Essential Oils and Horses

I have been using essential oils for 5 years now on myself and my pets. I only trust very high quality essential oils. Read more about why not to use grocery store essential oils on my Essential Oils page.

I know there’s lots of debate about using oils with animals, and I’ve done LOTS of research, and encourage everyone to research (legit sources, not just fear mongering articles from bloggers who have heard or had bad experiences from using perfume quality oils on their pets).

A couple resources I love are: The Animal Desk Reference II: Essential Oils for Animals 2nd Edition by Melissa Shelton DVM. It is written by a veterinarian, and is full of great information! The second reference I love is: Essential Oils Animal Desk Reference by Life Science Publishing. Both books go into how to apply, how much to apply, how to dilute, what oils to avoid…etc.

Because oils can break down plastic, I put all my recipes in glass. I use 16oz glass spray bottles, and to prevent it breaking around Dante, I put silicone sleeves on them! I like these sleeves from Amazon 🙂 There are plenty of other silicone sleeve options!

A few things to remember:

• Keep out of eyes! If you happen to get any in your or your horses’ eye, rinsing with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil) is suggested.
• Do not put directly into ears! If you need to use in the ears, a cotton ball with oils is the way to go.
• If your horse is in competitions/shows please note some oils are on the USEF banned substance list! 2 that I found on that list is Lavender and Valerian. My suggestion would be to leave those 2 out of recipes or substitute for another oil. I’ll do my best to list if Lavender or Valerian is in a recipe!

Now, onto the good stuff! Recipes, hacks and uses for essential oils with your horse(s)!

Healthy Skin and Hair Spray

I made a Skin and Hair spray for Dante’s scrapes, bites and such from being in a herd. You can read about and find the recipe HERE!

Muscle Support

For Dante’s sore muscles I’ve been liking using my CBD muscle rub!

Orthoease/orthosport massage oil is great for sore muscles!

Fly Spray

For fly spray I like to dilute the Young Living Insect Repellent (does not contain lavender) with a little bit of distilled water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.

Side note, this undiluted insect repellent has worked AMAZING on myself and my dog. No ticks or mosquito bites while wearing this! Mosquitoes will land but fly right off, or hover and fly off.

But you can make your own, be sure to shake well before using:

Recipe 1:

16oz spray bottle
1 cap Thieves cleaner
15 drops Citronella
10 drops Purification (contains lavender) (you can leave this oil out, or substitute lemongrass)
7 drops Peppermint
7 drops Cedarwood
5 drops Tea Tree
Optional: Add a few oz of Apple cider vinegar (I’ve found this works well added in)
Top off with water

Recipe 2:

16 oz spray bottle
10 drops Purification
10 drops Peppermint
10 drops Thieves
10 drops Lavender
Fill with distilled water

Mermaid Hair Spray

Just as you can encourage hair growth for your own hair, horses manes and tails benefit from it too! If using on forelock, be sure to keep essential oils out of their eyes. I like to spray onto my hand, and rub it into their poll and forelock to avoid getting in their eyes.

16 oz bottle
10 drops Lavender (can substitute for any oil listed below)
10 drops Cedarwood
10 drops Rosemary
8 oz No-Alcohol Witch Hazel (The only one that I know is alcohol free is: Thayers Alcohol-free Unscented)
Fill with Distilled Water

Hair care oils:

Cedarwood stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth.
Chamomile adds shine and softness to hair, and soothes the scalp.
Clary Sage promotes hair growth and stimulates the scalp.
Geranium strengthens hair.
Lavender deep conditions & promotes shine.
Rosemary stimulates the roots, improves hair growth, and increases circulation in the scalp.
Sandalwood helps with dry ends.

Detangling Spray

16 oz bottle
3 oz all natural conditioner ( I use Young Living Lavender Mint Conditioner)
2 oz Apple cider vinegar
Fill with Distilled water

Minor Scrapes, Injuries, and Wounds

These following oils known for their skin support qualities are great for our 4 hooved friends too!

Lavender
Frankincense
Copaiba