Animals in the wild have access to roam across vast areas of land. This allows them the opportunity to seek out different plants, minerals, clay, algae or other natural ingredients that they would seek to maintain health and self-medicate on should they become ill. It is the horse’s innate ability to recognise what medicinal plant they need that makes essential oils appealing. When using Essential Oil, it’s important to let the horse choose which ones he needs. In other words, don’t force a horse to have particular oil, but rather hold it out and let the horse decide whether or not he/she needs it. Showing interest, licking or moving toward the bottle is a ‘yes’, while turning away or showing other signs of irritation is a ‘no’.
It is thought that inhaling essential oils can stimulate the olfactory system, the part of the brain connected to smell, including the nose and the brain. The essential oil molecules that enter the nose or mouth pass to the lungs, and from there, to other parts of the body. As the molecules reach the brain, they affect the limbic system, which is linked to the emotions, the heart rate, breathing, stress, and hormone balance. In this way, essential oils are used to optimise overall holistic health and wellbeing.
Pure Essential oils are never to be applied directly to the skin. They must always be diluted with a carrier oil, So check your bottle first to see whether it is pure or had a carrier oil added.
The use of essential oils/Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy. It does not provide a cure for diseases or illnesses, but it can support conventional treatment of various conditions.
There are several options available for the horse if you are wanting to use Essential Oils, You could either have a therapist who is qualified in Zoopharmacognosy who will be able to offer a whole range of oils to gain the best match/matches for your horse or you could have a look at Natural horse, they offer a locket and pouch system. Once your horse has selected an oil (they do a few) you can then add a few drops onto a carrier and then hang the pouch in the stable and then a drop or two on a carrier in the locket to put on the throat lash of the bridle (as far away from the eye as possible!)