As horse owners, we know how irritating and bothersome horse flies can be to our equine companions. These pesky insects not only cause discomfort to horses but can also transmit diseases. While there are numerous chemical-laden fly sprays available in stores, many of us prefer to use natural alternatives to avoid exposing our horses to potentially harmful chemicals. One such natural solution is making our own essential oil horse fly spray. In this blog, let's dive into why you might want to choose a DIY natural fly spray over a store-bought chemical one, how to make a fly spray using essential oils (plus my favorite fly spray recipes), and why it takes a comprehensive approach when using natural fly deterrents to get the most out of your fly program.
Why Choose a DIY Natural Fly Spray?
There are several compelling reasons why you might want to make your own homemade fly spray as opposed to using a store-bought chemical one. Here are a few:
- Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Commercial fly sprays often contain chemicals such as pyrethroids, permethrin, and DEET, which can be toxic to horses, other animals, and the environment. By making your own fly spray with essential oils, you have control over the ingredients and can avoid using products with harmful chemicals. If you can smell it when you spray it, it's affecting you!
- Customization: Making your own fly spray allows you to customize the scent and potency according to your horse's needs and preferences. You can also experiment with different essential oil combinations to find what works best for your horse.
- Cost-effective: DIY fly sprays can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to commercial options, and essential oils can also be used for various purposes other than making fly spray.
- Environmentally-friendly: Natural fly sprays are typically biodegradable and do not contribute to environmental pollution, making them a more eco-friendly choice compared to chemical-laden options.
Do homemade equine fly sprays really work?
Yes and no! Essential oils have been studied as insect repellants, a quick search on PubMed lists 833 results, however they aren’t going to work like a chemical laden spray. Chemical fly sprays not only have ingredients in them to repel insects but also to kill insects and last for days on your horse. Essential oil sprays work to repel insects and need applied more frequently. It takes a comprehensive approach to use a natural fly repellant for horses.
A Comprehensive Approach
If you're going to go 'au naturel'...a comprehensive approach works best.
- Cleanliness: Keep your horses environment as clean as possible, removing manure, wet bedding, and any decaying organic matter where flies tend to breed. A clean environment will discourage fly infestations.
- Fly Sheets and Masks: Consider using fly sheets and masks to provide an extra layer of protection for your horse. These garments help shield your horse's body and face from flies, reducing their annoyance and potential bites.
- Fly Traps: Set up fly traps in and around the stable area to capture and control fly populations. Place them strategically in areas where flies are most active, but far enough away that your'e not attracting flys to your horse-haha.
- Natural Fly Predators: Give them a try, I use them and definitely think they make a difference.
- Fans and Ventilation: Install fans or ensure proper ventilation in the stable to create airflow. Flying insects dislike breezy environments, making it less inviting for them to settle.
- Avoid Peak Fly Activity: Plan your rides and activities during times of the day when flies are less active, typically early morning or late evening. This reduces the annoyance and distraction caused by flies.
- Regular Grooming: Regularly groom your horse to remove any debris or dirt that might attract flies. Use a soft brush or grooming mitt to keep your horse's coat clean and fly-free. It also works better to apply a natural repellant to a clean coat and then brush it in for maximum effectiveness.
By combining these comprehensive fly management tips with the use of your essential oil fly spray, you'll maximize your fly control.
Effective Essential Oils for Flies
Certain essential oils possess natural repelling properties, making them ideal candidates for homemade fly sprays. Here are some key essential oils, studied for their effectiveness in deterring flies and other insects, that can be combined in various ways to create an effective homemade fly spray.
- Lemongrass-a refreshing oil with a bright grassy citrus scent
- Citronella oil-commonly used in outdoor sprays
- Tea Tree-a popular oil for its cleansing and purifying properties
- Peppermint-known for its cooling and invigorating properties
- Thyme-an oil often used to promote overall wellness with a strong herbal scent
- Rosemary-a herbaceous oil with a woodsy aroma
- Geranium-a floral oil often used in skincare
- Cedarwood-a warm and grounding aroma
- Eucalyptus oil-a fresh and medicinal scent often used in respiratory support
In addition to the essential oils and water base, you'll want to include some additional ingredients to help the essential oils incorporate into the mix. You can choose either a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil) or vodka, depending on your preference. A carrier oil not only helps blend the essential oils with the water but also provides a longer-lasting effect on the horse's coat. However, keep in mind that carrier oils may attract dust. On the other hand, vodka can also be used as a mixing agent and acts as a natural preservative. Another option to consider is adding a splash of apple cider vinegar, which can enhance the repellent properties of the spray.
You'll want to experiment and see what works best. That's also why I give a list of oils, I've had success with several different combinations, but also find that what works in the beginning of the summer doesn't work as well as the end, and sometimes location makes a difference. I use a different mix at my house vs. across town where I board a few of my horses. To get you started here are my 3 favorite essential oil recipes so far that I've used:
20 drops lemongrass essential oil
20 drops citronella essential oil
20 drops peppermint essential oil
20 drops tea tree essential oil
20 drops citronella essential oil
20 drops thyme essential oil
20 drops rosemary essential oil
20 drops geranium essential oil
20 drops cedarwood essential oil
20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
20 drops peppermint essential oil
20 drops rosemary essential oil
How to Make Essential Oil Horse Fly Spray
Now that we know which essential oils can be helpful for bugs, let's learn how to make a homemade horse fly spray using these oils. Here's a simple homemade fly spray base recipe:
Ingredients:
- 16 ounce spray bottle-high quality chemically resistant PET or HDPE plastic
- distilled or purified water (you can use tap but I like to use water that has the impurities removed-your mix will last longer too, if you're using it up quickly, that's not so important)
- 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) or other emulsifiers like witch hazel or vodka
- 20 drops of 4 different essential oils from the list above (a combination of lemongrass, citronella, tea tree, peppermint, thyme, rosemary, geranium, cedarwood, and eucalyptus)(80 drops total)
- 1 tablespoon of Castile soap (another emulsifier)( you can also use an all natural dish soap, but I like Castile soap due to its mildness)
Instructions:
- Add the carrier oil to your spray bottle first. This helps the essential oils disperse more evenly and stick to your horse’s coat longer.
- Add about 80 drops total of essential oils (choose from the recipes above or make your own). You can adjust the amount based on your horse’s size, age, sensitivities, and what you observe over time.
- Add 1 tablespoon of Castile soap. This acts as an emulsifier, helping the oils mix better with water.
- Give the bottle a good shake now, before adding the water, to start blending the oils with the emulsifiers.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled or purified water. Shake well before each use to keep the oils distributed.
Your homemade fly spray is now ready to use!
Why Use an Emulsifier?
You may wonder why carrier oils and emulsifiers like Castile soap are necessary in a homemade fly spray. The reason is that essential oils are not water-soluble, which means they do not mix well with water alone. When you spray a mixture of water and essential oils on your horse, the essential oils may separate from the water, resulting in uneven application and reduced effectiveness. An emulsifier helps to create a stable solution by dispersing the essential oils evenly in the water, ensuring that the fly spray is more effective and more evenly applied.
Another emulsifier that I like to use in place of Castile soap is apple cider vinegar. This emulsifier also helps to mix the oil and water-based ingredients and can provide additional benefits. For example, apple cider vinegar has properties that can be helpful for skin.
Additional emulsifiers that you can use are: vodka, which can act as a preservative; witch hazel, which has astringent properties; and fractionated coconut oil, great for a skin moisturizer. You can choose the emulsifier that best fits your preference and the needs of your horse as well as combine them.
How to Use Essential Oil Horse Fly Spray for Best Results
To get the best results from your homemade essential oil horse fly spray, here are some tips for proper application:
- Shake well before use: Essential oils may separate from the water-based solution over time, so it's important to shake the spray bottle well before each use to ensure that the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Avoid spraying near eyes, nose, and mouth: Just like with any other fly spray, it's important to avoid spraying the solution near your horse's eyes, nose, and mouth and to instead, apply it via mitt, brush, or rag and wipe on.
- Spray evenly on the coat: Spray the solution evenly on your horse's coat, focusing on areas where flies and other insects are most likely to land, such as the neck, chest, belly, and legs. Use a cloth or a brush to wipe the solution into your horse's coat for better coverage.
- Reapply as often as needed based on the activity level and environmental conditions your horse is exposed to. Keep an eye out for anything that might indicate a sensitivity to what you are using. For example- dry skin, flaky skin, skin scurf, bumps, redness, irritation, itching or rubbing. If this is noted, try decreasing the essential oils and/or increasing the emulsifier, as well as applying less often. You may need to swap out the essential oils used as well.
- Ideally, you'll want to store your mix in a cool, dark place: Essential oils are sensitive to light and heat, which can cause them to degrade and lose their effectiveness. This will help preserve the potency of the essential oils.
Conclusion
Creating your own DIY fly spray provides a natural and efficient method to assist your horse in combating outdoor pests, all without relying on harsh chemicals. With a homemade fly spray, you gain authority over the ingredients and can tailor the spray to cater specifically to your horse's requirements. You also don't need to wear a gas mask when you spray it at the barn! Enjoy embracing a holistic and eco-friendly approach to the fly season using essential oils!
Ready to take your knowledge of essential oils and horses to the next level? Dive deep into the world of essential oils and horses with my beginner course, "Oily Horse Intro." Gain a thorough understanding of what essential oils are, where and when to use them, how to apply them effectively, and why they are beneficial for your equine companion.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to become a confident and knowledgeable essential oil user.
Click this link today and enroll in "Oily Horse Intro" Your equine partner deserves the best, and you have the power to provide it. Take action now and embark on this transformative journey together! Click HERE
Hey there, fellow horse owners! Are you curious about using tea tree essential oil on your equine pals? Well, you're not alone! Tea tree oil has gained quite a reputation for its natural health benefits, and we're here to explore whether it's a good idea to use it on our beloved horses.
Tea tree, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is a plant native to Australia. Its essential oil has gained popularity worldwide due to its many beneficial properties.The oil has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its wellness properties. It was traditionally used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the skin. In modern times, tea tree oil has become popular for its cleansing properties and is commonly found in skincare, haircare, and cleaning products. As for its scent, tea tree oil has a strong, medicinal aroma that might not make it your favorite smell, but don't worry, I've used it quite a bit with my horses and they don't seem to mind the aroma at all-lol!
First things first, let's talk about using essential oils with horses. Yes, you can use essential oils and aromatherapy safely with horses (grab my free guide to get started safely using essential oils with your horse HERE). I believe two of the most important factors to safely using essential oils with horses are quality and dilution. Unfortunately, the essential oil market is highly adulterated and it’s hard to find a pure and premium essential oil. I use Young Living™ Essential Oils, with their Seed To Seal guarantee, you know that you have 100% pure essential oil in the bottle. Then you can simply dilute them and enjoy using essential oils. For more info on specifically diluting essential oils with horses, click HERE.
So, what can tea tree essential oil do for your horse? Tea tree is known for its cleansing properties, making it a fantastic natural remedy to add to our natural horse care routine. This potent essential oil can also help repel outdoor annoyances and pests. It can also assist in supporting skin. Additionally, tea tree oil can be used to neutralize odors and promote the appearance of healthy hair and hooves.
According to this study on PubMed.gov, Tea tree oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against the bacteria that cause rain rot. Tea tree oil has also been studied for use with dandruff and this study reported positive benefits against nail fungus.
I like to use tea tree oil at the barn to:
- Clean my brushes and grooming equipment
Simply add about 10 drops of tea tree essential oil to 2 tablespoons of natural Castille soap, in a 5 gallon bucket, and fill up with water. Soak your grooming equipment for about 10 minutes, then rinse and let air dry.
- Boost my natural cleaner at the barn
I like to make a cleaner of half water, half vinegar in a 16 ounce spray bottle. Then I add about 20 drops of tea tree and 20 drops of lemon.
- Boost my natural hand soap at the barn
I like and use Castile soap, which is a natural soap that traditionally was made from olives. All ya do is add 2 tablespoons of Castile soap to a foaming hand pump, then add about 10 drops of tea tree and fill up with water. Easy peasy and very cost effective. If tea tree isn't your favorite aroma, add a few drops of lavender, frankincense, or your favorite essential oil.
- Make a 'get rid of the gunk' hoof spray (for my favorite hoof spray DIY, click HERE)
- Boost my all natural hoof oil (for my favorite hoof oil DIY's, click HERE)
- Boost my mane and coat spray ( to see how I make a mane detangler, click HERE)
- In my natural fly spray
I also, from time to time, like to make a roller bottle with tea tree. This dilutes the essential oil and makes for easy application for skin support. Simply grab a 10 ml roller bottle on Amazon, fill it up with a carrier oil(fore more info on carrier oils, click HERE), add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil, and apply to desired area as needed. You can also grab my step by step guide to making a roller bottle HERE.
As you can see, there are many ways to incorporate tea tree essential oil at the barn and tea tree can be a valuable tool to add to your natural horse care routine. I feel good about using tea tree oil as a natural alternative to traditional remedies, especially since I don't feel the need to wear gloves when applying it and I don't even have to worry about turning my hands green. Happy horsekeeping!
If you're ready to give Tea Tree oil a try, you can grab a bottle HERE, this will take you straight to Young Living™ Essential Oils, my go company for essential oils. With their Seed To Seal guarantee, you know you're getting pure and premium products for you and your fur kids health and safety. (This is an affiliate link and I earn a small commission from your order at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business! I'm so excited to help you get started, that I'll connect with you once you order and send you something special!)
Hey fellow equestrians! If you're anything like me, you're into natural horsemanship and always looking for 'tools' to add to your toolbox and apply in your horse care routine. Have you ever tried using essential oils? They're one of my favorite ways to add some natural wellness to your horse care.
With so many options out there, it can be tough to know which essential oils are the best fit for your horses. It's actually one of the questions I get asked the most 'Which essential oils are good for horses?' It's a tough question to answer, because there are hundreds of essential oils and blends you can purchase(I've literally used probably at least half of them with my horses), and it depends on what you want to use them for. But, I do find myself reaching for the same oils over and over again, and since one of my goals is to help other horse lovers use essential oils without overwhelm, I've created a list of my top 10. Plus, two of my favorite blends. Do you need them all? Nope, pick a few and try them out! Every horse is different, so experiment and see which ones you and your horse like best.
Lavender is the perfect choice for horse owners who want just one essential oil to get started with! Popularly known as “the Swiss army knife” of aromatic oils, lavender has a peaceful floral scent that can help reduce tension and promote relaxation during stressful situations like trailering or vet visits. Even more impressive? A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found tangible signs of reduced stress levels when horses inhale this calming aroma. This study on PubMed.gov "evaluating the aromatherapy recommendation for pain in the Holistic Nurses' Pain Relief Tools for Patients and Self Care" reports "a safe, cost effective intervention for pain to improve quality outcomes".
Not only does it make your barn feel peace-filled (perfect for grooming sessions!), but lavender also offers many health benefits from healthy skin & coat maintenance to muscle and tendon support - making it truly an all-purpose powerhouse among aromatics! And if you're looking for my favorite detangler recipe using this powerful oil, click HERE.
Next on the list is frankincense , a woodsy oil that has an earthy, rich, and deep aroma. I love that the aroma of frankincense is both soothing and balancing, creating a calming and grounding effect during grooming sessions, and promoting relaxation during training. To dive more in depth about specifically using frankincense with your horse, click HERE. Frankincense also has properties that can help to support overall wellness and the immune system, and it also can be very beneficial for supporting skin during the healing process.
If you're looking to keep your horse calm and relaxed, cedarwood essential oil is a great choice! Not only does it have an incredible earthy scent (think fresh rain in the forest), but studies can be found on PubMed.org for its use as an insect repellent and for hair growth. Try adding this grounding oil into hoof care DIYs or natural fly sprays for extra soothing effects - plus, who doesn't love sniffing something divine? You can find some of my favorite recipes HERE!
Vetiver oil has a deep and grounding scent that can be very balancing, promote relaxation and reduce tension in horses. It's also helpful for outdoor annoyances and skin support. When your horse inhales the aroma or you apply vetiver, the grounding and soothing properties help to reduce tension, making it perfect for horses who may be nervous, anxious, or easily agitated. It's become an essential tool in my toolbox for helping to keep my horses mellow, content, and mentally balanced. This helps with cooperation and understanding for a harmonious bond.
If you've got a horse, you've also probably turned your hands green at some point as well, applying different hoof products. That's where tea tree essential oil comes in! Not only does this potent oil have properties that can be beneficial with 'gunk' that may be affecting your horse, it also has a refreshing aroma that's earthy and slightly medicinal. Tea tree is known for its cleansing properties on skin, hair, and nails; so adding it is a worthy addition if you're looking for an essential oil for skin and hoof DIY's. When you apply it to the skin or hooves of your equine, it can help prevent unhealthy skin and gunky build up. You can apply it directly to the affected hoof or dilute it with a carrier oil for skin application. Plus, it's a natural way to combat some of the stinky smells that can come with horses.
Who knew something as simple and delightful as lemon essential oil could be so powerful? It's quickly become a staple in my barn because of its refreshing, invigorating scent that uplifts my mood. Not only does it make the place smell great, but there are also numerous uses for both me and my horses to benefit from - cleaning brushes or buckets is just the beginning! I've even noticed an increase in focus during training with my pony when I offer him some good ol' sniffing time before we start working. As citrus oils can heighten sensitivity to sunlight though, best practice would be sticking to aromatherapy sessions rather than topical applications unless you keep them out of direct daylight.
There's nothing quite like the fresh, invigorating scent of peppermint essential oil. As a horse owner, I've discovered a wide range of uses and benefits for this wonderful oil (dive into peppermint oil HERE). Not only does it have a cooling and refreshing effect, but it can also help soothe muscle tension and support clear breathing. Plus, it's handy for those outdoor annoyances, which is a huge bonus during those pesky summer months. I love using it as a natural alternative to harsh chemicals when it comes to my fly management. I also love to cool my horses off after exercise and support their hard work and minimize any chance of muscle spasm, muscle pain, or inflammation, so I like to use an after exercise rinse as a preventative. Peppermint's a great addition and you can find my recipe HERE. You can even make your own all natural horse treats with peppermint oil, grab the recipe HERE.
Incorporating eucalyptus essential oil into my horse care routine has been a breath of fresh air - literally! The invigorating scent of eucalyptus not only smells refreshing, but it also helps to support my horses' respiratory health. Its natural properties have been beneficial in promoting clear breathing, especially during seasonal changes or when dealing with respiratory challenges. It's a must-have in my barn for supporting my horses' respiratory wellness and keeping them feeling their best.
Copaiba essential oil has also become a staple in my equine wellness routine. This powerful essential oil is derived from the resin of trees native to South America and boasts an impressive array of health benefits. Copaiba essential oil contains a high amount of beta-caryophyllene, which has been examined for anti-inflammatory activity with positive results. Copaiba oil has been a game-changer when it comes to supporting my horse's joint, tendon, and ligament health. Not only is its aroma earthy and grounding, which can add a level of calm to my feisty pony, but Copaiba oil can also be applied topically making it one of my go-tos for massage oils, DIY liniments, and joint potions.
Last but not least is Cypress essential oil, a fresh and woody oil that I like to use to support my horses connective tissue, tendons, and ligament health. If I'm making a DIY liniment to promote healthy legs, muscle function, and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise, I'm adding cypress! I also like to add cypress essential oil to a carrier oil and use it as a massage oil to help prevent muscle tension and promote healthy blood flow. Whether used alone or in conjunction with other essential oils (I like to add wintergreen essential oil, sweet marjoram, lemongrass, and helichrysum essential oils), cypress oil has become a go-to for supporting my horse's overall mobility and comfort levels.
When it comes to the health and safety of my horses, I trust Young Living™ Essential Oils. With their Seed To Seal guarantee, they provide products that are realigned with nature’s highest standards. That's why DiGize™ and Valor ™ essential oil blends from them made my list! They use 100% pure and premium essential oils and offer a wide range of essential oil products - perfect for ensuring peace of mind and toxin free choices.
Valor™ is a blend of Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, Camphor Wood, Geranium, and Frankincense oils that promote feelings of courage, grounding, and strength in horses. I always have this essential ol blend in my pocket when I'm at a horse show, it helps to calm my nerves and keep me emotionally balanced so I can manage my horse in the way that he needs. Remember, there's always 2 in the partnership and what affects you will affect your horse too. Using this blend is also simple and convenient as it's pre-diluted. You can simply add a few drops to your hands, inhale deeply, and also let your horse smell as long as they want. Then rub the residue on the back of your neck, you'll become a walking diffuser for the rest of the day! To read more about becoming a walking diffuser for your horse, click HERE.
DiGize™ essential oil blend contains the essential oils of Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Fennel, Lemongrass, Anise, and Patchouli. According to Young Living™ DiGize™ "contains antioxidants and may support the digestive system when taken internally.* I like to add a few drops to a carrier oil and rub on my horses abdomen a couple of times a day to support digestion.
Overall, both DiGize™ and Valor™ are excellent essential oil blends that every horse owner should consider adding to their collection. Not only do they provide numerous benefits, but they can also help you up-level your horses wellness routine.
Did ya notice that many of the essential oils can be used for the same purposes?! So don't let choices stop you in your tracks, grab any one of the essential oils or blends listed above and start enjoying the benefits of essential oils in your barn today!
If you're ready for the next step and want to dive head first into more essential oil knowledge and how to use them with your horse, I invite you to my mini course 'Oily Horse Intro" where you'll learn 'The What, Why, Where, When, and How' of getting started using essential oils with your horse- CLICK HERE!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
If you're an equestrian, you may already be familiar with the use of essential oils for horses. Essential oils are like the magical essence of plants, bottled up for our enjoyment! Think of them as the superhero versions of your favorite plants, with powers to soothe, energize, and promote well being. These oils are extracted from various parts of plants, like the flowers, leaves, or roots, and are known for their aromatic and life enhancing qualities. They come in a wide range of scents, from calming lavender to zesty lemon, and can be used in a variety of ways, from diffusing them into the air to applying them topically. So, if you're looking for a little plant-powered pick-me-up as part of your natural horse care routine, essential oils are here to make your day at the barn even better.
When it comes to applying essential oils topically on horses, it is important to remember how concentrated essential oils are. It can take three pounds of a lavender plant to make one 15 ml. bottle of Lavender essential oil! Oftentimes, you’ll want to apply an essential oil to a large surface area as well. Therefore, in most cases, it is recommended to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil before applying them to the skin. Fractionated coconut oil is my favorite as it stays liquid year round, is odorless, inexpensive, and absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a super greasy residue. Diluting essential oils helps to avoid any potential skin irritation or sensitivity and helps to cover large surface areas.
Additionally, it is important to use high-quality, pure essential oils that are safe for equine use. Using premium and high quality oils ensures that the essential oil is free from any synthetic additives, fillers, or impurities that could be harmful to your horse. Some essential oils that get a bad rap for use with horses like Tea Tree essential oil can be safely used if the Tea Tree oil is unadulterated and diluted. I like and use the world leader in essential oils-Young Living™. With their Seed To Seal guarantee, you know you're getting pure and premium products for you and your horses health! You can check them out by clicking HERE (This is an affiliate link and I earn a small commission from your order at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business! I'm so excited to help you get started, that I'll connect with you once you order and send you something special)
To easily dilute an essential oil, simply add a dollop of carrier oil to the palm of your hand, add a drop or two of essential oil, rub your palms together, then apply directly to the desired area. To learn more about diluting essential oils with your horse, and the various carrier oils I like to use, click HERE.
Another easy way to always have a diluted essential oil on hand for your horse is by making a roller bottle. You can purchase some 10 ml roller bottles on Amazon. Simply add 10-20 drops of essential oil to the roller bottle, fill up with a carrier oil (my favorite is fractionated coconut oil), apply the roller and lid, then invert back and forth to mix well. You can then either roll directly on the desired area or roll on your hand and then rub in. If your horse is dirty or really hairy like my mini's, I like to roll on my hand and rub in. For a step by step guide to making a roller bottle, click HERE.
Horses are equipped with an incredible sense of smell, thanks to their olfactory receptors located in the upper part of their nasal cavity. This prime location allows for maximum scent analysis as the aroma molecules travel through their nasal passages. If they really want to take in a scent, they can even perform a unique maneuver, known as the horse laugh (or the flehmen response). During this impressive display, the horse flares its nostrils, trapping the alluring scent molecules inside. By closing off their airway and nostrils, they can take a closer look at the aroma, analyzing it thoroughly.
With this innate ability for aroma, remember to offer the essential oil for your horse to smell first, then apply. This not only ensures that you are using an essential oil that your horse likes, but inhaling the aroma first gets the essential oil into the part of the brain that can affect emotions. You might even want to become a walking diffuser for your horse first by wearing the essential oil as a perfume for a few days. We are half the equation with our horses and if we are positive, calm, and happy, we can help our horses behave that way as well.
When your horse is used to essential oils and you are thinking about applying them topically, you might be asking 'where do you apply the essential oil on your horse?' Here are some common areas to consider:
- Poll and Forelock
The poll is the area just behind the horse's ears. Applying essential oils to this area can help relieve tension and promote relaxation. You can also apply oils to the forelock for a similar effect. Essential oils like fat and will travel down the hair shaft into the hair follicle for absorption into the body. Careful to not get into the eyes, tho. Essential oil aromas vary and some smell stronger than others so if the aroma of the essential oil you are using seems particular pungent, you may want to apply to an area further away from the head, such as the chest.
- Chest
The chest is another common area for applying essential oils on horses. This area is close to the heart and lungs, and I like to apply the oils here if my goal is for helping to support respiratory health. If your horse is tall or head shy, the chest can be a much better choice than the forelock or poll.
- Belly
The belly area is a great spot for applying essential oils to promote digestion and help with digestive discomfort. Start with the sides of your horses belly and watch how they react. Depending upon your horse, the underside of the belly can be really sensitive and may be an area to avoid for safety reasons. Approach your horses belly area with caution, especially if they are having some discomfort, and stay out of the kick zone. If there's any doubt that your horse may not want to be touched in this area, rub the oils on the chest instead. If discomfort is present, remember that essential oils are a tool that you use while you are waiting for your veterinarian, not as a replacement for your veterinarian! I also generally avoid the girth area just in case of any skin sensitivity, so that I don't have to worry about tack and equipment going on over the application area.
- Hooves
Essential oils can be used to support healthy hooves by applying them to the coronet band and hoof itself. An easy way to do this is by making a hoof oil or spray. To get my recommended essential oils and hoof recipes, click HERE. Using essential oils for your horses hoof health can keep a healthy hoof in tip top shape or support a hoof that may need some help.
- Muscles and Joints
Who doesn't love a good rub down?! Using essential oils on your horses muscles can help to loosen them up and soothe them. If your horse is experiencing muscle discomfort or joint discomfort, applying essential oils to the affected area can help support that area. You can simply dilute the essential oils in your hand and then rub in or you can make a massage oil or spray, or even use as a liniment or brace. For my favorite recipes to make a massage oil and after exercise rinse with Epsom salts, click HERE.
When applying essential oils to horses, it's important to remember that just like people, each horse is different. You may be able to apply an undiluted essential oil to one horse, but not another. You may need more dilution, or you could do less. Age, size, health, and sensitivities (like redheads) can all factor in. It's much better to over dilute than under dilute. If you under dilute, simply add more carrier oil to the area. This will further dilute the essential oil and help the body process it better. Start with the minimum number of drops recommended and see how that works before adding more. It's also better to apply a small amount more frequently rather than a large amount less often. Watch how your horse reacts and observe for any signs of discomfort like itching, swelling, raised hair or skin bumps. Again, make sure to only use high-quality, pure essential oils that are safe for equine use.
Applying essential oils on horses can be a great way to promote relaxation, help discomfort, and support overall well-being. Equine aromatherapy can have many health benefits for horse owners. If you're ready to dive in and utilize some aromatherapy for your horse, enroll in 'Oily Horse Intro' - a great way to start using essential oils with your horse! My Oily Horse Intro course will give you all the knowledge and recipes you need without feeling overwhelmed. Sign up HERE for Oily Horse Intro and get started on your natural horse care journey today!
Let’s take a closer look at laminitis symptoms, causes and treatments as well as what essential oils can be used to support a horse who has laminitis.
