How CBD helps horses with arthritis and stiff joints.

How CBD helps horses with arthritis and stiff joints.

🌿 How CBD Helps Horses with Arthritis: Natural Relief for Stiff Joints

Arthritis in horses is one of the most common causes of lameness, stiffness, and reduced performance — especially as horses age. Whether you’re managing a retired trail companion or a competitive athlete, keeping your horse comfortable and mobile is a top priority.

That’s where CBD (cannabidiol) comes in.

CBD, a natural compound derived from the hemp plant, has gained increasing attention as a safe, non-intoxicating, and effective tool to manage joint pain and inflammation in horses with arthritis. But how exactly does it work? And is it right for your horse?

Let’s break it down.

🐴 What Is Equine Arthritis?

Arthritis in horses — often referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis — is a progressive condition that causes the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation in the joints.

Common causes:

  • Age-related wear and tear

  • Past injuries or trauma

  • Poor conformation or heavy work

  • Joint instability from ligament strain

Common symptoms:

  • Stiffness when starting work

  • Swelling or heat in the joints

  • Reluctance to turn, jump, or collect

  • Shortened stride or subtle lameness

🌱 What Is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural, non-psychoactive compound found in hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause a high — it works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates inflammation, pain response, mood, and immune balance.

Horses, like humans and dogs, have a functional ECS, making CBD a viable wellness tool for equine health.

🔬 How CBD Supports Joint Health in Horses

✅ 1. Reduces Inflammation

CBD has been shown in both animal and laboratory studies to modulate inflammatory pathways, which can reduce swelling and joint heat. For arthritic horses, this means less pressure inside the joint capsule, improving mobility and comfort.

✅ 2. Eases Pain Without Sedation

Unlike NSAIDs, which can be hard on the gut and kidneys over time, CBD provides gentle, non-sedative pain relief. It doesn’t dull your horse’s energy — just takes the edge off discomfort so they can move more freely.

✅ 3. Protects Against Further Joint Damage

CBD’s neuroprotective and antioxidant properties may also help slow joint degeneration, especially when used as part of a long-term management plan alongside therapies like:

  • Joint injections

  • Omega-3s

  • Supportive hoof care

✅ 4. Improves Mood and Willingness to Move

Pain often causes behavioral changes in horses: irritability, resistance, even depression. By lowering discomfort and stress, CBD may help your horse regain a more relaxed attitude toward work and movement.

💊 How to Choose the Right CBD for Arthritis

🔍 Look for:

  • Full-spectrum CBD for maximum anti-inflammatory benefit (includes CBD, CBG, CBC, and natural terpenes)

  • High potency (100–425 mg per dose for large horses with chronic issues)

  • Pellet form for easy feeding and accurate dosing

  • Lab-tested for potency, purity, and no harmful residues

🥇 Top Pick for Arthritic Horses:

Remedy Pellets by Element Original

  • 425 mg cannabinoids per serving

  • Made from freshly milled organic hemp flower — not extract

  • Certified Organic & Regenerative Farms

  • Full-spectrum cannabinoids + terpenes

  • Supports pain relief, mobility, and long-term joint health

“Since starting my mare on Remedy, she’s moving better than she has in years — no hock injections this season!”
– Actual customer testimonial

🐎 How to Use CBD for Arthritic Horses

Dosing Guidelines:

  • Start low: ½ dose per day, then increase every 3–5 days.

  • Full dose for therapeutic effect:  425 mg/day (or higher for severe cases) for average size horse.  

  • Effects are cumulative — give daily for 2–4 weeks before assessing full results.

Best Practices:

  • Use alongside a joint support plan (exercise, diet, hoof care)

  • Monitor for changes in mobility, demeanor, and pain response

  • Work with a veterinarian familiar with CBD and joint disease

⚠️ Is CBD Legal for Competition Horses?

Full-spectrum CBD may contain trace THC. If your horse competes under USEF, FEI, or other governing bodies, check the rules carefully — CBD is often banned during competition windows, even if non-intoxicating but can be used in off season.

✅ Final Thoughts

CBD offers a natural, science-supported approach to managing arthritis in horses — without the long-term risks of pharmaceuticals or injections.

With consistent use, many owners report:

  • Improved stride length

  • Less stiffness at the start of rides

  • Better attitude under saddle

  • Happier, more mobile horses

If you're ready to give your horse relief from joint pain, a high-quality CBD pellet like Element Original’s Remedy is a safe, powerful place to start.

📦 Ready to Support Your Horse’s Joints Naturally?

👉 Learn more about Remedy Pellets by Element Original at
elementoriginal.com

 

 

Other reputable sources include Dr. Kimberly Guay of Tarleton University in Texas.  We encourage you to look into her work!

https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2020/02/12/hemp-for-horses-tarleton-researcher-investigating-benefits/

 

 

 

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