Although not an alternative to proper veterinary care essential oils are effective at treating many of today’s common equine health problems. Essential oils can be used to treat a range of chronic skin problems, allergies, arthritis, Cushing’s Syndrome, stress related conditions and behavioral problems. When horses smell essential oils, their chemical constituents are absorbed via the olfactory system, into the limbic system of the brain, where emotions, memory and certain regulatory functions of their bodies are situated. When inhaled, essential oils trigger neurotransmitters that can reduce pain, cause sedation, stimulation, or calmness, and help balance the body. They can help the horse to feel better and eliminate stiffness, soreness, and stress from their bodies. In general all essential oils have the ability to strengthen the immune system, and are detoxifying. Essential oils can be used as preventative treatment - regular massage before and after work will encourage optimum performance, prevent injuries and increase bonding between you and your horse.
When selecting essential oils to use with your horse it is best to use the ones which the horse prefers. Think about what you are hoping to achieve by using oils, be it repelling flies, calming or aiding respiration. Pick 4 or 5 oils at most which fit. One at a time uncap the bottle and holding it firmly in case your horse should try to grab the bottle, offer it just under your horses nose. If the horse is interested, he will often inhale deeply 2 or 3 times, possibly with each nostril, he may try to mouth the bottle, (don't allow him to do this, as some neat oils may irritate his skin) and he may curl his top lip as though laughing. If he doesn't like/want the oil he will normally only sniff once or twice before turning away. If the horse is uninterested don't force the oil upon him or use it at this time. Always let the horse sniff the oils before every use. The oils he wanted yesterday may not be the ones he wants today. Once you have upto 4 oils dilute them in a carrier oil and either massage your horse with the blend (again the horse will likely position himself so that you massage the most beneficial areas) or soak a rag to hang in the stable (out of reach). Don't offer essential oils in water as they float on top of the water and may burn your horses sensitive mucus membranes.