CBD and Riding: Everything You Need To Know
Is CBD right for you and/or your horse? Here’s everything you need to know.
Unsplash/Kristijan Arsov/CCBy Crystal Wilson
When a famous Olympian and a household name in the equestrian world Steffen Peters became a spokesperson for a CBD brand, other equestrians and lovers of the sport pricked up their ears. Although cannabinol (CBD) has been around for thousands of years, it’s only recently that it has gained popularity and is being used by people who had never before considered using a cannabinoid derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant.
What’s unique about this cannabinoid is that it has various health benefits for both humans and animals. So the question is, how can CBD improve your horse riding skills? How can this cannabinoid help your horse?
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The Science Behind CBD
Although CBD comes from the same plant species as marijuana, this cannabinol contains a meager THC percentage, which does not make you high. Studies on CBD are limited, but preliminary studies indicate the substantial benefits this cannabinoid can deliver to people suffering from various chronic and mental health issues.
CBD works on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The latter is a biological system found in humans and animals that plays a significant role in managing critical bodily functions such as body temperature, pain, appetite, mood, and other purposes.
The ECS uses the receptors that roam the mind and body to implement change and promote optimal balance in the body. Although researchers are unsure how CBD manipulates the receptors, they have noted that this cannabinoid triggers change by signaling to the receptors.
Due to CBD’s work on the receptors, users can moderate anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptoms. Users can also manage pain, slow down malicious cells’ growth, and possibly even treat acne and infertility issues. With its legalization in several countries, these potential health benefits have led to CBD products being more accessible to purchase. Nowadays, you can buy anything from the best CBD vape juice to oil tinctures, edibles, soap, skincare products, and more.
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How Can CBD Benefit Horseback Riding?
If CBD is something that suits your lifestyle, there are several ways it can improve your skills, help you excel in the sport, and deepen your connection with your horse. More than that, this cannabinoid can help your horse physically as well.
1. CBD can ease anxiety symptoms
Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression bring an indescribable heaviness in your daily life—one that can affect your horse’s temperament as well. With CBD, you can ease stress, anxiety, and depression naturally and become more focused when you are with your horse, whether it’s during practice or at a competition.
Studies show how CBD can manage the overproduction of cortisol in the body and bring inner balance. Additionally, this cannabinoid can help the body make better use of the natural mood stabilizer known as serotonin or trigger the receptors into releasing more of this neurotransmitter. It’s for this reason that CBD users feel less anxious when they take a CBD dose.
2. CBD may manage pain
From chronic back pain to sore muscles, bodily discomfort is not ideal for riding a horse. Although there are pain killers on the market that can relieve pain, this natural compound proves to be efficient without causing harmful side effects. The only known side effects of this cannabinoid include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Contrary to certain painkillers, CBD appears to be gentle on the organs such as the kidneys and the liver. Still, more studies need to be conducted for this to be confirmed.
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3. CBD can promote focus
In erasing anxiety symptoms, balancing stress levels, and easing pain, CBD can remove many distractions that can inhibit you from focusing on your equestrian skills. With a higher level of focus, you become more self-aware and more conscious of your horse’s temperament and needs.
4. CBD for your horse
What’s remarkable about this natural compound is that it can benefit animals as well. When dog owners started using CBD for their pets to mitigate their anxiety and pain, veterinarians started noticing and considering this cannabinoid for horses too.
CBD can potentially help your horse with pain and inflammation, thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. You can consider using it to ease your horse’s stress levels and anxiety and stabilize mood to promote a stronger bond with your four-legged partner. If your horse suffers from digestive issues, CBD could help treat digestive problems even though you provide him with the right diet.
Research on CBD’s benefits for animals has mainly been conducted on dogs, cats, and rodents. There is limited data on what this cannabinoid can do for horses, but early insights are promising. If you wish to try CBD for yourself and your horse, it’s best to seek medical advice to understand what the right dose is for you and your partner.
About Crystal Wilson:
Crystal Willson is a full-time content marketing specialist. She has been closely monitoring the CBD industry trends for quite some time. She has worked in various domains before the CBD industry. On her off days, she likes to spend her time with her family, lift weights, and reading novels.
