Horses and Essential Oils

Horses are a forage animal. Horses in the wild, such as the wild Mustangs, know when their body is out of balance. They will seek out what they need to keep their body balanced.

Horses today do not have the luxury of seeking out what they need to keep their bodies balanced. They are kept in barns, small areas, etc., and this is why certified pure therapeutic-grade essential oils are so important.

Aroma Therapy

Aroma therapy is smelling. The technical term for smelling is olfactory. The olfactory system is a good avenue to help balance the horses body, so letting the horse smell them and inhale them is one way to use essential oils. This method is shorter lived than oils applied to the skin. Apply to hands to activate (see applying oils) and then offer to horse from about 1 foot away. Slowly move closer, the horse may come to you.

Topical Application

Topical application is an essential oil applied directly to the skin. The essential oil is then absorbed into the bloodstream.

Safety and Precaution Guidelines

Keep out of reach of children.

Buy certified, pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Less is more. Never exceed the recommended dose. Horses are very sensitive to the oils.

Do not apply oils around the eyes, genitalia, mouth or inside the nostrils or down in the ear.

Do not apply oils directly on the horse. Always put the oils in your clean hand first.

Make sure bottle has a dropper insert. This way you can control how much you use.

Clean the top of the bottle after each use.

Clean injury site thoroughly before use of oils on or around the wound.

Know your horses' history before picking out what oils to use. For example, pregnant, colic, pulled muscle, etc. Always consult a veterinarian if unsure of underlying problem.

Always store bottles standing upright, with the lid tight, in a cool dry place. Never store in sunlight, heat, or refrigerator.

Always use a good carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil.

If your horse has an irritation or sensitivity to the oils, use a carrier oil to dilute. Apply oil where tack goes, only if the horse will not be ridden for 8 to 12 hours. Blistering can occur otherwise.

Phototoxicity is a reaction that occurs after oil is applied and the horse is then exposed to the sun. Mainly citrus oils cause this, but some non-citrus oils can also cause this. Always dilute these oils with a carrier oil. Grey or white horses are the most sensitive to this, and can have an adverse reaction when oil is applied around the muzzle.

Some oils are toxic. This does not mean they cannot be used, but that they need a very high dilution. Some oils can be very hazardous, but to my knowledge I have stayed away from these. Again, know your oils; your horse's safety could depend on it.

Using Essential Oils

Application Key:

A - Aromatic / Inhalation

D - Dilute

N - Neat / no dilution necessary

T - Topical-use on body

* - Avoid sunlight for up to 12 hours after use.

** - Avoid sunlight for up to 24 hours after use.

Applying Oils

To check for irritation, place a drop of oil behind the ear. Do not put the drop of essential oils directly into the ear. When testing, still use the guidelines listed below before applying the oils to your horse.

Cup your hand and place oil in palm. Place other palm on top and move in a clockwise motion to activate the oil.

If using a carrier oil place the carrier oil in palm first, then add the essential oil and activate as above. Dilution of most oils is one part of the chosen oil to five or ten parts of the carrier oil. Some oils will need more dilution with a carrier oil, some will not. One or two drops is all you need. If doing a large area such as the hips, mix with carrier oil. It can be harmful if you use excess oils.

Most can be used full strength as a spotting oil. For use as a spotting oil, first activate then place one finger in oil, then separate hair and place on skin. This works well on problem areas.

Aroma therapy oils are used full strength.

Keep in mind the different types, temperament, size, and skin types of horses. Always treat each one as an individual. It is better to use less oil and have to repeat. If the essential oil is too concentrated, the horse may not be able to cope with it.

Single Oils

This is just a guideline for how I am using the oils. These oils have more properties than I have listed.

Basil

Basil helps relieve sore and fatigued muscle. When inhaled, it will help with mental alertness.

Anti-inflammatory, stimulant.

A, D, T

Bergamot

Bergamot helps relieve itching, relaxes the body and lifts the spirit and helps clear the throat. It helps with skin tumors known as Sarcoids.

Anti-inflammatory

A, D, T, **

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a deep muscle relaxant. This is an excellent oil to massage into the horse when they are chilled (cold and/or wet). It can help pull toxins, be helpful with colic and blood circulation.

Antibacterial, antiseptic.

D, T (Always dilute with carrier oil)

Clary Sage

Clary Sage is not to be used on pregnant mares. It provides relaxation during heat cycles. As a deep muscle relaxant, it helps with muscle fatigue. It can also help with C.O.P.D symptoms.

Antifungal, antiseptic, gentle sedative.

A, D, T

Clove

Clove is an excellent oil to help stimulate the immune system. It can be used on wounds, but I prefer to use different oils.

Antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant.

Clove

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is used for respiratory problems. It helps clear the sinus, throat or chest airways. It can also be used on over exercised muscles.

Stimulant, antiviral.

A, D, T

Frankincense

Frankincense is used for emotional and spiritual balance, wounds, scarring and lost of a companion. Use when a horse has lost their companion. It is also helpful to ease breathing, and is soothing to throat and chest.

Anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant.

A, D, T

Geranium

Geranium is used for the nervous system, hormonal balancing, relaxing and calming. It is also used for bruising and is an insect repellent.

Antibacterial, antidepressant.

A, D, T

Ginger

Ginger is used for warming and stimulating the circulatory system. It is another oil to use on wet and cold horses. It is soothing to the joints and arthritic joints. This oil will help ease congestion and tightness.

Analgesic, antiseptic, anti-catarrhal.

A, D,...