CBD and horses: uses, caution and competition rules

Many owners and riders report an interest in CBD as part of their horse's daily routine, in particular around the animal's general comfort and relaxation. These reports remain individual observations, not data validated by a veterinary authority.

No reference study comparable to the one conducted in dogs by Cornell University exists to date for the equine species. The interest reported by owners is therefore not proof of efficacy, and dispenses with no caution whatsoever.

The Fédération Équestre Internationale classes cannabidiol among the controlled substances prohibited in competition, under FEI Clean Sport. A competition horse testing positive for CBD therefore exposes its rider and trainer to disciplinary sanctions, regardless of intent.

That ban sets the equestrian framework apart from other human sporting disciplines, where CBD has been off the list of prohibited substances since 2018. Our article on CBD and doping in athletes details this difference in treatment between human sport and equestrian sport.

An owner whose horse competes must therefore avoid any CBD product, including outside competition periods, because of the risk of residual traces detectable in a test.

No veterinary marketing authorisation and no Novel Food authorisation govern equine CBD in France, according to the ANMV and the DGAL. Products available for horses therefore have no recognised pharmaceutical status.

The DGAL control plan, applied since 15 May 2026, extends to CBD products intended for animals, horses included, according to the DGAL. This extension of food control to animal products follows the logic already applied to products intended for human beings.

A vigilant owner satisfies themselves as to the product's origin and, ideally, obtains an independent certificate of analysis, before any use in a horse not entered in competition.

The first move remains to talk to your equine vet, in particular for a horse already under medical follow-up or entered in competition. The vet assesses the risks and can point towards alternatives suited to the animal's circumstances.

For a leisure horse not entered in competition, the same caution applies: no marketing authorisation framework, no reference study, and the need for veterinary advice before any decision.

Can a competition horse be given CBD?

No, the FEI classes cannabidiol among the substances prohibited in competition. Any horse testing positive exposes its rider to disciplinary sanctions.

Is there a scientific study on CBD in horses?

No reference study comparable to the one conducted in dogs exists to date for the equine species. The reports given by owners remain individual observations.

Is CBD for horses a veterinary medicine?

No, no veterinary marketing authorisation exists for equine CBD in France. The products available therefore have no pharmaceutical status recognised by the ANMV.

How long before a competition should CBD be stopped?

No official period is established, since CBD remains prohibited in competition by the FEI, with no tolerance threshold communicated. The only prudent approach is to avoid any CBD product for a horse entered in competition.