Essential oils and horses, two things that go hand and hand, but there is not a lot of information on how to use them! I am going to share my best tips and tricks on oils and horses using my Young Living oils! When picking oils you must go for quality over all else, especially since the FDA only requires ten percent of the actual oil in the bottle to be labeled 100% essential oils. I personally only use Young Living oils on my animals, so keep that in mind when reading on.
Essential oils can be a great first aid tool for your horses. I keep a few essentials in my tack room and trailers. Starting with an all time favorite: DiGize. This oil is a blend for all things digestive aid. If your horse is struggling with colic it is a great oil that can aid in getting your horse back on the right track. I like to apply this neat (no dilution) on my horse’s back, belly button and inside their lower lip. I like to apply this anytime we are traveling at all to help my horses under any type of stress.
Peppermint is another oil that is always with us. Sore muscles? Got you covered! This oil is like an icy-hot pack that can help with tight or painful muscles post a good workout or show. Another great use for this oil is in your horse’s water. Some horses love the taste of a little peppermint and it can help your horse drink on the road. Peppermint is also known for aiding in digestive tract issues as well. Helping maintain your horses as healthy and happy! Peppermint can be a hotter oil therefore I usually add a few drops to some jojoba oil (or fractionated coconut oil) to dilute it. When in doubt, DILUTE.
If I know I have a colt that tends to be on the nervous side, I like to have Valor and Lavender in my back pocket. This is great emotional support for horses that just can’t seem to stop moving their feet. Apply both oils neat, on the tops of their heads and around the nose so they can smell it as they work. Lavender is also a great oil for any skin issues with horses. I love to use it when my horses get girth irritations as it can help speed up healing.
A powerhouse oil that I love to use on scars, bumps and bruises is Frankincense. Frankincense can be applied neat and can help diminish the appearance of scars or skin blemishes. I also love to use frankincense for respiratory support for my horses. During the cold months, I put this on my horse’s chest and belly to help support their lungs through the bitter cold.
Essential oils are a great tool to have in your tool belt when working with horses. These are just a few ways we like to use them on our ranch as we strive for natural wellness in the care of our horses.
Hey there!
My name is Anna Foulger, I am a young mom of soon to be two; a toddler daughter and little boy on the way! Me and my husband ranch in Eastern Montana with his family and we love every minute! My background is in...
