In holistic horse care, aromatherapy has emerged as a gentle yet powerful method for enhancing the well-being of many equine companions.
As horse enthusiasts, we want the best for our beloved companions. And when discussing their well-being, aromatherapy for horses is a topic worth exploring.
Creating a calming environment with the right blend of essential oils can help our horses feel more at ease and build a deeper bond with them.
This blog explores the fascinating world of aromatherapy for horses, shedding light on how these essential oils can be safely used to support their health, alleviate stress, and foster a deeper connection between horse and handler.
Join us as we venture into a beginner's guide to essential oils unlocking a new dimension of natural horse care.
Who am I?
I'm Jennifer, an aromatherapist and the visionary force behind Electric Pony.
More than just a horse-crazy Colorado cowgirl, I see myself as a bridge between the wisdom of nature and the tangible world of horse care.
Raised on Elk Falls Ranch, I spent my early days with a herd of horses, which instilled in me a deep understanding of the "language of life."
Read more about the author, Jennifer Ioppolo and Electric Pony.
What is Aromatherapy for Horses?
Aromatherapy for horses is a holistic healing practice that uses essential oils to promote horses' physical and emotional well-being.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or cold pressing. When used correctly, these oils offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits for horses, harnessing the natural properties of plants to support emotional health and balance.
Essential oils, derived from flowers, plants, seeds, resins, roots, and herbs, are the essence of nature's remedies. They offer a holistic approach to addressing various health issues and promote emotional support.
Holistic Veterinarians have been exploring the use of aromatherapy to help pets that suffer from anxiety and pain. It's only natural to extend this practice to our equine companions.
Aromatherapy for horses is not a new concept; ancient civilizations used it for support and relief.
However, with the rise of modern medicine, this traditional practice was pushed aside and forgotten.
Now, as we rediscover the benefits of natural remedies, aromatherapy treatment for equines has regained its popularity and credibility.
How Does Aromatherapy Work on Horses?
The practice of aromatherapy for horses operates on the principle that certain scents can trigger physiological and psychological responses.
Horses have a highly developed sense of smell, which allows them to interact deeply with their environment.
When a horse inhales the aroma of an essential oil, the scent molecules travel through the olfactory system to the brain, influencing various systems and processes in its body.
Horse Fact: Did You Know?
Horses may be even more powerfully affected by soothing aromas due to their 300,000 million olfactory receptors, compared to humans' 6 million.
Interestingly, horses can discriminate human body odors from two distinct emotional contexts (fear and joy) when they are presented simultaneously.
Aromatherapy Misconceptions
Some people jump on the “bad for one, bad for all” bandwagon when discussing essential oils for horses. Essential oils can be safe for horses, especially when diluted at 0.25%—0.50% in topical products.
For example, lavender and chamomile oils are among the most popular in human and animal use. They are generally safe for cats, dogs, and horses.
However, they can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially if applied to damaged or irritated skin.
Benefits of Essential Oils for Equines
Aromatherapy can be used in horses for several purposes, including:
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction: To calm nervous or anxious horses, especially in stressful situations like vet visits, competitions, or transportation.
- Pain and Inflammation Relief: To help manage discomfort from arthritis or muscular strains.
- Immune System Support: To boost the immune system, helping the horse resist infections and diseases.
- Insect Repellent: Some essential oils (lemongrass, peppermint) can naturally repel insects, providing a chemical-free way to protect horses from bites.
- Skin Care: To treat or manage skin conditions, promoting healthy skin and coat.
Essential oils in horse care and wellness offer a holistic approach to maintaining their health and well-being.
It's essential to understand that each horse’s needs and reactions may vary. When using therapeutic oils for equine health, take a gentle approach and listen to your horse's cues.
Want the secret to a happier and healthier horse? Get The Ultimate Guide to 20 Powerful Essential Oils for Horses and Dogs here.
How to Introduce Horses to Essential Oils
Instincts and Horse’s Communication
Use your instincts and the horse’s ability to communicate – the physical response will depend on the specific horse.
Just like us, every horse’s biological makeup is unique. The “safe” oils might be too much for your horse, and some may LOVE oils like peppermint or eucalyptus, which are sometimes considered “caution-worthy.”
If you’re uncertain or reluctant to use a “safe” oil on or near their pets, disregard the safe lists and follow your instincts and the horse’s body language.
Gentle Acquaintance
Introducing a horse to essential oils should be a gentle process, akin to coaxing a foal from the stable for the first time.
Start by holding one oil at a time in a low concentration in your hands and observing your horse's reaction. Positive associations with their use will set a solid foundation for future aromatherapy sessions.
Horses have a heightened sense of smell compared to humans, so it’s important to acknowledge that any scent or fragrance might just be too much.
Just because one horse is sensitive to peppermint oil does not necessarily determine that it causes sensitvity for all. Similar to a “lactose-intolerant” or “celiac” diagnosis, it doesn’t mean that we ALL have the same concerns.
Safe Spaces
Associate essential oils with a horse's safe space— the stall, the pasture, or a familiar area. This grounding method helps the horse understand that the scents are linked to comfort and security.
Safety Practice
Follow these safety practices:
- Dilution of all essential oils in a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil or Sunflower Oil
- Let the horse communicate
- Start with hydrosols or floral waters – these can be wonderful insect repellents, especially lemongrass mixed with vinegar.
Horses will communicate and signal their interest or disinterest in particular scents. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn to listen to their responses and work together.
Safe Essential Oils for Horses
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a staple in equine aromatherapy and is renowned for its calming properties. It can relax anxious or stressed horses, especially before events or challenges.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint offers the equine respiratory system a breath of fresh air. Its energizing scent can support the horse's breathing during stress or seasonal changes.
German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile's gentle scent is calming and relaxing, perfect for when horses need a mellowing moment. It's also a soothing choice for skin conditions and minor wound care.
What Scents Do Horses Like?
With their keen sense of smell, horses do have a preference. What they love is often as individual as their character. Their attraction to specific smells can vary based on personal experience and personality.
While citrus scents, like lemon and orange, are popular, many horses take particular pleasure in the grassy or herby notes of oils such as sage and thyme.
Comfort in the Familiar
In the wild, horses would have learned to associate certain smells with safety and sustenance. Recreate these familiar scents, like conifer trees or blooming fields of flowers, to instill a sense of natural harmony and well-being.
Can Horses Lick Essential Oils?
Horses can be curious about a new scent, and some lick the oil. However, direct ingestion of essential oils undiluted can be harmful.
Always use cautionary measures like diffusers or applying the oils to areas the horse can't lick, such as under the jaw, on the chest, or in a hanging pendant.
Pony Stories
Willie: 13 YO Buckskin QH Gelding: Willie is a rule-following ranch dude and is a willing aromatherapy tester! He will drop his head and stand to smell Black Spruce & Rose diluted in Jojoba oil. He’ll close his eyes and soften his body. He normally shifts away from strong lotions on his person’s hand and harsh fly sprays.
Diesel: 22 YO, Appaloosa, 16.3+ former workhorse, outfitting guide/ hunting pack horse: First, he’s starting to enjoy having a person and finding his sweet little voice. Second, he tolerates just about anything like a champ. He will stand untied for me to put German chamomile and ylang-ylang diluted in Jojoba oil on his feet. I giggle each time, but he doesn’t shift away. He likes the pampering and touch.
Roxie: 13 yo HIGHLY SENSITIVE QH/TB mare: did not like any harsh chemicals used on her body or mane and tail, avoided fly spray and any “strong” smelling grooming product. She loved her neck massaged with a gentle blend of Rose, Black Spruce, and Pachouli. She allowed me to brush it into her mane and tail.
What Essential Oils Should Not Be Used on Horses
Some essential oils should NOT be used on horses due to their toxic properties.
- Pennyroyal (some can tolerate)
- Wormwood
- Camphor
Some horses / pets are sensitive to:
- Birch
- Tea Tree
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
While exploring the benefits of essential oils for equine health, it's equally important to emphasize safety and precaution.
The listed oils that should never be used and those that might cause sensitivity in some horses highlight the critical need for thorough research and consultation before introducing any new element into a horse's care regimen.
Recognizing and honoring every horse's unique needs and health is crucial in ensuring they receive the highest standard of care.
Where to Put Essential Oils on a Horse
The Art of Application
When it comes to where to place essential oils...
Popular locations include the neck, the poll area, the dock of the tail, the base of the feet, or a soft spot behind the ears.
Need a guide that shows you where to apply essential oils? Get The Ultimate Essential Oil Guide for Pets here.
Proper dilution and careful administration of essential oils can benefit your horse's physical and emotional well-being.
With patience, observation, and intuition, you and your equine partner can discover the power of aromatherapy together.
How to Dilute Essential Oils for Horses
Dilution: Less is More
Essential oils should always be diluted for equine use, as their pure form can be too strong. A common dilution for dogs and horses is 1%, meaning one drop of essential oil for every thirty drops of carrier oil.
With such a keen sense of smell, I use a 0.25% - 0.50% dilution in my formulas.
Picking the Perfect Carrier
When diluting essential oils for horses, choose safe carriers like coconut, almond, sunflower, and jojoba oils.
The carrier mellows the potency and ensures the oil spreads evenly over the horse's skin. Carrier oils also moisturize the skin and nourish the coat, making them a beneficial addition to any aromatherapy blend.
Integrating Aromatherapy
Horse lovers are often deeply connected to their animals, forming special bonds. Aromatherapy can enhance these relationships, offering a natural and unobtrusive way to minister to the horse's wellness.
Just as essential oils are used in human integrative medicine to nurture, comfort, and calm us, they can do the same for horses.
Just like us, horses can have scent preferences and respond to them in different ways. With a little patience, observation, and knowledge of the oils' safe use, you and your horse can explore the vast possibilities of aromatherapy together.
Creating an Aromatherapy Routine for Your Horse
Simplicity and consistency are key, so a few minutes each day can be more effective than a lengthy session irregularly.
Start with one calming oil after a ride or a soothing application before a grooming session. Over time, you'll tune into your horse's cues and needs, fine-tuning the scents that bring them the most joy or relief.
Horse Grooming Remedy using Therapeutic Essential Oils
If you are in the market for the perfect grooming remedy designed not just for your horse but for the holistic experience of care that both you and your companion deserve, you need to check out Electric Pony's 3-in-1 Pony Perfector.
This lightweight, multi-purpose formula is a testament to innovation in holistic equestrian care. It addresses the core needs of hydration, nourishment, and protection without compromising the health of your horse's coat microbiome.
3-in-1 Pony Perfector's unique blend of rose water and essential oils offers a luxurious treatment that leaves the mane, tail, and coat with a glossy, enviable shine that is smooth to the touch.
For Your Pony:
- Give a healthy gloss to the coat and effortless detangling to the mane and tail
- Deeply repair and nourish, unveiling the natural beauty of your pony
- Moisturize and condition the coat, mane, and tail
- Repels dirt, dust, and insects
- Natural, ear-safe insect repellent
- No drying silicones that offer short-term shine
For You:
- Calming and grounding essential oils
- Hydrates and nourishes your skin, too
- Say goodbye to the tacky residue on your hands
Ready to Transform Your Grooming Routine?
Click here to get your bottle of 3-in-1 Pony Perfector today!
Final Thoughts
Essential oils offer a gentle, natural way to support equine health and well-being.
With proper dilution and careful observation of your horse's reactions, aromatherapy can become essential in promoting emotional balance and addressing various health concerns.
Remember always to follow safety practices and trust your instincts when introducing essential oils to horses. And most importantly, have fun experimenting with scents and finding what works best for your horse. After all, a happy horse makes for a happy owner!
—---
NOTE: Other house pets that may be sensitive to essential oils: Birds, Cats, Dogs that are flat-faced breeds with respiratory difficulties), Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Rabbits, Baby animals, pregnant animals, senior animals, Sick animals
To learn more about specific essential oils for you and your horse, click here.