844-436-7691
Before you give your horse anything new, "is it safe?" is the right first question — especially for a 1,000-pound animal. As a Colorado hemp company that grows its own plants and ran an actual equine study, here's an honest rundown of what the research and experience show, where the real cautions are, and how to choose a product you can trust.
Is CBD safe for horses?
Current evidence and years of use point to full-spectrum hemp oil being well tolerated in horses when it's quality-made and given sensibly. In our Tarleton State University study, overseen by Dr. Kimberly Guay, Ph.D., horses given hemp oil before transport showed a calmer stress response with no long-lasting effects, and the oil was non-detectable after 24 hours at both amounts tested. That doesn't make it a medicine or a fix for any condition — it means the safety profile in a controlled equine setting looked reassuring.
Possible side effects
Side effects are usually mild, temporary, and tied to giving too much too soon — which is exactly why we recommend starting low. The most commonly reported are:
- Mild drowsiness or a more relaxed demeanor — usually the point, but watch that it's calm, not sluggish.
- Slightly softer stool or a brief change in appetite as the horse adjusts.
- A little extra thirst in some horses.
These typically settle as you find the right amount. If anything seems out of the ordinary or persists, stop and check with your vet.
Drug interactions — the real caution
The most important safety point isn't hemp itself; it's how it can interact with other medications. Cannabinoids are processed by the same family of liver enzymes that break down many common drugs, so hemp oil can change how quickly your horse's body clears certain medications. If your horse is on anything regular — NSAIDs, sedatives, seizure or behavioral medications — talk with your veterinarian before adding hemp, and keep servings separated in time unless your vet advises otherwise.
Show and competition horses: know the rules
How to choose a safe product
With hemp loosely regulated, product quality is where safety is really won or lost. Look for:
- A current third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming the milligrams on the label are real and screening for pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, and microbes. See our lab results.
- Full-spectrum hemp with federally compliant THC (under 0.3%) — whole-plant support, not an isolate.
- Transparent sourcing. HempMy Pet grows its own hemp on our Colorado family farm using organic practices and formulates in-house, so we can trace every batch from seed to bottle.
Third-party tested, full-spectrum, and organically grown on our Colorado farm — the same oil studied at Tarleton State University.
$199 · 5000mg
Shop Hemp for Horses →The bottom line
For most healthy horses, quality full-spectrum hemp oil is a low-risk way to support calm and everyday comfort — the biggest safety levers in your hands are starting low, buying tested product, minding drug interactions, and respecting competition rules. Not sure how much to give? See our CBD dosage guide for horses. And always start the conversation with your veterinarian.
Sources & further reading: the USEF ruling on cannabinoids, an American Journal of Veterinary Research equine CBD safety study, and the AAEP on CBD in horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there side effects of CBD in horses?
Usually only mild, temporary ones — slight drowsiness, softer stool, or a brief appetite change — most often when too much is given too soon. Starting low and increasing slowly keeps them to a minimum.
Can CBD interact with my horse's medications?
It can. Hemp is processed by the same liver enzymes as many drugs, so it may affect how your horse clears NSAIDs, sedatives, or other medications. Check with your veterinarian before combining them.
Is CBD legal for competition horses?
Cannabinoids are restricted or in a gray area under USEF and FEI rules, and detection windows change. Check current guidance and allow an appropriate withdrawal period before any sanctioned event.
How do I know a horse CBD product is safe?
Look for a current third-party Certificate of Analysis confirming potency and screening for contaminants, full-spectrum hemp under 0.3% THC, and transparent sourcing. Quality and testing are where safety is really decided.
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.
