Is Hemp Seed Oil Safe for Competition Horses? A Deep Dive into FEI and EA Compliance on Cannabinoids

By Arthur Wajs / Co-Founder & CEO of HEMPPET ® 

G'day, fellow equine enthusiasts and veterinary professionals. If you're like Millie R, a dedicated horse owner who recently reached out on Facebook with a spot-on question about our Raw Hemp Seed Oil and Performance Cookies.

"Hey! I got gifted a pack of treats and the hemp oil for horses, just wondering if it's FEI/EA legal before I go ahead and feed it. I found the website was quite hazy. Thanks!"

…then you're in the right place. As Australia's pioneering hemp-based pet nutrition brand since 2018, HEMPPET ®  is committed to transparency, science-backed innovation, and empowering you to make informed choices that elevate your horse's performance and vitality.

In this extensive blog, we'll unpack the complexities of Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and Equestrian Australia (EA) rules on cannabinoids, drawing from verified, peer-reviewed research and audited studies. We'll explore why pure, seed-derived hemp products like ours are a game-changer for equine wellness, delivering balanced omegas for 'cool' energy, superior proteins for muscle repair, and antioxidants for joint mobility, without compromising clean sport standards. 

Whether you're a vet recommending supplements or an owner chasing that competitive edge, read on to discover how HEMPPET ®  can transform your stable's success story. And remember, while we stand by our unblemished track record, always consult your equine vet for personalised advice.

The Rising Popularity of Hemp in Equine Nutrition: Why the Buzz?

Hemp seed oil has exploded in popularity among Australian equestrians, and for good reason. Derived from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds (grown under strict regulations with THC levels capped at under 1% in the plant) it's a nutrient powerhouse. Unlike CBD extracts from leaves or flowers, our cold-pressed Raw Hemp Seed Oil contains negligible cannabinoids, focusing instead on an ideal 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio that's superior to flax or chia for efficient metabolism. This supports sustained stamina, faster recovery post-event, glossy coats, and resilient joints, resulting outcomes that vets and trainers rave about for filling dietary gaps in high-performance horses.

But Millie's query highlights a common concern: In a world of zero-tolerance doping rules, can you safely incorporate hemp seed products without risking a positive test? Let's break it down with evidence from audited sources, ensuring you have the facts to recommend or use with confidence.

Understanding FEI and EA Regulations: A Zero-Tolerance Landscape

The FEI, governing international equestrian sports, and EA, its Australian affiliate, prioritise clean sport through the Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL). Effective from 1 January 2026, the EPSL classifies substances into Banned (no legitimate use, high abuse potential) and Controlled Medications (therapeutic out-of-competition but prohibited in-competition).

Cannabinoids fall squarely in the crosshairs. CBD (cannabidiol), the dominant non-psychoactive cannabinoid in industrial hemp, is a Controlled Medication and Specified Substance. This allows out-of-competition use for issues like pain or neurological support but bans it during events - any detection presumes intentional doping unless proven otherwise, leading to sanctions like fines, disqualifications, or suspensions. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and other natural/synthetic cannabinoids are outright Banned Substances (also Specified), with zero equine application.

Even trace contamination (from bedding, feeds, or non-seed hemp parts) can flag positives. This underscores the critical need for vetted, seed-only products, which are cold-pressed to ensure cannabinoids remain below detection limits, as confirmed in peer-reviewed studies.

Do Detectable Cannabinoids Like CBD Trigger FEI/EPS Issues?

In short: any detectable levels of prohibited cannabinoids in a horse's sample during FEI competition can lead to violations, as there's zero tolerance for them in the system. CBD (cannabidiol, the dominant non-psychoactive cannabinoid in industrial hemp) is classified as a Controlled Medication and a Specified Substance under the 2026 FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL). This means it's allowed out-of-competition for therapeutic use (e.g., pain or neurological support) but strictly prohibited in-competition and any detection could result in sanctions, as Specified Substances carry a presumption of intentional doping unless proven otherwise.

FEI Clean Sport Prohibited Substances Database

Clean Sport for Horses - FEI Prohibited Substances List

2026 Equine Prohibited Substances List

Other cannabinoids, like THC (from cannabis) or synthetic variants, are outright Banned Substances (except CBD), also Specified, with no legitimate equine use and high abuse potential. Natural cannabinoids (excluding CBD) from hemp or marijuana fall here too. The EPSL emphasises that even trace amounts from contamination (e.g., bedding or feeds) can flag positives, underscoring the need for vetted, seed-only products, cold-pressed from industrial hemp seeds with negligible cannabinoids (below detection limits in audited studies).

In summary: Yes, any detectable levels of prohibited cannabinoids, such as CBD (the dominant non-psychoactive one in industrial hemp), can indeed trigger FEI issues. Under the 2026 Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL), CBD is a Controlled Medication and Specified Substance, permitted out-of-competition for therapeutic purposes but banned in-competition - detection could lead to sanctions, given the presumption of intentional doping unless proven accidental. THC and other natural/synthetic cannabinoids are outright Banned Substances (Specified), with zero legitimate use in horses. Critically, there are no defined thresholds for these substances; FEI enforces zero tolerance, so even trace amounts in blood, urine, or plasma (detectable via sensitive LC-MS/GC-MS at ng/mL levels) count as a violation.

Specific Thresholds Under FEI for 2026

Unlike some substances (e.g., arsenic at 0.015 μg/mL in plasma or boldenone at 0.015 μg/mL free/conjugated in urine), there are no defined thresholds for cannabinoids, including CBD or THC. The EPSL operates on a "zero-tolerance" basis for these: any detectable presence in urine, blood, or plasma during in-competition testing (typically via LC-MS or GC-MS methods sensitive to ng/mL levels) constitutes a violation. This aligns with FEI's clean sport ethos and no safe "below-threshold" wiggle room.

2026 FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List

Peer-reviewed equine studies reinforce this: Even low-dose CBD (1.5 mg/kg BW) clears plasma/synovial fluid within 24-48 hours, but traces from non-seed hemp (e.g., bedding) can linger 48-72 hours in urine. For seed-derived products like Hemp Pet's, residues are undetectable, a recent (2203) trial showed zero CBD/THC in plasma/synovial after 35 days of hemp seed oil supplementation. No FEI positives linked to pure seeds - making our FSANZ-tested range (THC <5 mg/kg in oil) a compliance-safe powerhouse for vets seeking balanced omegas, proteins, and antioxidants that fuel 'cool' energy, muscle repair, and resilience.

Key evidence from audited research:

- A 2023 pilot study on beef cattle fed industrial hemp byproducts (analogous to equine feeding due to similar herbivore digestion) found cannabinoids in plasma and tissues at low levels during exposure, but most were eliminated within 7 days post-feeding, with no long-term accumulation. This mirrors equine metabolism, suggesting quick clearance in horses too, vital for pre-competition feeding protocols.
Plasma cannabinoid concentrations and transference during long-term industrial hemp administration in cattle - PMC

- Equine-specific research, including a Cornell University opinion on hemp seed meal, notes that hulled seeds and oil contain negligible THC/CBD inherently, with no significant residues in blood or urine when fed at standard doses (e.g., 0.5-2% of diet). No positive doping cases have been linked to pure seed-derived products in horse
Hemp Seed Meal in Equine Nutrition: Current Knowledge and Ongoing Research

- Broader animal studies, such as those on sheep and finishing heifers, reinforce that cannabinoid transference is minimal and short-lived, with residues below detection limits in urine/blood after withdrawal periods as brief as 3-7 days. Importantly, these align with EFSA's 2011 safety opinion on hemp for animal feed, stating no psychoactive risks from seed-based ingredients.Hempseed oil as a novel source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and its effect on inflammation in sedentary horses

Scientific Opinion on the safety of hemp (Cannabis genus) for use as animal feed - EFSA Journal 2011Pilot study: impacts of cannabinoids from industrial hemp and repeated transportation events on cattle health and immune status

In practice, this means our products pose very limited risk of residual buildup when used as directed, backed by our traceable supply chain and third-party testing. Vets we've collaborated with report horses thriving with sustained energy and resilience, without any flagged tests.

Why HEMPPET ® Products Are The Compliance-Safe Powerhouse

This zero-threshold reality highlights the genius of our seed-focused range: Industrial hemp seeds inherently lack meaningful CBD/THC (0-0.32 mg/kg max, often zero after processing), delivering instead a 3:1 omega ratio for 'cool' energy, superior protein for recovery, and antioxidants vets swear by for joint mobility and coat shine. Our FSANZ-tested Raw Hemp Seed Oil and Performance Cookies outperform flax/chia in balanced nutrition, filling dietary gaps that transform performance, think faster post-event bounce-back and sustained stamina, all without doping risks.

Controlled Medications – Equine Sports Council

Our Proven Track Record and Ongoing Commitment

Since launching HEMPPET ® in 2018 as Australia's first hemp-based pet range, we've had zero adverse reports of our products causing issues for in-competition horses. That's many equine athletes thriving without a single doping flag, a testament to our traceable, seed-only supply chain from Australian grown and processed industrial hemp. The safety of hemp seed oil consumption is solidly backed by peer-reviewed research, like the mentioned Virginia Tech study showing enhanced anti-inflammatory fatty acids (GLA/DGLA) in plasma, red blood cells, synovial fluid, and muscle after 28-35 days, aiding recovery without residues. We're continually collaborating with owners, trainers, and veterinary professionals to gather evidence on efficacy, safety, and compliance.

That said, while we're proud of this unblemished history and the science supporting our END-compliant nutritional supports, we cannot assume any responsibility or liability should your horse test positive. As always, consult your equine vet or the FEI Clean Sport database for personalised advice.

Inspiring Real-World Wins: Solo's Triumph with Hemp Pet

Speaking of transformative results, check out Solo's story—a champion racehorse who defied the odds after a devastating accident. Kicked from his cart, Solo suffered deep leg wounds that threatened his racing career, with vets predicting months of healing plagued by proud flesh and scarring. Enter equine therapist Naomi Maynard (over 30 years' experience), who layered our Raw Hemp Seed Oil (fed daily for internal omega support) and Hemp Horse Shampoo (topical at every wash) onto the vet's protocol. The outcome? Rapid granulation in just four weeks, minimal proud flesh, beautifully knitted skin, restored muscle tone, and a glossy coat that screamed vitality. Naomi raved: “The result to today is quite amazing 🤩.” Backed by that 3:1 omega ratio for healthy inflammation resolution and tissue repair, Solo's comeback highlights how Hemp Pet turns setbacks into strengths. Dive into the full tale here: From Setback to Strength, HempPet.au 

It’s the inspiration every owner needs.

Wath the full story here: 

How One Champion Racehorse Defied the Odds with Australian Hemp Nutrition

Ready to Elevate Your Horse's Performance? Join the Hemp Pet Revolution

Veterinary professionals and owners, don't let compliance fears hold back excellence. Hemp Pet's equine range delivers proven nutritional support that's safe, effective, and transformative. 

For batch tests or vet consultations, contact us. Let's champion equine wellness together - because your horses deserve the best.

 

References:

- FEI 2026 Equine Prohibited Substances List: FEI Clean Sport

- Virginia Tech 2023 Study: Hempseed oil as a novel source of polyunsaturated fatty acids...

- EFSA 2011 Opinion: Scientific Opinion on the safety of hemp...

- Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024: CBD in arthritic horses...

(And more as cited inline.)