Aromatherapy for horses

Aromatherapy isn’t just for us two-leggeds anymore.   Now your oily pony can enjoy the benefits of essential oils just by breathing!

There are three methods to apply essential oils to your horse (and yourself): topically (to the skin), internally (in the mouth), and aromatically (by breathing them). Aromatherapy, whether its for horses or their humans, is the safest and easiest way to use essential oils.  It is virtually impossible to overdose by this method, so you never have to worry about “proper dose.”

Essential oils are highly volatile, which is why they are so fragrant.  The oils, when exposed to air, “volatilize” which means (to simplify it) that they evaporate into the air.  When you smell them, you’re inhaling those beneficial compounds and absorbing them into your bloodstream via your respiratory system.

To give your horse the benefit of aromatherapy, simply hold the bottle under their nose.  Since some oils may smell delicious, make sure you hold the bottle at the very top, so none is sticking above your hand where your horse could grab it with its mouth, as shown in the above photo.

You can also rub a few drops on you palm and hold it under your horse’s nose for them to sniff, if you want to avoid horse boogies in your bottle.

If you use a nebulizer or other respiratory therapy device for your horse, you may be able to use it for aromatherapy treatment as well.  Check with your device’s manufacturer to see if it is safe to put essential oils in your device, and at what dilution.  Not all nebulizers are designed to be used with oils, so be sure to check before trying this!

Here are a few ideas of oils your horse may enjoy:

Lavender - for calming and soothing.  This oil’s benefits for horses has recently been published in a scientific study by the University of Arizona! Read about it here...

Peppermint - for respiratory and digestive support

Frankincense - for immune system support, a good “cure all” choice

Melaleuca (tea tree) - for immune system and respiratory support