prime shape for competitions. Trainers still use it to accelerate the healing of cracked hooves. Cannabidiol oil is also rubbed on the surfaces once the harness and saddles are removed. In all horses, the oil delivers numerous benefits; some outlined below.

What Reactions Does CBD Hemp Oil Cause in Horses?

The endocannabinoid system, found in horses, humans and other mammals, contains CB1 and CB2 receptors. On interaction with cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, they regulate physiological processes in the body such as the immune response, inflammation development, memory functioning, pain regulation, moods, appetite and more.

For instance, when Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interacts with CB1 receptors, “high” results, hence it is considered a psychoactive substance (mind-altering).  On the other hand, the effects of CBD oil from the hemp plant –a variety of Cannabis sativa– are non-psychoactive. It regulates inflammations, pain response, anxiety, and more. The following positive effects result in the following uses:

Inflammation Control and Pain Reduction

Horses are prone to injuries such as fractures, sprains, and damaged hooves. Some may suffer from Laminitis, a painful inflammation condition. Cannabidiol rich oil offers pain relief for the horses, who may suffer for long periods, crippling them and in some cases resulting in death.

Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Animals experience stress too. Horses led busy lives full of ups and downs and may become anxious. CBD can help keep them calm, even before big races. It also clears their minds offering relief from stress, which left untreated causes depression. From usage, horses have been observed to become playful after the consumption of the oil.

Colon and Digestive Health

Most horses experience bloating, indigestion, heartburn as well as other grave gut problems such as ulcers. The use of CBD to relieve these symptoms is probably its most important application. Cannabidiol can reduce inflammations in the digestive tract caused by a grain-rich diet.  It can even tackle allergies usually caused by the excessive response of the immune system to harmless pathogens.

Other Uses: Nutritional Benefits

A relatively recent use of the CBD hemp oil is in equine diets. The oil obtained from crushed seeds has a rich nutrient profile. It contains vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, as well as fatty acids, Omega-3 & Omega-6. The oil has GLA acid that aids establish the right ratio of these fatty acids. The use of the oil in grain-rich diets also helps in mitigation of the harm caused by the cereals in the gut.

How CBD can be Administered to Horses

It is orally administered using droppers or dose syringes directly to the tongue. Alternatively, it is mix with feeds. Finally, there are numerous studies conducted on CBD use, and all have found it free from side effects. Its use in horses is just the start of what is possible.

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