You've likely heard the buzz about CBD, but it’s important to understand what it is and, just as importantly, what it isn’t.
First things first: CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. It’s marijuana, and it’s not psychoactive. Our products are made with less than 0.01% THC, which means your horse gets all the therapeutic benefits with absolutely no "high" or altered mental state.
How Does CBD Work for Horses?
Every horse has an endocannabinoid system, which acts like a regulator for keeping their body in balance. It helps manage everything from pain and inflammation to stress and immune response.
CBD works by partnering with this natural system to help it do its job better. Think of it like this: instead of just masking pain like a painkiller, CBD helps calm the inflammation right at the source. It creates an environment where the body can start to heal and find balance again. This isn’t just a theory:
- A groundbreaking 2024 study from the University of Messina found that CBD significantly reduced pain scores and improved the quality of life in horses suffering from arthritis with no adverse side effects.
- Further, respected veterinarians like Dr. Joyce Harman, DVM, explains in her webinar that CBD can work alongside traditional treatments and may help reduce their use under veterinary guidance.
Is CBD Legal in Horse Competitions?
CBD is a wonderful tool for supporting your horse’s recovery and long-term soundness, but note that competition rules are very clear:
- FEI Rules: CBD is a PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE in all FEI-sanctioned events. A positive test will lead to disqualification.
- Other Organizations (USEF, AQHA, etc.): Most major organizations have similar rules banning cannabinoids during competition.
For this reason, our recommendation for competitors is to use the Equine Wellness Bundle during training and off-seasons for recovery and maintenance. Simply stop all CBD products 7 to 14 days before any drug-tested competition to ensure your horse is compliant.
We believe that the best support for your horse is both consistent and flexible: it should provide a steady foundation of daily wellness while also having the right tool for those tougher days. That's why our bundle is a two-part system designed for complete care.
EquinePCR Hemp Pellets
These pellets are the foundation of your horse’s wellness routine. They’re a simple, stress-free way to provide a consistent daily serving of support right in their feed without wrestling with picky eaters or oils.
- Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract: Each tablespoon contains 25 mg of phytocannabinoid-rich (PCR) hemp. "Full-spectrum" means your horse also gets the beneficial cannabinoids from the plant, which work together for a more powerful effect.
- Omega-Rich: These pellets are rich in Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids, which are excellent for supporting joint health, calming inflammation, and promoting a shiny, healthy coat.
- Hypoallergenic: We keep our formula pure with no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial anything, making it a great choice for sensitive horses.
The pellets are digested slowly. They provide a steady, sustained release of support that works in the background all day long.
PurCBD+ Oil for Horses
For the days when your horse needs a little extra help, such as after a tough workout, during a stressful trailer ride, or when a cold snap makes their joints ache, our PurCBD Oil is the perfect solution.
- Fast-Acting Support: The oil can be given directly on your horse's gums for rapid absorption to provide noticeable relief in just 30–45 minutes.
- Precise Tincture: The dropper allows you to give your horse the exact amount of support they need for a specific situation. You can easily adjust the serving size up or down.
- Pure and Organic: Just like our pellets, the oil is a full-spectrum, organic formula that’s third-party tested to guarantee its purity and potency.
The pellets are your horse’s everyday formula for their joints and comfort, whereas the oil is your “first-aid” tool.
Use the pellets to provide a consistent foundation of wellness, and when immediate relief is required, turn to the CBD oil. This way, you can keep your horse feeling their best, day in and day out.
Starting your horse on our Equine Wellness Bundle is easy. This guide is designed to be a simple, confident starting point. Remember to use our dosage calculator to get precise doses for your horse’s weight.
1. Step 1: PCR Pellets
The pellets are the basis of your horse’s long-term comfort. To use them, simply mix the recommended serving into their grain once a day. This simple chart is the perfect maintenance serving for most horses.
| Your Horse’s Size | Suggested Daily Serving | Approx. CBD |
|---|---|---|
| Pony/Small Horse (~800 lbs) | 1–2 tablespoons | 25–50 mg |
| Average Horse (900–1,200 lbs) | 3–4 tablespoons | 75–100 mg |
| Large Horse/Draft (1,200+ lbs) | 4–6 tablespoons | 100–150 mg |
If your horse is in serious discomfort, you might consider a higher initial serving for the first 2–3 weeks to build a strong baseline. Our website's calculator recommends an "average" use of 3–5 tablespoons daily for horses in this situation before settling into a lower maintenance amount.
2. Step 2: CBD Oil
The oil is your tool for providing your horse with extra, fast-acting support on those tougher days. Here’s a simple guide for adding that extra boost when needed.
Note: These recommendations are for our 1500 mg PurCBD Oil, as it’s the most effective option for most horses. For easier administration, we recommend getting the 3000 mg or 6000 mg CBD oil. Don’t forget to use our website calculator.
| Your Horse’s Size | Oil Use and Dosage |
|---|---|
| Pony/Small Horse (~800 lbs) |
• Mild stress or daily wellness (~0.5 ml) • Post-workout recovery (~2 ml) • An acute flare-up (~6 ml) |
| Average Horse (~1,100 lbs) |
• Mild stress or daily wellness (~1 ml) • Post-workout recovery (~3 ml) • An acute flare-up (~8 ml) |
|
Large Horse/Draft (~1,400 lbs) |
• Mild stress or daily wellness (~1.5 ml) • Post-workout recovery (~4 ml) • An acute flare-up (~10 ml) |
Simply add this amount to their feed or directly on their gums for faster relief (30–45 minutes) before a trailer ride, after a hard workout, or on a cold morning when joints are stiff.
3. Step 3: Watch and Adjust
You know your horse better than anyone. These numbers are a science-backed starting point, but you’ll notice the biggest difference when you observe your horse’s behavior.
Notice the positive changes, such as a brighter eye, a more willing attitude, and a smoother gait. Based on what you see, you can confidently adjust their support, knowing you're providing a safe and effective wellness plan.
Absolutely. As a horse owner, your animal’s safety is your number one priority, and it’s ours too. The research on CBD for horses isn’t only promising for its benefits but also for its excellent safety profile. The clinical studies confirm that we don’t have to guess about safety:
- The 2024 University of Messina study, which found significant pain relief in arthritic horses, also reported no adverse side effects during the trial.
- Multiple safety studies have confirmed that horses tolerate CBD exceptionally well, even at high servings, for long periods. It has a very wide safety margin, which is reassuring for long-term use.
What to Expect When You Start Using CBD Products for Horses
As with any new supplement, your horse's body may go through a short adjustment period. These signs are normal and typically resolve within a few days.
- Slight Digestive Changes: Some horses may have slightly softer manure for the first day or two. This is simply their digestive system adjusting to the new, healthy ingredients.
- Calmer Demeanor: You might notice your horse seems a bit more relaxed. This isn't sedation; they will remain alert and responsive. Most owners describe it as their horse feeling more at ease.
- Increased Water Intake: Some horses may drink a bit more water as their body adjusts, especially because our formula contains omega oils.
- Slight Changes in Appetite: A few horses may show increased interest in feed or supplements, while others might be mildly hesitant for a day or two. This usually resolves quickly.
- More Restful Behavior: You may notice your horse lying down more often or taking longer naps. This is a sign their nervous system is settling.
- Subtle Mobility Improvements: Some owners report early signs of improved movement, such as less stiffness during warm-up or a smoother gait. These effects typically build over time.
If your horse seems unusually tired, refuses to eat or drink, has diarrhea lasting more than two days, or just doesn’t seem like themself, it’s always a good idea to check in with your vet. Most horses adjust beautifully to CBD, but if something feels off, your care team can help make sure everything’s on track.
Drug Interactions to Watch For
While CBD is very safe, it's always a good idea to keep your veterinarian in the loop. CBD is processed by the liver, and it can influence how other medications are metabolized. Be sure to talk to your vet before starting the bundle, especially if your horse is on:
- NSAIDs (like Bute or Banamine)
- Ulcer medications (like GastroGard)
- Sedatives or Thyroid medications
The safety of a CBD product comes down to its quality and purity. We take this incredibly seriously. Every single batch of our pellets and oil is third-party tested by an independent lab to guarantee it’s potent, pure, and free from any harmful contaminants.
We make these test results available for you to see before you buy a product, so you have complete transparency and peace of mind.
When you provide your horse with the complete support they need, the changes go far beyond just a smoother gait. You’ll give them back their comfort, their spark, and their quality of life, and there’s no better feeling than that.
Physical Improvements
It often starts with the small things, but soon the positive changes are impossible to miss. Owners consistently report seeing:
- Easier mornings with less stiffness. That creakiness when they first walk out of the stall will fade and be replaced by a smoother, more comfortable start to their day.
- Shorter, more effective warm-ups. Your horse feels more willing and ready to work sooner, allowing you to get more out of your rides without fighting through initial stiffness.
- More fluid, willing movement. You'll feel your horse’s stride become more engaged, flowing, and softer, with more comfortable transitions that show that they're moving without pain.
- Renewed confidence and stamina. The hesitation at a jump or a creek crossing can disappear as their confidence in their body returns, and they have the stamina for those longer, more enjoyable trail rides.
Personality Changes
For many owners, the most rewarding part is seeing their horse's bright, happy personality shine through again. Chronic pain can make a horse seem grumpy, withdrawn, or dull. As that discomfort lifts, you'll see:
- A brighter, more engaged attitude. You'll notice your horse become more alert, more interested in their surroundings, and more present with you. That dullness caused by chronic pain is replaced by their true personality.
- More willingness and happiness. Resistance under saddle, like head-tossing or ear-pinning, often decreases as they feel more comfortable in their work. Playfulness can return in the pasture, and they may greet you at the gate with more enthusiasm.
Long-Term Benefits
This bundle supports your horse’s health for the long haul. Several months in, you’ll notice:
- Reduced reliance on NSAIDs: By managing inflammation naturally, you can often reduce the need for ulcer-causing medications like Bute, protecting their gut health. However, this should be done only under the guidance of your veterinarian.
- Healthier joints over time: Chronic inflammation is the enemy of healthy joints. By keeping it in check, you're helping to preserve your horse's soundness for years to come.
- A beautiful, healthy coat: The omega fatty acids in the pellets are fantastic for skin and coat health.
Any horse can benefit from the wellness support of CBD, but this bundle is particularly useful for certain horses.
- Senior Horses (15+ years): For the senior horse dealing with the natural stiffness of age, our bundle offers a safe way to support their joints without being hard on their system.
- Horses with Arthritis: If your vet has diagnosed your horse with arthritis, you know that finding a sustainable, long-term management plan is non-negotiable. This bundle can help manage the daily discomfort and inflammation. Eventually, you may be able to reduce the need for constant NSAIDs.
- Anxious Horses: For the horse that gets stressed during travel, vet visits, or farrier appointments, the oil can be the solution you’re looking for. It helps them relax and focus without the heavy sedation of pharmaceuticals.
- Performance Horses in Recovery: For the athlete, recovery is everything. While CBD isn’t for use during rated competition, it’s invaluable for helping your horse bounce back between shows and during the off-season.
- Large Breeds and Drafts: Bigger horses like Warmbloods and Drafts put more stress on their joints, plain and simple. Our XL bundle is specifically designed to provide the robust, long-term support these gentle giants need to stay sound and comfortable.
Your horse has given you their trust, their heart, and countless moments of joy that only another rider can understand, and they’ve earned a life of comfort and wellness in return.
CBD offers a proven, research-backed path to supporting your horse’s joint health and managing inflammation, all without the serious risks that come with long-term pharmaceutical use. Our Equine Wellness Bundle gives you everything you need in one complete system:
- EquinePCR Pellets for a consistent, daily foundation of wellness.
- PurCBD Oil for fast-acting, targeted relief when they need it most.
- Third-party tested quality you can see and trust.
- A 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can feel confident in your choice.
Ready to give your horse the gift of comfortable movement and start their wellness journey today? Choose the bundle that’s right for you:
- XS-750 and SM-750 Bundles: Perfect for smaller horses, ponies, or those needing mild, preventative support.
- LG-1500 and XL-1500 Bundles: Ideal for larger horses, warmbloods, drafts, or any horse needing sustained support for chronic discomfort.
Have questions about which bundle is right for your horse? Our equine wellness specialists are here to help. Call us at (310) 817-5731.
- JTJesselynn T.Rated 5 out of 5 stars4 years agoSo far my high anxiety
So far my high anxiety mare has been a lot calmer and easier to work with since starting her on this post her friend passing always about a a week ago. Her stable mate my senior gelding found relief from his arthritis pain from this as well . Here is picture of them about a week before we had the put my gelding down he is shorter one on the right of the picture and one of the five herself taken just yesterday
IPInnovet Pet4 years agoThat's great news! Thank you for sharing your great experience.
- LGLisa G.Rated 5 out of 5 stars5 years agocbd oil
Was happy with the pellets. I thought my cbd oil was in a larger bottle
- AEAnn E.Rated 5 out of 5 stars5 years agoBest CBD pellets for horses
I’ve been feeding these to my horses for the last 2 months and her joint pains have decreased and she’s always in such a great mood too.
IPInnovet Pet5 years agoHappy to help your horse and her joints!
- CACandi A.Rated 5 out of 5 stars5 years agocancer changes
The big cancer under her tail that was laser shaved appears to be shrinking. The pink area is getting smaller and the skin is wrinkling.
- TTTerri T.Rated 5 out of 5 stars5 years agoI have a 26 yr
I have a 26 yr old AQHA retired cutting horse mare, She has pain in front feet and legs from arthritis this really seems to help her! Highly recommend!!