If you’ve ever stood in your barn—or even at home—looking at essential oils and thought, “Okay… but which one do I actually use?”—you’re not alone.
If you’ve been wondering how to choose an essential oil without feeling overwhelmed, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re brand new to oils or you’ve had them sitting in a drawer for a while, one of the biggest hurdles is simply knowing what to reach for in the moment.
There are a lot of ways to choose an oil, but one of the easiest—especially when you’re getting started—is to look at the type of plant it comes from.
The plant gives you clues about what the oil does. This makes choosing an essential oil so much easier, especially when you’re just getting started.
Once you start thinking this way, choosing an oil becomes much more intuitive. You’re not memorizing—you’re recognizing patterns.
Let’s walk through what that looks like in real life.
Floral Essential Oils: Calm, Soothe, and Reset
These are the oils I reach for when things feel a little “on edge”—whether that’s me, my horse, or even my dog after a long or stimulating day.
Good examples here are lavender, Roman chamomile, and ylang ylang.
Lavender is one of the easiest places to start. It’s versatile, gentle, and great for calming both horse and rider. Roman chamomile is another favorite when you want something soothing without being overpowering.
And as a horse mom, here’s the bonus—florals double as natural perfume. If you’re heading out after the barn, they’re the quickest way to not smell like it.
If lavender is one you already have, I share exactly how I use it with my horses in my daily routine here.
Herbaceous Essential Oils: Support and Reset
Herbaceous oils feel more active. These are your “support” oils—the ones you reach for when something isn’t quite right or you want to stay ahead of it.
Think peppermint, oregano, and thyme.
Peppermint is one I reach for most often—it has that fresh, cooling feel that works well for both me and my animals when we need a reset.
And if we’re talking real-life barn use—oils like oregano and thyme are incredibly helpful when hooves are dealing with gunk or excess moisture.
Woodsy Essential Oils: Ground, Focus, and Steady
These are the oils I reach for when things feel scattered—whether that’s a distracted horse or a restless dog.
Think cedarwood, spruce, and hinoki.
These oils feel grounding. They help bring everything back to center—for both of you.
I reach for these when things feel mentally busy, tense, or just a little off before getting on.
Citrus Essential Oils: Fresh, Bright, and Uplifting
Citrus oils are your go-to for an instant shift.
Think lemon, orange, and bergamot.
They’re bright, clean, and energizing—and they work fast.
I use citrus oils constantly for refreshing spaces, whether that’s the barn, the house, or anywhere my animals spend time.
I share simple, everyday ways I use lemon to freshen and reset my space here.
Spicy Essential Oils: Warm, Flavor, and Motivate
Spicy oils are warming and energizing—think cinnamon, clove, and fennel.
One of my favorite ways to use them is in homemade horse treats—especially when I need to hide a pill.
I make low-sugar treats with a small hole in the middle, and add cinnamon, clove, or fennel which gives them a flavor my horses love.
It turns something that could be a struggle into something easy.
I show exactly how I make my low-sugar horse treats step-by-step here.
Resin Essential Oils: Deep Support and Reset
Resin oils are slower, deeper, and incredibly supportive.
Think frankincense, copaiba, and myrrh.
Resin oils are what I reach for when I’m thinking about deeper, overall wellness and support—for both me and my animals.
These are the oils I tend to use when I want to support the body more broadly or create a reset moment.
Copaiba is one I use all the time because it’s gentle, versatile, and easy to incorporate into daily routines.
I break down how I use copaiba for simple, everyday support here.
Bringing It All Together
Instead of asking:
“What essential oil should I use?”
Ask:
What do I need right now?
- Calm → Floral
- Support → Herbaceous
- Grounding → Woodsy
- Energy → Citrus
- Warmth → Spicy
- Wellness → Resins
This isn’t the only way to choose oils—but it’s one of the easiest ways to start feeling confident using them.
Want This as a Quick Reference?
If you want something you can keep in your tack room, barn, or even your car, I put together a simple printable cheat sheet that breaks all of this down in one place.
👉 Grab your essential oil cheat sheet here!
Once you start thinking in scent families, everything gets easier.
You stop overthinking.
You stop second guessing.
And you finally start using your oils in a way that actually fits your everyday life.
Learning how to choose essential oils doesn’t have to be complicated—this simple approach is a great place to start.
I drive a big truck… and if you’re a horse girl (or honestly even just a dog mom), you already know what that means.
Some days it smells like:
- hay and feed
- leather tack
- a little bit of manure on my boots (let’s be real 😂)
- and whatever mystery smell comes along with hauling dogs, gear, and life around
For the longest time, I just accepted it. Or I’d try those typical car air fresheners… but they either smelled too strong, too artificial, or gave me a headache.
I wanted something that felt:
- simple
- natural
- and actually worked
That’s when I started keeping a few essential oils in my car—and over time, I noticed I kept reaching for the same ones depending on what I needed that day.
Not blends.
Not complicated routines.
Just a few go-to oils that make a real difference.
Not complicated routines.
Just a few go-to oils that make a real difference.
If you’ve ever searched for things like:
- best essential oils for your car
- how to make your car smell good naturally
- essential oils for energy while driving
this is exactly what I do in real life.
Why Essential Oils Work So Well in the Car
Your car is actually one of the easiest places to use essential oils.
It’s a small, enclosed space, which means:
- the scent works quickly
- you don’t need a lot
- and you can switch things up depending on your mood
Some days you need energy.
Some days you need calm.
And some days… you just need your car to not smell like the barn or your dog.
Some days you need calm.
And some days… you just need your car to not smell like the barn or your dog.
That’s where these come in.
The 5 Essential Oils I Always Keep in My Car
These are the ones I reach for over and over again—based on how I’m feeling or what I need in the moment.
Peppermint – For Energy and Staying Alert
If you’ve ever driven home late from the barn or found yourself getting sleepy behind the wheel… peppermint is a game changer.
It’s fresh, sharp, and instantly wakes you up.
I especially reach for peppermint when:
- I’m driving at night
- I hit that mid-afternoon slump
- I need to feel more focused and alert
A couple of deep inhales, and it’s like hitting reset on your brain.
Peppermint is one of the best essential oils for energy and focus while driving.
Lemon – For Odor Control and a Fresh-Smelling Car
This is my go-to when my truck just… smells like life.
Think:
- dog smell
- tack
- feed
- sweaty leather
- or that “I don’t even know what that is” scent
Lemon is clean, bright, and instantly makes your car smell fresh—without that artificial fragrance vibe.
If you’re searching for:
👉 how to make your car smell good naturally
👉 natural car air freshener ideas
👉 how to make your car smell good naturally
👉 natural car air freshener ideas
Lemon is one of the easiest places to start.
Orange – For a Mood Boost
You know those days where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?
Yeah… orange is for that.
It’s light, uplifting, and just feels happy.
I’ll use orange:
- on the way to work
- before heading into something stressful
- or when I just need to shift my mood a little
It’s such a simple way to reset your energy before you even step out of your car.
Cedarwood – For Calming Tension
Okay… real talk.
I can be a little impatient when I drive.
Traffic, slow drivers, being in a hurry—it adds up.
That’s where cedarwood comes in.
It’s grounding, calming, and helps take the edge off without making you feel sleepy.
I reach for cedarwood when:
- traffic is testing my patience
- I feel tense or on edge
- I just need to calm down a notch
If you’ve ever searched:
👉 essential oils for tension
👉 calming essential oils for driving
👉 essential oils for tension
👉 calming essential oils for driving
Cedarwood is one of my personal favorites.
Frankincense – For Grounding and Resetting
Frankincense is the oil I use when I feel scattered or overwhelmed.
It’s not about energy or mood—it’s about feeling centered again.
I’ll use this:
- after a long day
- on the drive home before walking into the house
- when my brain just won’t slow down
It helps create that little transition between “busy day” and “home.”
How I Actually Use Essential Oils in My Car (Simple + Easy)
This is where I keep things really simple—because if it’s complicated, I’m not doing it.
You do NOT need anything fancy.
Wooden Clothespin (My Favorite)
This is the easiest method.
- Put 1–2 drops of essential oil on a wooden clothespin
- Clip it onto your car vent
That’s it.
The airflow from the vent naturally diffuses the scent.
No mess. No setup. No thinking.
Cotton Ball in the Vent
Another super simple option:
- Add a couple drops of oil to a cotton ball
- Place it in your car vent
It works great—just not quite as secure as the clothespin.
Lava Bead Diffuser
If you want something a little more aesthetic:
- Add oil to lava beads
- Hang from your rearview mirror
It looks cute and works.
Car Vent Diffusers
There are also pre-made vent diffusers (you’ve probably seen them on Etsy).
These are great if you want something:
- reusable
- more polished
- or giftable
DIY Car Diffuser
If you love a good DIY, I actually have a full tutorial here:
👉Learn how to make your own DIY car diffuser using essential oils!
👉Learn how to make your own DIY car diffuser using essential oils!
It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
This is probably the most important part.
You don’t need:
- a huge collection of oils
- perfect blends
- or a complicated routine
Most days, I’m literally just:
👉 grabbing one oil
👉 putting a drop on a clothespin
👉 and going
👉 grabbing one oil
👉 putting a drop on a clothespin
👉 and going
And honestly?
Even if you don’t have any of the oils I listed…
Start with what you do have.
Put a drop on a cotton ball or clothespin, toss it in your car, and see how it feels.
That’s it.
Want to Try These Oils for Yourself?
I put together a bundle of the exact five essential oils I keep in my car—so you don’t have to overthink it or piece it together yourself.
These are from the company I personally use and trust. I’ve actually been to their farms, helped with planting and distillation, and that level of transparency is what gives me confidence that what I’m using is pure and truly natural.
After all, if we’re trying to create a natural air freshener for our cars (especially with dogs and barn life in the mix), quality matters.
This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business—it allows me to keep creating and sharing content like this.
Final Thoughts
Your car doesn’t have to smell like artificial fragrance…
and it definitely doesn’t have to smell like the barn or your dog either.
and it definitely doesn’t have to smell like the barn or your dog either.
With just a few essential oils and a super simple setup, you can:
- stay more alert
- feel calmer while driving
- and keep your car smelling fresh naturally
And the best part?
It doesn’t take any extra time.
Just grab an oil, add a drop, and go.
Why I Was Surprised by This Natural Perfume
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love creating my own perfume blends with essential oils.
There’s something really special about crafting a scent from scratch and experimenting with different combinations. It’s creative, it’s personal, and it’s one of my favorite ways to use essential oils beyond the diffuser.
But if you’ve ever made your own natural perfume, you also know it’s not always as simple as it sounds.
Getting a blend to last throughout the day can be tricky. Citrus notes fade quickly. Finding the right balance between top, middle, and base notes takes time. And creating a scent that actually evolves throughout the day the way a luxury perfume does… that takes a lot of trial and error.
Sometimes you want to play perfumer.
And sometimes you just want something that already smells incredible and lasts.
That’s exactly what surprised me about this natural perfume.
The first time I experienced these fragrances was actually at the Young Living convention. They had them set out for people to try, and it quickly turned into one of those fun, slightly chaotic moments where everyone is spraying different scents on their wrists and asking each other, “Wait, which one are you wearing?”
Before long, we were all walking around completely drenched in perfume—you could probably smell us coming from a mile away—and honestly, a little intoxicated by it too lol.
What stood out immediately was how layered and complex the scents were.
They didn’t smell like simple essential oil blends. They smelled like real perfume.
And the part that really got me? Even after I showered later that evening, I could still catch the fragrance on my skin.
That’s when I realized this wasn’t just another natural perfume.
It was crafted like a luxury fragrance, just made with botanical ingredients.
If you’re curious which scent you’d love most, you can take the fragrance quiz here:
Why This Natural Perfume Is Different
Natural perfumes sometimes get a reputation for being simple or fading quickly, especially when they’re made with essential oils alone. What surprised me about these fragrances is how sophisticated they feel. The scents evolve throughout the day the way luxury perfume does, moving from bright opening notes into richer heart notes and deeper base notes that actually linger.
That kind of complexity usually takes professional perfumery experience to create, which is why this line feels less like a typical natural fragrance and more like a true fine perfume made with botanical ingredients.
Why Choose a Natural Perfume?
There was a time when I loved wearing perfume, but I started getting headaches—and eventually I realized it was coming from the fragrances I was wearing. I still loved scent. I just didn’t love how it made me feel. That’s what led me to essential oils and creating my own natural perfume blends. I could still enjoy beautiful aromas, but without the side effects I’d been experiencing from artificial fragrance. You don’t have to choose between smelling good and feeling good anymore.
The Wyld Notes Fragrance Collection
One of the things I love most about this collection is how different each scent feels. Whether you like warm, sweet, floral, fresh, or bold fragrances, there’s something here that will stand out to you.
Smokey Ember is one of the most intriguing scents. It opens with citrus and soft floral notes, then settles into deeper woods, vanilla, and herbal tones. It feels warm, confident, and slightly mysterious without being overpowering.
Sweet Decadence is the one that completely won me over. It blends rich vanilla with tonka and soft florals to create a scent that’s warm, cozy, and a little bit indulgent without being too sweet. This was the one I kept smelling on myself all day. At one point I joked that it smelled so good it made me want to lick my arm, and honestly… I still stand by that.
Timeless Floral is a beautiful option if you love floral perfumes but want something with depth. It combines jasmine and lavender with warmer base notes so it feels fresh and romantic without being overly powdery.
Rugged Wilderness has a completely different personality. It’s fresh, herbal, and outdoorsy with a clean, grounding feel that reminds me of open air and wide spaces. If you love nature-inspired scents, this one really stands out.
Fireside Citrus balances bright citrus notes with warm woods. It has that uplifting, fresh opening but settles into something soft and grounded, which makes it really wearable throughout the day.
White Lie leans more elegant and refined, with notes like bergamot, geranium, jasmine, rose, patchouli, and vetiver. It has that soft, polished feel that makes it perfect if you like subtle but sophisticated fragrances.
Black Book brings in a deeper, spicier side with notes like nutmeg, ginger, juniper, frankincense, and tonka. It’s bold, rich, and a little mysterious — the kind of scent that feels like it has a presence without needing to be loud.
Not Sure Which Perfume You’ll Love?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay but how do I even choose one?” you’re not alone. Fragrance is such a personal thing, and it can smell completely different depending on your skin, your environment, and even the time of day.
That’s why one of the easiest ways to start is by taking their fragrance quiz. It helps match you with a scent based on your preferences, and it only takes a minute.
You can take the quiz here:
Try the Scents First
If you’re more like me and want to actually smell everything before deciding, the discovery set is honestly the most fun way to experience the collection. You get to try the scents on your skin and see how they change throughout the day, which makes a huge difference when choosing a perfume.
You can explore the discovery set here:
Try the Scents First
And if you already have your eye on one (or just want to dive in), you can use this link and the 10% discount is automatically applied at checkout.
Shop the fragrances here with 10% off:
Final Thoughts
I’ll probably never stop making my own perfume blends with essential oils. It’s something I genuinely enjoy, and I love having that creative outlet.
But because I spend so much time crafting my own natural perfumes, I honestly didn’t expect to love a ready-made fragrance as much as I do.
By the way, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting me and allowing me to continue sharing natural wellness ideas and products I truly love.
One of the most common mistakes people make when they first start using essential oils is applying them without a carrier oil.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated plant extracts, which is why a little goes a long way. To give you an idea of how concentrated they are, it takes roughly 75 lemons to produce a single bottle of lemon essential oil.
Because of that concentration, it’s usually best—especially when you’re getting started—to use essential oils diluted with a carrier oil when applying them to the skin.
Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil simply makes them easier and more practical to use. Whether you're making a roller blend, using oils during massage, or incorporating them into everyday routines, a carrier oil helps disperse the essential oil so you can use just a drop or two while still applying it comfortably.
Most people dilute essential oils for three main reasons.
First, to reduce the chance of skin irritation.
Diluting essential oils slows how quickly they absorb into the skin, making them easier for the body to handle and generally more comfortable to use.
Diluting essential oils slows how quickly they absorb into the skin, making them easier for the body to handle and generally more comfortable to use.
Second, to make them easier to apply.
Blending essential oils with a carrier oil allows you to easily cover the area you want to apply the oil to instead of trying to work a single drop across a much larger surface.
Blending essential oils with a carrier oil allows you to easily cover the area you want to apply the oil to instead of trying to work a single drop across a much larger surface.
Third, to use essential oils more efficiently.
When essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil, you can often achieve the same result while using fewer drops of essential oil overall.
When essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil, you can often achieve the same result while using fewer drops of essential oil overall.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best carrier oils for essential oils and how to choose the right carrier oil depending on how you plan to use them.
What Is a Carrier Oil?
A carrier oil is simply an oil used to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.
Because essential oils are so concentrated, they are often blended with a carrier oil to make them easier and more comfortable to use. The oil also helps disperse the essential oil so only a small amount is needed in a blend.
Essential oils also dissolve much better in oils than they do in water. That’s why oil-based carriers are commonly used when making massage oils, roller blends, and other topical preparations.
You may also see other ingredients used in natural recipes, such as witch hazel, glycerin, or alcohol. These can act as carriers in certain types of blends—especially sprays or perfumes—but they are not carrier oils.
Carrier oils specifically refer to fatty oils, usually derived from plants, that are used to dilute essential oils for topical use.
There are actually hundreds of plant oils that could be used as carrier oils, but a handful have become especially popular because they are stable, easy to find, and work well with essential oils.
Why Carrier Oils Are Important When Using Essential Oils
As mentioned earlier, essential oils are extremely concentrated plant extracts. Because of that concentration, using them diluted is often the easiest and most practical way to apply them.
A carrier oil allows you to spread a very small amount of essential oil over a larger area of skin. Instead of trying to work with a single drop, you can blend a few drops into a carrier oil and apply it more evenly.
Diluting essential oils also helps reduce the chance of skin irritation and slows how quickly the oil absorbs into the skin. This makes topical blends easier to control and generally more comfortable to use.
There’s also a very practical reason for using carrier oils:application. If you’ve ever tried to apply one drop of essential oil to a large area—like a sore muscle or the hindquarters of a horse—you quickly realize it doesn’t go very far. Mixing the essential oil into a carrier oil creates a massage oil that spreads easily.
For many people, carrier oils become the base for things like:
- massage oils
- roller bottle blends
- skincare oils
- natural wellness blends
Once you start working with essential oils regularly, having a good carrier oil on hand makes blending and applying them much easier.
The 8 Best Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
Here’s a quick comparison of the most commonly used carrier oils.
| Carrier Oil | Texture | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Fractionated Coconut Oil | Light | Roller blends, animal use |
| Jojoba Oil | Medium | Skincare, face oils, sensitivity |
| Sweet Almond Oil | Medium | Body blends, massage, nut oil |
| Grapeseed Oil | Light | Quick-absorbing blends |
| Olive Oil | Heavy | DIY blends, household use |
| Coconut Oil | Medium | Barn blends, hoof conditioner |
| Argan Oil | Medium | Hair, mane & tail blends |
| Avocado Oil | Heavy | Moisturizing skincare blends |
There are hundreds of plant oils that could technically be used as carrier oils, but a handful of them are especially popular because they’re easy to find, stable, and work well with essential oils. Below are some of the most commonly used carrier oils and what makes each one unique.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils for essential oils. It’s lightweight, odorless, and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. Because it stays liquid at room temperature and has a long shelf life, it’s a favorite for roller bottle blends and massage oils.
As a massage therapist working with horses, this is the carrier oil I reach for most often. It spreads easily across large muscle groups and absorbs well without leaving a heavy residue.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is another popular carrier oil for essential oils, especially in skincare blends. Technically it’s a liquid wax rather than a true oil, but it works beautifully with essential oils.
I personally like using jojoba oil in many of the face creams and skincare blends I make because it absorbs nicely and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a common carrier oil used with essential oils because it provides a smooth glide without feeling overly greasy. It blends easily with essential oils and is commonly used in massage oils and body blends.
Because it comes from a tree nut, some people prefer to avoid it in their blends due to nut allergies.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight carrier oil often used with essential oils in massage and skincare blends. It absorbs quickly and spreads easily across the skin.
Personally, I don’t tend to use grapeseed oil very often. When working with horses, I usually reach for fractionated coconut oil instead since it’s typically more economical when mixing larger amounts of massage oil.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a simple carrier oil that can be used with essential oils in many DIY blends. Many people already have it in their kitchen, which makes it an easy option when first getting started.
While it’s heavier than some other carrier oils, it works well in many homemade recipes.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another carrier oil that blends well with essential oils and is commonly used in natural wellness routines.
At the barn, I often keep a small tub in the tack room because it’s easy to scoop out a little, add a couple of drops of essential oil depending on what I need that day, and use it as part of natural hoof conditioner blends.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a rich carrier oil that works well with essential oils, particularly in hair and skincare blends.
Lately I’ve been experimenting with adding argan oil to some of my mane, tail, and coat recipes because it’s known for supporting healthy hair and can give the coat a great shine.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a nutrient-rich carrier oil sometimes used with essential oils in moisturizing blends and skincare products.
Because it’s a heavier oil, it’s usually used in smaller amounts or blended with lighter carrier oils.
How to Choose the Right Carrier Oil for Your Essential Oil Blends
With so many carrier oils available, people often ask which one is the “best.” The truth is there isn’t one perfect carrier oil for every situation. The right carrier oil usually depends on how you plan to use your essential oils and what feels easiest to work with.
Here are a few simple things to consider when choosing a carrier oil.
Quick Tip
If you're just getting started with carrier oils, fractionated coconut oil is one of the easiest and most versatile options for blending essential oils.
Absorption and Texture
Some carrier oils absorb quickly while others sit on the skin longer.
Lightweight oils like fractionated coconut oil or grapeseed oil tend to absorb quickly and don’t leave much residue. These are often a good choice for roller bottle blends or everyday topical use.
Because I do so much work with horses and dogs, fractionated coconut oil is the one I reach for most often. It spreads easily, absorbs well, and doesn’t leave a greasy feel on the coat or skin.
Heavier oils like olive oil or avocado oilabsorb more slowly and provide a little more moisture. These can work well in richer blends or skin-conditioning recipes.
If you work in massage like I do, some people also prefer oils that provide a little glide while still absorbing nicely into the skin.
Scent
Another thing to consider is the natural scent of the carrier oil.
Some oils, like fractionated coconut oil, have almost no scent and won’t compete with the aroma of your essential oils. Others, like olive oil, have a stronger natural smell that may slightly influence the final blend.
If you’re making something where the aroma matters—like perfumes, or roller blends—a more neutral carrier oil is usually the easiest choice.
What You Already Have Available
One of the easiest ways to start using carrier oils is simply to begin with something you already have at home.
At the barn, I use coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil the most. Coconut oil is great to keep in a small tub because you can scoop out a little, add a couple of drops of essential oil depending on what you need that day, and use it right away. It also works well in simple hoof conditioner recipes and for conditioning dry skin.
If I’m pre-making blends, I usually reach for fractionated coconut oil because it stays liquid and works well in roller bottles.
In many cases, the best carrier oil is simply the one you already have available. Don’t let not having a specific carrier oil stop you from using your essential oils. Many everyday oils—like coconut oil or olive oil—can work perfectly well for simple blends.
How Much Carrier Oil Should You Use?
A question I hear all the time is how much carrier oil you’re supposed to use when blending essential oils.
If you search online, you’ll find lots of dilution charts and percentages. Those can be helpful, especially when you’re first learning. But in everyday life, I try not to get too hung up on exact measurements.
Sometimes I’m making a blend ahead of time and measuring things out carefully. But a lot of times—especially at the barn—it’s much simpler than that. I’ll just put a small dollop of coconut oil or a squirt of carrier oil in my hand, add a couple drops of essential oil, rub my hands together, and use it right away.
For pre-made blends, I often use10 ml roller bottles because they’re big enough to last a while but not so big that they take forever to use up.
If you’ve never made a roller blend before, you can follow my step-by-step guide here:
How to Make an Essential Oil Roller Bottle
How to Make an Essential Oil Roller Bottle
When I make a roller blend, I usually start with about 10 drops of essential oil in a 10 ml bottle. Sometimes I’ll go up to 20 drops depending on the oils and what I’m making.
If you’re new to blending, it’s a good idea to start on the lower end and see what you like. Everyone’s scent preference is different. Some people find 10 drops plenty strong, while others barely notice it and prefer a stronger blend.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding what works for you.
A Note About Dilution for Animals
When working with animals, many aromatherapy resources recommend staying around 1–2% dilution or lower, especially when someone is just getting started.
These recommendations are meant to provide a very conservative starting point.
In my own work with horses and dogs, I sometimes adjust dilutions depending on the situation, the oils involved, and the overall blend. The quality of the essential oil also matters a lot here. High-quality, pure essential oils tend to behave very differently than lower-quality or adulterated products.
For anyone new to using essential oils, starting with lighter dilutions is usually the safest approach. From there, you can always adjust based on your experience, comfort level, and the observations you make after trying an oil with your animal.
Why Essential Oil Quality Matters
Not all essential oils are created equal. The market is full of products that are diluted, adulterated, or made with synthetic fragrance ingredients. These lower-quality products can behave very differently in blends and may increase the chance of skin irritation or problems.
When you're using essential oils around animals, quality becomes even more important. Using pure, well-sourced oils helps ensure you’re actually getting the plant compounds you expect in the safest way possible for your animals.
And if you're curious about the oils I personally use in my blends, you can see them HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carrier Oils
What is the best carrier oil for essential oils?
There isn’t one single “best” carrier oil. Many people prefer fractionated coconut oil because it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and works well for roller blends and massage oils. Other popular options include jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and olive oil.
Can you apply essential oils without a carrier oil?
Some essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, but many people prefer to dilute them with a carrier oil. Dilution helps spread the oil across a larger area and can make blends easier and more comfortable to apply.
Is coconut oil a carrier oil?
Yes. Coconut oil is commonly used as a carrier oil and works well for many simple blends. Both regular coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil are popular choices.
What carrier oil is best for roller bottle blends?
Fractionated coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils for roller bottles because it stays liquid and has very little scent.
Final Thoughts on Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
Carrier oils are one of the simplest tools for making essential oils easier to use.
They help stretch a small amount of essential oil across a larger area, make blends easier and safer to apply, and give you the flexibility to create your own roller blends, massage oils, and simple DIY recipes.
The good news is you don’t need a cabinet full of different carrier oils to get started. Many people begin with something they already have at home—like coconut oil or olive oil—and that works perfectly well for a lot of everyday blends.
Over time, you’ll probably find one or two favorites depending on how you use your oils most often. For me, fractionated coconut oil is the one I reach for most frequently, especially when I’m making blends for horses or dogs.
And if you’re interested in how I personally use essential oils with horses and dogs, you may also enjoy these resources:
Once you get comfortable working with carrier oils, making your own blends becomes quick, simple, and surprisingly fun.
Every interaction you have with your horse is training — not just the time spent under saddle or doing groundwork, but every moment from haltering to grooming to standing quietly together.
The quality of that interaction matters.
Yet most of us show up at the barn carrying the mental residue of the day — unfinished tasks, conversations replaying in our minds, phones still buzzing. We are physically present, but mentally scattered.
Our horses feel that.
Because horses don’t just respond to cues. They respond to nervous systems.
That’s where a simple essential oil routine for your horse can quietly shift the tone of your ride before the work even begins. A consistent pre ride routine creates a predictable starting point for both of you.
You don’t need to buy a hundred essential oils. You don’t need complicated protocols. You need a handful you like and a rhythm that helps you arrive differently — so your horse can meet you there.
Why Essential Oils Before Riding Support Better Training
Training is not just technique. It’s emotional communication between two nervous systems.
Essential oils stimulate the limbic system — the part of the brain involved in emotion and stress response. Olfactory pathways connect directly to emotional centers in the brain, which is why scent can influence mood and regulation so quickly.
Research shows that stimulation of the olfactory system can influence stress response and emotional regulation in mammals, with certain aromas shown to suppress stress biomarkers and support calmer physiological states across species (see this review on olfaction and stress response).
But here’s what can sometimes matter the most in the barn: the act of offering scent slows you down.
When you hold out an oil and wait for your horse to choose whether to engage, you cannot rush. You have to observe breathing. You notice muscle tone. You see whether the eye softens or stays alert. You pay attention.
That presence changes the quality of training.
You are not replacing training with essential oils. You are elevating the emotional tone of training.
Creating a consistent essential oil routine for your horse before riding builds emotional predictability, which supports better training outcomes over time.
A Simple, Repeatable Pre-Ride Essential Oil Routine
I keep this simple.
Most days, I put two oils in my pocket before heading to the barn. That’s it. No complicated blends. No 10-step system. Just two oils I enjoy and intuitively pick for the day.
Sometimes I’m also making my own perfume — which is really just intentional blending with purpose — and if I want something portable and consistent, I’ll bring a roller blend I’ve already created. If you’re curious about blending oils in a way that feels creative and intuitive, you can explore my post on how to make perfume with essential oils HERE, as a starting point.
But for your basic pre ride routine, simplicity wins.
Step 1: Offer Your Horse a Choice
Before asking anything of your horse, offer scent.
Hold the essential oil bottle about six to eight inches from your horse’s nose and allow them to move toward or away from it.
Some of the most commonly used calming essential oils for horses include lavender, frankincense, copaiba, cedarwood, and Roman chamomile. These oils are commonly used as calming essential oils for horses because they’re gentle in aroma, grounding in effect, and versatile in how they can be used.
Not all essential oils are created equally. Quality matters — especially when you’re using them around your animals. I personally only use oils from a company I’ve visited and participated in the farming and distillation process firsthand. That transparency gives me confidence in their purity and sourcing. If you’d like to explore the brand I use, you can learn more HERE. (This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support allows me to continue creating educational content like this.)
Sometimes your horse will lean in immediately. Sometimes they pause. Sometimes they barely engage at all. All of that feedback matters.
Choice reinforces communication.
When you allow your horse to opt in rather than forcing exposure, you’re strengthening partnership from the very first moment.
Let them smell as long as they want. Stay still. Observe.
That pause shifts you, too.
Step 2: Apply the Oil to Yourself
After offering the oil to my horse, I often place a drop on my hand, rub my palms together, let him smell again, and then apply the remainder to the back of my neck.
Your nervous system sets the tone.
If you walk into the barn tense, distracted, or rushing, your horse mirrors that energy.
When you take even 30 seconds to anchor your breathing and ground yourself through scent, you leave your mental clutter outside the stall.
Essential oils before riding are just as much about regulating the rider as they are about supporting the horse. That’s why a pre ride essential oil routine works on both sides of the partnership.
When you soften, they often soften.
Step 3: Two Minutes of Intentional Touch
Before I tack up, I spend two intentional minutes with slow strokes along the neck, withers, and chest.
This isn’t corrective bodywork. It’s connection.
Pairing essential oils with intentional touch can deepen body awareness and relaxation. If you’re curious how I combine scent with structured equine massage techniques, I share more about that HERE.
Touch combined with scent reinforces relaxation cues. It creates predictability. It establishes communication before asking for effort.
That foundation improves everything that follows — from mounting to warm-up to transitions.
An Optional Roller Blend for Convenience
While I personally love offering single oils for choice, some riders prefer having a ready-to-go blend in their grooming tote. A simple pre ride essential oil blend can create a consistent scent memory over time.
If you’d like a simple roller option, try this in a 10 ml roller bottle:
- 4 drops lavender
- 3 drops Roman chamomile
- 3 drops cedarwood
Fill the remainder with fractionated coconut oil or your preferred carrier oil.
You can apply this lightly to yourself before riding or allow your horse to smell from your hands.
What Changes When You Create This Routine
Without a pre ride reset, grooming can feel rushed. Mounting can feel tense. Warm-up can feel reactive. Small miscommunications escalate.
With a consistent essential oil routine before riding, breathing slows. Focus improves. Subtle tension shows up earlier. Transitions feel smoother. You notice more. Your horse notices more.
You’re improving the quality of training — and how you and your horse enter the work together.
And that changes the partnership.
If you’d like a deeper framework for integrating essential oils intentionally into your horse’s routine — including how I pair scent with massage and body awareness — you can explore my full essential oils for horses course HERE.
Safety You Can Feel Good About
I don’t believe essential oil use needs to be fear-based or overly complicated.
If your horse is new to essential oils, start diluted and introduce scent slowly. Allow your horse to choose whether to engage. As you gain experience and learn your horse’s preferences, you’ll develop a feel for what works. Experience builds intuition, and intuition builds partnership.
Always observe responses. Respect subtle cues. Let communication guide you.
Less is often more. Consistency matters more than complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Essential Oils With Horses
Can you use essential oils on horses before riding?
Yes. When introduced gently and intentionally, essential oils can support regulation and presence before training. Start with scent exploration and allow your horse to approach voluntarily.
What are calming essential oils for horses?
Lavender, frankincense, copaiba, cedarwood, and Roman chamomile are commonly used for their grounding and soothing properties. Monitor your horse’s response and adjust as needed.
Do essential oils improve partnership with my horse?
Essential oils are not a replacement for training cues. However, a consistent pre ride routine can support emotional regulation, focus, and communication, which strengthens partnership over time.
Should essential oils always be diluted for horses?
If you are just starting out or introducing oils to a new horse, dilution is a gentle approach. As you gain familiarity and experience, you may refine your methods based on your horse’s responses. Always prioritize comfort and communication.
About the Author
Elissa is an equine massage therapist and educator who teaches horse owners how to use essential oils intentionally to deepen connection, support emotional regulation, and improve the quality of partnership before training.
