Hemp Facts

CBD & hemp products for horses: Health, performance & well-being

Whether dogs, cats or horses – all mammals, including humans, can benefit from hemp in a variety of ways. Hemp generally contains not only a multitude of valuable compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD), but can also serve as a healthy food source, as it contains a good source of protein and is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Especially with regard to horse breeding, there are numerous research studies dealing with the use of hemp products. Initial results are already promising.

Horse Health and CBD: What Science Tells Us

Clinical research regarding cannabidiol (CBD) began in the 1980s, when scientists started to explore the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body. The ECS consists of a group of receptors that respond to cannabinoids such as CBD and THC and play an important role in regulating a variety of bodily processes. In the 1990s, the therapeutic potential of CBD for epilepsy was first investigated, and in the following years, research expanded to a variety of diseases and disorders such as anxiety, pain, inflammation, sleep disorders, and much more. In recent years, interest in CBD and other cannabinoids has increased, leading to a rise in clinical research in this area - also in the animal sector. The examination becomes particularly exciting considering the potential diseases that horses often suffer from.

Classic Diseases in Horses

Colic: Colic is a collective term for gastrointestinal diseases that lead to abdominal pain. It is one of the most common diseases in horses and can be life-threatening in severe cases.
Laminitis: Laminitis occurs when blood flow to the hooves is disrupted, leading to pain, inflammation, and lameness. It can be triggered by various factors such as overfeeding, sudden changes in diet, infections, or hormonal imbalances.
Respiratory Diseases: Horses can suffer from various respiratory diseases, such as hay fever, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and influenza.
Arthritis: Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that leads to pain and stiffness. Older horses are particularly susceptible to arthritis, but it can also occur in younger horses.
Infections: Horses can suffer from various infections, such as wound infections, skin infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal tract infections.

Horse with shiny coat due to hemp and CBD

Hemp as a Healthy Animal Feed Base for Horses

Hemp is particularly regarded as an absolute insider tip as an animal feed base, as it offers numerous advantages for animals. It is rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, fiber, and other nutrients that are important for animal health. Additionally, hemp is usually produced regionally and can also be obtained in organic quality. Here are some reasons why hemp is considered an insider tip for animal feed:

High Protein Content: Hemp is an excellent source of high-quality plant proteins that are important for muscle building and tissue regeneration. It is also easily digestible, making it a good option for animals with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts.
Healthy Fatty Acids: Hemp also contains a wealth of healthy fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for skin, coat, and brain health. These fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation in the body.
Rich in Fiber: Hemp also contains a good amount of fiber, which promotes digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
No Psychoactive Effects: Hemp foods or animal feed contain in high-quality only low to no amounts of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Therefore, hemp as animal feed has no psychoactive effects and is safe for animals.

Hemp Protein & Hemp Seeds: Nutrients for Muscles & Recovery

Hemp can be integrated into animal feed in various forms, including hemp oil, hemp protein powder, or hemp seeds. It can also be used as an additive to other feeds to increase nutrient density. Additionally, hemp is an extremely sustainable plant. It requires relatively little water and fertilizer compared to other plants and can thrive on many soils without harming the environment, can be harvested within just 120 days, and has a short growing season compared to other crops, producing a lot of biomass that can be used for various purposes, such as raw material for paper, textiles, building materials, cosmetics, and even food.

CBD oil supports horse health

Horse Sports in Vorarlberg

Horses are also very popular in Vorarlberg, both for leisure and as sporting partners. There are a large number of horse owners, riders, and clubs in Vorarlberg who regularly take and offer riding lessons, participate in tournaments, or simply enjoy nature on horseback. Horses also play an important role in the culture and tradition of Vorarlberg, such as in forestry in difficult terrains or in the management of alpine pastures. Additionally, vaulting is also a significant recreational sport in the Lake Constance-DACH region. The acrobatic gymnastics on horses enhances strength, balance, endurance, body tension, and flexibility, and has thus developed into an attractive competitive sport, especially among younger people, in recent years.

Sources:
Effects of a nutraceutical supplement on gastrointestinal health in racing standardbreds; J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2021 May;105(3):558-568. doi: 10.1111/jpn.13508. Epub 2021 Mar 6.
Effects of Cannabidiol on the In Vitro Lymphocyte Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production of Senior Horses; J Equine Vet Sci. 2021 Aug;103:103668. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103668. Epub 2021 May 24.
The effects of cannabidiol on immune function and health parameters in senior horses; Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2023 Mar;257:110549. doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2023.110549. Epub 2023 Jan 19.

Image Source: © VRZ Dornbirn