I have fibromyalgia and its plethora of side-kick conditions. I have also been diagnosed with depression and general anxiety. The biggest change in my life has been in the time spent with my horses. 

Before CBD, even a short ride could knock me out of commission for a day or more. I would pay for my riding time with pain and fatigue. More times than not, I would go to watch my son ride, but not ride myself, because I couldn’t afford to be stuck in a chair the next day. I purchased a Rocky Mountain Horse for myself because my son’s Quarter Horse was too bouncy for me. Teddy was the first horse that was completely mine, and he was just sitting in the pasture. Getting to the barn became harder and harder, as depression set in about not being able to do the thing that I love. 

I had heard great things about CBD from my fellow fibromyalgia sufferers, and my doctor was on board with giving it some experimentation. After trying several different brands and types of products over the past year and a half, I’ve narrowed it down to the products that work the best for me.

Since I started using CBD, I’m back in the saddle for miles of trail rides. I can help my son and niece prepare for a show, as well as play show mom the next day, and I’m not completely bed-ridden for the next week. The days of wondering if I should ride or not are behind me, and I don’t miss them in the least. 

How it Helps

While I still take medications for depression and the occasional pain relief, I have managed to cut my medications considerably since I started using CBD. My overall health has improved. My quality of sleep is higher than it has been since I was a teenager. And my mental health responds to my other medication much better. I do not need a cane to walk long distances for the first time in over 20 years. I’m only 47—this is huge! People that haven’t seen me in a while are amazed at how much happier I am in general.

I love to tell people about my experience with CBD. I know it sounds a bit hyperbolic, or like I’m trying to pitch a sale, but it changed my life. I jokingly refer to myself as a CBD evangelist now. It’s been a wonderfully positive experience.