🐴 Cobalt Use Has No Known Benefit for Performance Horses: A 2025 Veterinary Advisory 💉⚠️

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

In 2025, one of the most concerning trends in competitive equine sports is the unauthorized use of cobalt as a supplement for racehorses. While cobalt is a trace mineral necessary in tiny amounts, there is no evidence it enhances equine performance. Worse, its misuse may be dangerous—even deadly. 🧬🐎

🧪 What Is Cobalt?

Cobalt is a trace element naturally found in the body, primarily as a component of vitamin B12. Horses require extremely small amounts of it for normal metabolic function. However, some trainers and supplement manufacturers are administering cobalt at high doses, falsely claiming it boosts red blood cell production or stamina. ❌

🔬 What the Research Shows

A study on five mares evaluated the effects of IV-administered cobalt. The results were alarming:

• ⚠️ Horses experienced anxiety and agitation
• ❤️ Rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure
• 💥 Some developed heart arrhythmias

These symptoms increase the risk of vessel rupture, organ damage, and sudden death. Cobalt’s cardiovascular effects could prove catastrophic in a racing environment. 🩺💀

❌ No Proven Performance Benefit

Despite its growing use, no scientific study has demonstrated a performance advantage from cobalt supplementation. Dr. Teresa Burns of Colorado State confirms there is:

• 📉 No boost in red blood cell count
• 🚫 No endurance or stamina improvements
• 🧬 No safe dose established for horses

In other words: It doesn’t help—and it can harm. 🧠

⚠️ Potential Long-Term Effects

Because cobalt is toxic in other species (including humans and rodents), concerns include:

• 🧠 Neurological damage
• 🩸 Hormonal dysfunction
• 💢 Systemic inflammation or oxidative stress

Long-term cobalt use in horses remains unresearched and unapproved. In the absence of studies, safety cannot be assumed. ❌

🔐 Regulation and Testing

Many racing jurisdictions have banned or restricted cobalt levels in racehorses, and regulatory bodies now test for cobalt in blood and urine. High levels can lead to disqualification, suspensions, and fines. 🧪⚖️

📲 Ask A Vet for Supplement Guidance

Before adding any performance supplement to your horse’s routine, consult with an equine vet. Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App to evaluate ingredients, legality, and safety. 📱🐴

Dr Duncan Houston and the team can review labels, perform bloodwork, and help you optimize performance legally and safely. 💬🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts

In 2025, the message is clear: Cobalt is a dangerous fad. Without proven benefits and with serious cardiovascular risks, it should never be used in performance horses. Prioritize science, safety, and transparency in every aspect of your horse’s training and care. 🐴❤️

Need a supplement safety check? Visit AskAVet.com before trying anything new 🐎💉