While essential oils aren’t necessarily a cure for disease, they can still be a great tool to keep on hand not only for yourself, but also for your horses.
Personally, I use oils like tea tree and lavender on a regular basis. I also have a relaxation blend that I use in a diffuser. The best way to use essential oils with horses is either topically or through aromatherapy. I don’t recommend using them internally unless you’re working with a practitioner who is experienced in this area. Topically, essential oils can be used in conjunction with massage, using the Raindrop technique, or they can simply applied to areas of concern on the hooves or skin. Generally, when applying essential oils topically, it’s recommended to dilute them with a carrier oil such as coconut, avocado, or sweet almond oil. Alternately, you can use aloe vera gel for a less greasy effect. When using essential oils for aromatherapy, it’s important to let the horse choose which ones they need. In other words, don’t force a horse to inhale any particular oil, but rather hold it out and let the horse decide whether or not they need it. Showing interest and moving toward the bottle is a ‘yes’, while turning away or showing other signs of irritation is a ‘no’.
With all that said, here are eight essential oils to use with horses and some specific uses for each oil:
1.) Lavender
Muscle soreness or injury, wounds, insect repellent, emotional issues (calming, easing anger
and frustration).
2.) Tea Tree
Insect repellent, itching, wounds, thrush or other fungal infections in the hoof, fungal skin
conditions such as rain rot or ringworm.
3.) Geranium
Insect repellent, sore muscles, wounds, hormonal issues, emotional issues (such as moodiness).
4.) Lemon
Immune stimulant, kidney issues, arthritis, emotional issues (promotes trust and improves focus).
*Caution: lemon oil can cause skin irritation, so dilute well and avoid leaving on horse if they are
turned out in bright sunlight.
5.) Frankincense
Minor bumps or scrapes, skin issues, immune support, emotional issues (improving mood/relaxation).
6.) Chamomile
Old muscle injuries, muscle spasms, emotional issues (calming, stubbornness).
7.) Yarrow Inflammation, allergies, emotional issues (in cases of past trauma).
8.) Peppermint
Muscle/joint soreness, insect repellent, stocking up, digestive issues, emotional issues (focus, energizing, soothing).
There are many high-quality brands of essential oils available these days, but whichever brand you go with, make sure to get the real (therapeutic) essential oils and not perfume quality oils.
