CBD for Horses: Kahm Product Review
CBD seems to be the hottest new thing in the horse world right now and everybody is using it, regardless of discipline. I think it's the bee's knees and here's why:
CBD has a wide array of remedies for various ailments, mostly inflammation, pain management, and mood balancing. It can also help coat condition and hoof growth, due partly to the omega fatty acids (just like in fish oil).
One of the tricky things about using CBD is finding the right dosage. Dosage is frankly all over the map depending on the product and your unique horse. I've spoken to a representative from KAHM and a bunch of my fellow competitors and the best advice they or I can give you is start small and gradually increase until you find the right dosage for your horse and use. Every animal is different and a lot depends on their size, temperament, and the job your horse does. If you have questions on where to start, read the product label closely. KAHM is a top of the line brand because their product is verified by an independent, third party lab. Ingredients and quality of ingredients are key, especially in such a new product.
KAHM's hemp pellet can be given as a daily supplement in their grain or an increased dose before competition. I do both and just add an extra scoop the day of a race. WARNING: These pellets do have a strong odor so be sure to screw the lid back on tightly after each use. I forgot once and my tack room smelled pretty funky for a few days.
KAHM also has a power packed single serving syringe (say that three times really fast), made especially for competition. I have found that this is best given about two hours before a race. Be sure to check dosage recommendations once again and start small the first time you give it to your horse.
Let's talk about one of my favorite KAHM products and that is the tincture oil. I like using this also on days of heavy training or competition. My 3 and 4-year-old horses only get about 2/3 of a dropper. At rodeos, my giant, seasoned horse Stryker gets two full droppers about two hours before the race. This needs to be given sublingual, meaning under the tongue, for best absorption. I just pinch their nose a little to keep them from throwing their head and dropping this liquid gold all over the place. No joke, this stuff is expensive!
After every ride, I like to use a cold hose on my horses, especially any spots that are prone to soreness, then I apply my favorite product of all - liniments. KAHM's liniment product comes in a spray bottle for easier application but it is a gel so you can apply it directly on your horse or in your hand and then rub it in. I like to shave my horses' legs pretty short in the summer to ensure maximum absorption. Be sure to rub against the grain of the hair so it absorbs into the skin and not just the hair follicles. You can use this on any muscle group including their back, shoulders, hocks, whatever. This stuff smells really good too! It's kind of an herbal, almost minty fresh smell and best of all, you don't need gloves to apply it.
A common misconception is that CBD will get your horse "high". Not true. CBD does not contain THC, which is a psychotropic chemical derived from the same plant. I have found that CBD doesn't slow my horse's feet, only their mind. It gives them the opportunity to take a deep breath and focus on their job. My horse's attitude becomes more willing, they get soft, but still have every ounce of athleticism that I have conditioned into them. When your competition is a game of hundredths of a second, I can't afford to make my horse sleepy or slow. I just want him to be more focused on his job. CBD helps with that. I want to do everything I can to make my horses feel happy, healthy, and strong. When I use these products on Stryker, he is less anxious, there is no swelling in his joints, and he seems more focused on his job.
I have become a believer in CBD products and use one CBD in one form or another just about every time I swing a leg over one of my horses. I'll be honest with you, it is just one of those products that you have to try for yourself, especially as it pertains to dosage.
It is important to note that CBD is not allowed in all competitions. Be sure to check with your sanctioning organization to see if CBD is on the list of banned substances before administering.
My final review of KAHM's line is that my horses seem happier and healthier on their CBD products.
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