844-436-7691
Anyone who has hauled a nervous horse knows the signs: pawing at the ramp, calling out, refusing to load, breaking a sweat before the trailer even moves. Travel is one of the most stressful things we routinely ask of horses — and it's exactly the situation our own university research looked at. As a Colorado hemp company that grows its own plants and has spent nearly a decade formulating full-spectrum products for animals, this is the horse topic we can speak to with real data, not guesses.
Why trailering and travel stress horses so much
Transport hits several stress buttons at once: confinement, noise, motion, balance work, and separation from the herd and familiar surroundings. Physiologically, that spikes cortisol — the body's main stress hormone — and over-stimulates the HPA axis (the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system that governs the stress response). Behaviorally, it shows up as pawing, weaving, bar biting, calling, self-mutilation, or aggression. Beyond the welfare cost, chronic travel stress can affect weight, feed efficiency, and recovery — which is why owners and haulers look for ways to take the edge off.
What the research actually shows
Here's where horses are different from almost every other "calming" product on the market: most cite dog or human studies, because on-topic equine research is rare. HempMy Pet commissioned an actual horse study at Tarleton State University (Texas A&M System), overseen by Dr. Kimberly Guay, Ph.D. It measured stress during transport, and found:
- Lower cortisol during the transport portion of the study.
- A higher serving (0.6 mg/kg of body weight) worked better than a lower one (0.3 mg/kg).
- Blood concentration peaked about four hours after the oil was given.
- The oil was non-detectable after 24 hours, with no long-lasting effects.
The researchers also saw calmer behavior and longer, more relaxed feed times. You can read the full study results here. To be clear about what this is: it's real evidence that hemp oil supports a calmer stress response around travel — not a sedative, and not a treatment for any medical condition.
When to give hemp oil before a haul or event
The four-hour peak is the most practical takeaway from the study. Rather than dosing as the trailer pulls up, many owners give a serving 2–4 hours before loading so levels are working when it counts. For a multi-day show or a long haul, a steady daily routine in the days beforehand tends to serve better than a single large serving on the day.
| Situation | Common approach |
|---|---|
| Short local haul | A serving 2–4 hours before loading |
| Long-distance transport | Daily servings for a few days prior, plus one a few hours before |
| Show / competition day | Daily in the lead-up (mind competition rules — see below) |
| Vet, farrier, new environment | A serving a few hours ahead of the appointment |
Other high-stress moments it can help with
The same calm-support principle that applies to trailering applies to the other moments that rattle horses: vet and farrier visits, layups and stall rest, introductions to new horses or environments, weather events, and separation anxiety. In each case the goal is the same — supporting a settled, relaxed baseline so your horse can cope, not sedating them into checking out.
How to use it
Full-spectrum hemp oil for horses is usually given by mouth or mixed into a small amount of feed. Start at the lower end and give it time — for acute moments like travel, the study's ~4-hour peak is your guide; for everyday baseline calm, consistency over one to two weeks matters more than any single serving. For weight-based amounts, see our CBD dosage guide for horses, and always confirm the right amount with your veterinarian, especially if your horse is on other medications.
The exact organically grown, full-spectrum hemp oil studied at Tarleton State — olive-oil base, third-party tested, grown on our Colorado family farm.
$199 · 5000mg
Shop Hemp for Horses →What hemp oil won't do
It isn't a knockout sedative, and it won't fix a training or pain problem underneath the behavior. A horse that panics loading may have a past bad experience, a saddle-fit or body-soreness issue, or a genuine phobia that needs groundwork or veterinary attention. Hemp oil supports a calmer baseline so that training and management can work — it's a tool in the kit, not a shortcut. If travel stress is severe or sudden, loop in your vet.
Sources & further reading: USEF on cannabinoids in competition and the AAEP on CBD pharmacokinetics & safety in horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I give CBD to my horse before trailering?
Because the Tarleton study found blood levels peaked about four hours after the oil was given, most owners give a serving 2–4 hours before loading. For long or multi-day travel, a steady daily routine in the days beforehand tends to work better than one large serving on the day.
Will hemp oil make my horse drowsy or "out of it"?
The aim is a calmer, more settled baseline, not sedation. In the study, horses stayed functional and actually showed longer, more relaxed feed times. Start low so you can see how your individual horse responds.
Can I use it for show or competition horses?
Possibly, but cannabinoids fall into a gray area under some competition bodies like USEF and FEI, so check the current rules and any withdrawal timing before you compete. See our is CBD safe for horses guide.
How much should I give?
The study compared 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg of body weight, with the higher amount more effective. Start at the low end and confirm the right amount with your veterinarian — our dosage guide has a weight-based chart.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your horse's routine, especially if your horse competes or takes other medications.
