Page 63 - Speedhorse, October 2021

Coconut oil can be used topically for horses in several different ways, including a mane and tail conditioner, hoof conditioner, or wound ointment, and it tends to soothe the pain and itch of insect bites and can help promote healing.
Some oils to avoid include:
Coconut oil is sometimes considered an essential oil, and it can be used topically for horses in several different ways. It is often used as a mane and tail conditioner or hoof conditioner. When applied to the mane or tail, the fatty acids in the oil can make it feel smooth and silky. Some people apply it to dry, brittle hoofs.
Coconut oil has also been used as a wound ointment, as it has some antimicrobial properties and can help prevent infection in small scrapes and cuts. It tends to soothe the pain and itch of insect bites, and can help promote healing.
There are a number of brand products
that contain essential oils. For example, TerraShield is marketed as a natural insect and tick repellent as a non-toxic spray that’s advertised for use on humans and horses. This product is a mix of various plant ingredients that have a deterrent effect on the insects that might feed on those plants. This particular “bug repellent” product contains Ylang Ylang Flower, Nootka Wood, Cedarwood Wood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea Fruit, an Arborvitae Wood essential oils and Vanilla Bean Absolute in a base of Fractionated Coco- nut Oil and Tamanu Seed Oil. As a repellent, it works for a few hours and then you’d prob- ably need to reapply it. Care should be taken, however, to make sure it doesn’t cause skin irritation/sensitivity, and the label directions say to avoid getting it into eyes or mouth and that it might not be safe for women who are pregnant or nursing a baby.
Other essential oils are often touted as bug repellents. Lavender or Lemongrass seems to help deter mosquitoes. Some people use Thyme or Geranium to repel ticks and Patchouli for midges. All of these can be added to the TerraShield product.
Peppermint oil is thought to relieve sore muscles and joints and promote general relaxation. A person can add a drop or two with Epsom salts to use as a body wash to help cool a horse after exercise in hot weather or add it to a homemade fly spray to repel flies. Some riders also apply it to themselves before riding to help relax tight muscles.
There are also reports that peppermint oil can act as a mild anti-inflammatory, stimulate cir- culation, clear the mind, and brighten a person’s overall mood. A horse with sinus issues may get some relief from smelling peppermint oil.
When applying essential oils, you need
only a few drops, placed into the palm of clean hands to warm the oil before use. Then the
oil can be used as a massage aid directly onto the horse, first making sure his hair and skin are clean, or applied to soft brushes as a final polishing step. Some horsemen simply let the horse breathe in the scent by lifting their hands to the horse’s face.
For maximum benefit for sore muscles, the recommendation is to incorporate aromatherapy oils into the horse’s daily grooming routine 3
to 4 times per week. Some owners have noticed that the benefits extend beyond the initial treat- ment, lasting for a few days or even a week.
Some horsemen use essential oils for a calm- ing effect on horses that tend to be nervous or anxious. A 2018 study in Arizona found that lav- ender has a soothing effect. That study looked
at horses at a boarding stable where a diffuser containing lavender oil was used to put it into the air. Ann Baldwin, a professor of physiology and psychology at University of Arizona, who
is also a rider, took part in this study. She stated that the researchers did see a calming effect with the lavender. “But when we measured again af- terward, we no longer saw the effect. So it’s just while the horses are sniffing the lavender that we see this calming effect,” she said.
The study report went on to say that a diffuser isn’t necessary in order to produce a calm response. Baldwin said that just a few drops of lavender essential oil on your hand for the horse to sniff will be adequate. This calming effect can be useful in certain situa- tions, such as when a horse doesn’t like to be shod. When the farrier comes and starts work- ing on the feet, or when a veterinarian is do- ing an examination or some sort of treatment that the horse might resist, a little lavender might help the horse stay more relaxed.
Some essential oils, including lavender, can- not be used in competition horses, however, so riders and trainers should be aware of drug rules.
Essential oils are also not regulated, so you need to do your research on the companies
that market them. Some sell essential oils that are actually synthetic and did not come from plants. Some are diluted with other ingredients, or not stored properly, and this may alter their effectiveness or safety.
You should also make sure that you purchase actual essential oils and not fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are synthetic and do not provide the same benefits that essential oils have since they were created mainly to add a scent to another product. If you are concerned about your horse’s health, it’s always wise to discuss something with your veterinarian before introducing anything new.
Wintergreen
EQUINE HEALTH
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