Page 61 - Speedhorse, October 2021

Essential oils have been used by humans for a long time and in recent years have steadily gained popularity as more
people learn about their usefulness. Horse owners are also using them on their horses for multiple purposes - everything from fly repellent to relief of muscle soreness, speed- ing up healing of minor wounds and scrapes, to behavioral calming. While these therapies should never be considered a replacement
for veterinary care, they can sometimes be helpful as a supplemental application to help a horse stay healthy and happy or give some relief from insect bites.
Essential oils are compounds extracted from certain plants, such as from seeds, bark, stems, flowers, roots or other parts of various plants. The oil extract contains the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.” The plant’s unique aromatic compounds give each essen- tial oil its characteristic essence.
These oils are obtained from the plant through distillation via steam and/or water or by mechanical methods such as cold pressing. Once
the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to cre- ate a product that can be used on horse or human. These products are being marketed under various brand names or created by individuals, but not all oils are the same in quality or safety. The way the oils are made is important, since the essential oils obtained through chemical processes rather than more natural extraction methods are not consid- ered true essential oils.
Essential oils are most commonly used in
a practice called aromatherapy, in which they are inhaled through various methods. Humans have been using essential oils on themselves, topically and through inhalation, for centuries. Smell/odor is one of the strongest basic senses for humans as well as animals. There is evidence in humans – both scientific and anecdotal – on how scent can trigger memory, calm a nervous attitude and offer other healing properties. Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment using these natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being, both physically and emotionally.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HORSES
EQUINE HEALTH
by Heather Smith Thomas
Horse owners are using essential oils on their horses for multiple purposes, including:
Fly repellent
Speeding up healing of minor wounds and scrapes
Behavioral calming
While these therapies should never be considered a replacement for veterinary care, they can sometimes be helpful as a supplemental application to help a horse stay healthy & happy or give some relief from insect bites.
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