Hemp for horses

Hemp has been synonymous with horse bedding for many years, as its fibrous properties give these products good cushioning and absorptive properties. Latterly, hemp has become popular as a food ingredient for people, being associated with well-known brands such as ‘The Food Doctor’ and ‘Ryvita’. It has also been investigated as a feed ingredient for farm animals including laying hens and dairy cows.

Hemp is primarily an oilseed crop like soya, linseed and rapeseed and it is the grain or seed that contains the majority of nutritional value. In comparison to other oilseed crops, hemp produces a very high yield and therefore it is not surprising that in recent years it has become a good economic crop for farmers in some parts of the world.

Catherine Dunnett (European Trainer - issue 27 - Autumn 2009)