My Experience With Aromatherapy and Horses
I wanted to take a few moments to share some of the experiences we had over the past weekend using aromatherapy with horses. My daughter had 4H horse camp and for many of the horses, it was the first outing of the year. That means a lot of fidgets and some acting up. For some of those horses and riders, it was the first ride of the year too. This was true in my daughter's situation. Thor, my daughter's horse is older off the track thoroughbred and it takes a while to build up muscle tone down his sensitive back. During that time, he doesn't care for saddles or riders. Since our spring begins around May and we had some busy times, we only had a couple weeks to build up that muscle tone and deal with his attitude. He is an awesome horse and loves kids, he has been used as a lesson horse and makes the kids work for every step, which is great on the learning end. He's capable and once he knows he can't get away with anything, he settles right down. It's getting to that point that is intimidating for Etain (my 13-year-old).I wear the rose oil and one morning I went to say hi to Thor before I left for work. His eyes lit up and he buried his face in my chest and started taking deep breaths. I knew right then how well the oils would work with him. I wasn't sure that would be the case with all. I have read about using aromatherapy with horses but never put it into practice. Ok, so you have the background. At horse camp, the kids are there from Friday through Sunday and they have a fun show on Sunday to kick off the show season and get them psyched up for showing. So we have a bunch of kids who are out mostly for the first time with their horses. By the time we got there Friday (it started at 5, we got there at 5:15, there were already 2 people who took falls. I brought with me a couple of basic essential oils, chamomile, lavender, tea tree and rose absolute. There was a young horse a couple stalls down from him who was very nervous about being there and I went over to calm him. He wouldn't stay still for the usual calming pets and soft words, but when I took out the rose oil I had in my pocket and opened it, he stopped dead in his tracks and reached his head toward me. I let him sniff the bottle, then I put a drop on my hands and rubbed it in. He let me stroke his forehead and calmed right down. For a couple hours anyway.It is funny though, not all of them responded the same to the rose oil. some preferred Chamomile and one even wanted the tea tree. The first day Thor was all about the rose, but the second it was Chamomile, then lavender and back to rose. He doesn't seem to dig the tee tree at all. I actually had that one with me for any cuts or scrapes anyway. We ended up using it a lot just before classes in the show ring. especially with the horses that were acting up. It didn't hurt to have it for the kids either. I made sure to take the ones that are fine to use neet (undiluted) and really had no expectation of using it directly on any horse except Thor, just letting them sniff it. With the help of the oils and some herbal supplements (oh and a nice stern lesson from mom), Thor was an angel all weekend. During the show, I used the oils to help out a couple horses who were a bit wound up. It helped a little.
Before Using Essential Oils On Your Horse (or any other animal)
Make sure that the oils are therapeutic grade and not perfume grade. Most of the negative reactions you hear about when using essential oils for aromatherapy are because of the quality of oils. Make sure you get your oils from a reliable source. In other words, research the brand you are getting. some good brands are Melaleuca, Doterra, Aura Cacia, Young Living, Eden's Gardens, just to name a few. Some you can find in your local health food store, some through a distributor.There are oils that cause a photosensitive reaction, so be aware of what there are. There are some that can irritate the skin, but none are toxic to smell.Be familiar with the price of oils. Pure Rose, Jasmine, and Melissa (lemon balm) oil will run you upwards of $100 for .17 oz. Now you know if you see it somewhere for $20, read the label carefully. it might be a diluted oil.if you apply the oil to your horse's skin, pay attention to how and where you apply it. Also, check to make sure it is not a sensitizing oil or might cause a photosensitive reaction. Also keep in mind that those areas where there is white fur and pink skin are very sensitive, especially to the sun.Do not give oils to your horse internally without express direction from your vet. They are extremely concentrated and could do more harm than good if not used correctly.Some oils can be dangerous to be used topically on pregnant or lactating mares. Be sure to consult your vet before using.Cats are especially sensitive to many chemicals and oils, be very careful using oils around them.
How To Use Essential Oils For Aromatherapy With You Horse
Gather a couple oils that will attain the goal you want. for example, I wanted oils to calm, so I had lavender, chamomile and rose. Then take the cap off the bottles one at a time and let your horse sniff them. Your horse will choose the one he/she likes best. They might try nuzzling the bottle, curl their lip with joy or even try to eat it. (Don't let them eat it). If they don't like it, they will turn away or will refuse to sniff it more than once (if at all).Once you have your oil picked. you can stop at letting them sniff it. you can apply it to their halter or somewhere it will not touch their skin but will allow the fragrance to linger.If you have checked the safety of the oil and want to apply it to the skin, you do so by putting a drop to their forehead and to their poll. it is absorbed best that way and will last longer in their system. I would suggest still applying it to their halter or somewhere they can continue to smell the oil as well.
Essential Oils and Their Aromatherapy Use*:
Balsam Fir - Traditionally used for muscular aches and pains, the warm aroma of balsam fir soothes and rejuvenates body and mind. Also great for bone and joint conditions, emotional work, inflammatory conditions, and respiratory support. Best used topically and aromatically.
Cedarwood- this amazing essential oil is high in sesquiterpenes and is great for promoting oxygenation of cells. It can be used for repelling bugs, increased brain function, and increasing stamina for performance.
Chamomile - This oil and herb are great for reducing stress and creating inner peace. It is perfect for the anxious horse, great for shows and to de-stress. use aromatically, topically and use the herb internally.
Clary Sage- most commonly chosen for helping in hormonal balancing. Both in males and females alike
.Cypress- use to promote health during times of poor circulation. Also an emotionally grounding oil. Can be used topically or diffused.
Eucalyptus - great for respiratory support, bug repelling (homemade fly spray), and air purification. Most commonly used aromatically and topically.
Fennel- can be used to help promote digestive health and wellness. It is also known to help milk stimulation for lactating animals. Topical and dietary are the most commonly practiced uses. If using as a dietary supplement, use the herb, not the oil.
Frankincense- this oil has been considered a “lifeforce”. The benefits of this oil are vast and numerous! Can be used topically, and aromatically. A great essential oil to promote overall cellular health and function. Supporting of DNA as well.
Geranium- support liver health and function, help release negative emotions, repel bugs, and promote healthy skin with Geranium essential oil.
Ginger- you can use this oil topically, or aromatically. Digestive support, comfort muscle tension, and increase stamina. Herb itself can be used internally as a digestive aid. Helichrysum- is known for its restorative properties, circulatory support, and use for muscle tension. Suggested use is topical.
Juniper- emotional support for promoting a feeling of confidence. Also known for its purifying properties.
Lavender- a very versatile essential oil. Promote comfort and health for skin conditions, burns, sore muscles, tension, and stress. Emotionally calming.
Lemon- known for its cleansing properties, circulatory support, and energizing. Use aromatically to freshen the air.
Lemongrass- purifying and great digestive support. Dilute for topical use. Good to help support muscle health and connective tissue.
Marjoram- helps release muscle tension, physical discomfort, and emotionally calming.
Melaleuca Alternifolia- known for its cleansing properties. Also one of the most altered and processed oils commercially. Know your supplier and manufacturer.
Palo Santo- known as an emotionally grounding and cleansing oil. Supports physical and emotional restoration.
Peppermint- is most known for supporting normal digestion. You can add a drop or two to grain for digestive support and function, including but limited to ulcers and colic. It is good to use as an aide in pain relief, soreness, and itching. Let the horse inhale the oil or place on a diffuser for increased alertness and concentration during training sessions. Add a couple drops to Epsom salts in a bucket of water to wipe down post work or on hot days for a nice cooling effect. Also tends to deter bugs and has been known to make ticks retreat when dropped on them topically.
Rose - Reduces stress and anxiety. It fosters a sense of well-being and is emotionally uplifting. can be used aromatically and topically.
Vetiver- emotionally balancing and grounding.
Wintergreen- minty and refreshing. Great for times of physical discomfort.
Ylang Ylang- promotes emotional balance and cleansing of negative emotions. Good for circulatory support as well*oil Information from equineessentialwelloness.com