Introduction to CBD oil and its effects on horses’ coat
There are so many people that think a coat is just like clothes for a horse. That is absolutely not true. A horse’s coat is just as important as every other part of their body. Not only that, the state and quality of the coat can heavily impact their overall health as well.
Sure, making sure your horse has a smooth and clean coat has a lot to do with aesthetic reasons. But rather than to beautify them, the main reason why you should do it is to keep them healthy. A properly maintained coat will prevent the accumulation of dirt and risk of skin condition. Not only that it will also help you notice any wound that will only be visible on a close inspection.
So the only matter that you need to consider now is how to take care of the coat properly. There are numerous methods that you can find out there. There’s also lots of products that promise to help you achieve a spotless coat. But none of them are as good as CBD oil. This article will explain why.
What is CBD oil and how does it work?
CBD, or also known as Cannabidiol, is a type of cannabinoid compound that can be found inside cannabis. You can also find CBD in cannabis subclass plants, such as marijuana and hemp. CBD is the one that is responsible for the calming and the relaxing feeling when consumed. But unlike THC, the other types of cannabinoids inside cannabis, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. Which means it is perfectly safe to use without any side effects on the body.
CBD works by binding itself to the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that exists inside both humans and animals alike. ECS is a neural network that spans across all over our body. Through the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS, CBD is able to gain a temporal influence over certain parts of our body.
By using certain extraction methods, such as through CO2 or solvent, you can extract CBD out of cannabis. The end result comes in the form of CBD oil. But when it comes to the CBD content, hemp is far superior than other types of cannabis. That’s why most CBD oil comes from hemp.
Can CBD oil help a horse’s coat?
As mentioned before, ECS and its CB1 and CB2 receptors are neural networks that are responsible for various parts of the body. Research has found that ECS is also responsible for the thermoregulation of the skin. In particular, the presence of CB1 receptors are quite strong within the hair follicle cells.
Stimulation on CB1 receptors within the follicle can greatly impact the hair growth and its overall health. CBD is a natural CB1 antagonist. This means CBD can stimulate hair growth and increase hair quality through the help of CB1 receptors.
Human’s hair and horse’s mane, coat, and tail work in a relatively similar way. The main difference between both species is thickness and pigment concentration. Humans have a relatively even pigment distribution. In horses, however, the pigment is concentrated towards the center. And when it comes to the thickness, horse’s hair is typically three times thicker than human’s hair.
That fact is true whether we talk about the mane, coat, or the tail. Since the Endocannabinoid System exists within both humans and horses, it is only natural that CBD can also affect both species. So the answer is a resounding yes, CBD can help improve a horse’s coat.
Using CBD to improve your horses mane
When it comes to CBD oil, the method that is often used to administer it is through oral drops. But that can be a problem for a horse. Because the dropper is often made out of glass. So there’s a risk of a horse moving its mouth during the process and shattering the glass. Which is certainly dangerous for them.
So the most preferred method is by using a special CBD paste instead. All you need to do is take the paste with your hand, and rub it onto the horse’s tongue. Try to give the proper amount preferably to the bottom of their tongue.
But research has found that CBD can also affect the follicle through using it topically. Which means you can apply the CBD oil, or even the paste for that matter, directly to their coat. Just make sure to apply it uniformly so that every part of their coat receives the CBD.
Final thoughts on CBD oil and its effects on horses coat
CBD is a great way to treat numerous issues related to the nervous system. But CBD is also a great solution to use if you want a better quality coat for your horses. CBD has been proven to stimulate growth and the health of hair follicles. You can give CBD orally, or you can also apply the CBD directly to their coat.