It sure does tug at your heart strings when you see your horse stressed out or frantic. When they’re having a normal day, they can bring a wonderful peace and relaxation to our world. When they’re suffering, we feel it too.
Essential oils can be a fantastic way to help your horse cope with stress and help them get to a place where they are relaxed and calm. Whether you’re new to essential oils or just looking for some great alternatives, here are a few essential oils blends that are great for settling down your horse.
For equine aromatherapy, I recommend using these blends in combination with an essential oil diffuser or a simple dab on the forehead or poll can do the trick. Remember; always dilute the oil prior to topical application.
Mood Enhance Blend:
If your horse seems “off” or just not behaving like normal and could use a gentle pick me up try using this blend of essential oils known to boost mood.
- 2 drops Chamomile
- 3 drops Lavender
- 1 drop each of Juniper Berry
Intense Calm:
When your horse is, high strung and stressed and needs to be calmed down quickly these oils are known for relaxation and can have an immediate effect.
- 2 drops Vetiver
- 2 drops Petitgrain
- 2 drops Chamomile
- 1 drop Valerian
Vitality Blend:
There may be times when it’s difficult for you to ascertain what is going on with your horse yet you know something just isn’t right. Something in the air or environment may be throwing them off. This blend is a great choice and works well as an antioxidant.
- 3 drops Orange
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop each of Thyme and Clove
Tranquility Blend:
This blend is ideal for stressful events with lots of people or loud noises. Fireworks, thunderstorms and parades are great examples of when this essential oil blend might come in handy.
- 2 drops Vetiver
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
- 2 drops Tangerine
- 1 drop Sandalwood (optional)
Serenity Blend:
When your horse is overworked, and needs to not only feel calm yet experience relaxation of the body, go for DoTerra’s Serenity Blend essential oil. It’s a wonderful blend that combines a variety of essential oils known to promote peace, relaxation and wellness. It’s a go-to oil for anytime your horse needs some extra attention or support.
Some horses may prefer stronger or more subtle aromas; you can experiment and find a combination that works best for you. The recipes above are quantities appropriate for aromatherapy; quantities will likely need to be adjusted for sprays, baths or liniments. It’s always a good idea to see how your horse responds to a new essential oil or blend before applying topically or making large quantities.
Please remember that horses are sensitive and essential oils should always be diluted with quality carrier oils; Sunflower, Coconut, Sweet Almond oils and Aloe Vera work well. I recommend going with a ratio of one part carrier oil to one part essential oil blend.
As horse-owners we are responsible for our horse’s well-being, using essential oils can be a fantastic way to support them completely; physically and emotionally.
If you found this useful. Continue to watch for up and coming articles on horses and essential oils. Listen to the whisper…