animalEO for Horses and Equids

Thankfully, horses and other members of the Equidae family (donkeys, zebras, etc.) are fairly easy to administer essential oil therapies to. They are hardy large animals, but that does not necessarily mean that they require larger amounts of oils to be used. Many horses are found to be responded better to oils that are pre-diluted and “Ready To Use” – as with our animalEO RTU formulas – than with the neat, or undiluted, use of essential oils.

Horses and NEAT oils

We learn more and more every single year. Heck, I’d beg to offer that I learn something new every single day! In years past, we applied many essential oils in a neat or undiluted fashion to most horses. Maybe it was because “we could” more so than because “we should.” I certainly find this to be an accurate description of how our use of essential oils for animals has been changing for the better over the years.

So while you will find some of the animalEO products that are recommended for use with horses and other equids (and other large animals) to be available in a NEAT version – this is usually with the intention that you will be able to tailor the strength of the blend to your specific needs, and not necessarily with the fact that you will always be using it directly out of the bottle – especially in cases of topical application. However, if you would be applying to a hoof for example, then yes, often we will apply neat oils in these situations.

My goal is to provide more and more specific information and recommendations for you as we add to our website, to help you know when and how to apply different versions. So, make sure to check back often!

Horses and Essential Oil “Welts”

Speaking of years past, we should touch on an important topic that we saw particularly with the over-use of essential oils, the use of “hot” essential oils, or with the use of neat essential oils. Specifically the technique most commonly associated with the welting of the skin of an equid, typically over the back, was referred to as the “Raindrop Technique.” And, although I did find MANY benefits to this oil application for many of my patients and consults, it was often too intense and overwhelming to the body system – thus resulting in the welting of the skin. Unfortunately, even my past recommendations of adding a carrier oil to the skin, AFTER or during the application of the neat essential oil, was just not an ideal situation. Causing the irritation, then trying to “back-pedal” and make it better – is really not the best approach. Using oils that are already contained within a carrier oil, often prevents this welting situation, and we find creates a more significant and longer lasting response.

This beautiful, sweet rescue horse, had a typical neat application of essential oils, and proceeded to have quite a significant amount of welting and discomfort. The horse would breath heavily, and also rolled on the ground multiple times after each stage of the oil application. For me, I personally do not think that the process of healing or moving through emotional strife, should ever be complicated with more physical distress than one has to begin with. If something “gets worse” from a treatment we provide – it is best to back off and reduce the amount or frequency of what we are doing. Healing and health should never have to make us uncomfortable in the process of achieving it!

Welts should never be considered “normal” for any essential oil application on ANY animal.

The New Way…

Horses really are super responsive to essential oils. Just because they may be a thousand pounds or more, does not mean that they will necessarily require any more essential oil use than the average dog or human. In general, you are better to start with a light approach, and see if you will need to use oils that are more intense or stronger in concentration. Most horses will respond well to much less oil than we think they would need!

For many of the animalEO products, you should feel confident in providing the RTU versions for your horse. NEAT versions of products (such as New Mobility) are intended for educated animal professionals or aromatherapists who have a greater understanding of proper dilution protocols and needs. There is more information regarding proper dilutions within The Animal Desk Reference II book available on Amazon.

Oral Administration for Horses:

In some situations the use of essential oils orally is recommended. In many ways, this is often not a true ingestion, but more of an absorption of the essential oils through the mucus membranes (lip and gums). When this route of administration is recommended – making a little “pocket” in the lower lip – as shown in the photo to the right – is a great way to administer the oils. I often will place the oils I wish to deliver, into a small 2mL amber vial (available on our Order Accessories page) without a dripper insert. Then, I will just dump that little bottle of oils (with my pre-counted drops within it) into that lip pocket. Voila! Easy administration, without trying to count drops falling into the lip! This is especially helpful in emergency situations such as colic, where it might be dark, and most certainly we are stressed out and may not be acting in the most efficient manner!

Recommended Products

There are just several products that fit in and apply to many equine situations. For almost any condition, you are likely to find that the AromaBoost is a perfect selection. You can read more about the benefits and application techniques of AromaBoost on its product page (click on the highlighted name.) Boost in a Bottle is a blend which can also be used for almost every situation. You can read more about Boost in a Bottle, and the differences between the two products HERE.

New Mobility is another blend that I recommend often for horses. Used for any musculoskeletal condition, as well as many others it is a staple of an equine essential oil collection.

Any-Itis is used to aid in the reduction of inflammation – and as basically every single ailment will have inflammation associated with it – the oils within Any-Itis are often very helpful, and can be used in a layered approach with the AromaBoost and/or New Mobility for even bigger effects.

G.I. Goe is used for any sort of gastrointestinal concern. See the product page for more instructions on using G.I. Goe for horses. Peppermint or Copaiba as single essential oils can also be used for many equine gastrointestinal concerns and are available on our Singles Ordering Page.

Diffusion can be a difficult thing to achieve for horses, but can be well worth the effort. For large barns, the water-based diffuser we recommend is not always an efficient option. In these situations, we find that an air-based diffuser can be used. The diffuser model available through THIS LINK has worked well and has been used in many barn situations. The closed system of the unit – helps to keep dust and debris out of the oils and the unit running smoothly. Diffusion can be helpful in situations of Heaves, high stress, respiratory illness, or contagious issues. It is important to remember that even misting the oil into the air in a water-based spritzer bottle – can have great effects. You can read more about Diffusion HERE. In cases of severe respiratory issues in horses, I have even closed off a lean-to or stall with a tarp or shower curtain – to contain the mist of a water-based diffuser and allow the horse to inhale higher levels of the beneficial vapors. Obviously, this should be done with careful supervision, and often with a human holding the horse during the therapy session.

Any of the animalEO essential oils which are recommended for diffusion, can be diffused in equine environments. However, certain oils are found to be particularly indicated, such as Open-Air, Exhale, Strength, or Warmth Diffusion Blend. You can diffuse or use any essential oils that you find are indicated for your situation, but if you are just interested in selecting something to try out initially – I certainly suggest these for sure.

Support for Specific Equine Conditions

Selecting which products to use with a variety of health concerns can be a challenge. Here is a list of suggested products used to support the body during a variety of common equine concerns. We recommend that you have an accurate diagnosis and be working with your equine veterinarian, for the best possible outcome. All of our products have been used alongside traditional medications and a variety of holistic modalities, within Dr. Shelton’s veterinary practice. Please see the product page for more specific information on each product. NEAT versions of the products may be used to create your own custom dilutions or when necessary for more powerful effects. The following lists are suggested places to start – it is entirely possible that not all of the recommendations will have to be used. However, layering the use of multiple products via multiple routes, can increase support when needed. ***These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA – and any recommendation is not intended to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent a disease or condition. Please work with your veterinarian with any health concern***

ANESTHESIA RECOVERY SUPPORT:

AromaBoost RTU, or Boost in a Bottle applied up to once a day, G.I. Goe applied via Petting or Oral routes.

JOINT, TENDON, AND MUSCLE SUPPORT:

AromaBoost RTU topically as needed, Any-Itis NEAT orally, New Mobility topically as needed.

AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS:

AromaBoost RTU topically as needed, sometimes up to daily depending on symptoms. Any-Itis NEAT orally.

BACK, SPINAL CONDITIONS:

AromaBoost RTU topically as needed, New Mobility topically as needed, Any-Itis NEAT orally if needed.

BEHAVIORAL CONDITIONS (See also HORMONAL SUPPORT):

Calm-a-Mile RTU, Transition, Clear Sailing, Sunshine in a Bottle, Hormone Blend, AromaBoost

BONE CONDITIONS:

AromaBoost RTU especially formula #3 applied especially to the area of concern – however all parts of the AromaBoost are important and should be used. New Mobility, Any-Itis

BRUISED SOLES:

Any-Itis NEAT (which is very similar to AromaBoost #5) applied directly to area of concern, in cases of more severe inflammation and discomfort, Any-Itis may be given orally. AromaBoost NEAT may also be applied to the area with a special emphasis on formula #2, #3, and #5. HardyHoof is also a wonderful recommendation to use topically.

BRUISING:

Skin Spray Base, AromaBoost #2 and #3 may also be used.

CANCER SUPPORT:

AromaBoost RTU applied along the back as usual, not necessarily to tumors or sites of the cancer. Application can occur up to daily. Emotional support with essential oils can also be important – use of Transition, Calm-a-Mile RTU, Sunshine in a Bottle, Away, Clear Sailing, and Warmth Diffusion Blend are particularly note worthy.

CASTRATION RECOVERY:

Skin Spray Base as a water mist can be applied to the area once to twice a day, or as needed. If needed, Any-Itis NEAT can be used orally for discomfort and inflammation. RoseRamie may also be added to a water mist with or without Skin Spray Base.

CHOKE:

Calm-a-Mile RTU can be used to help relax emotions as well as muscles within the esophagus. Choke is an emergency situation, so do not delay in having proper veterinary attention. Peppermint or G.I. Goe can also be used into the bottom lip, and/or topically over the esophagus to aide with muscle movement.

CLUB FOOT, CONTRACTED TENDONS:

AromaBoost RTU may be applied, especially focusing on formula #2, #3, and #5. New Mobility RTU

COLIC:

G.I. Goe, Peppermint.

CRIBBING (See BEHAVIORAL CONDITIONS):

CUSHING’S:

AromaBoost, AdrenoBalance, G.I. Goe, RoseRamie

DIARRHEA:

G.I. Goe

EDEMA, STOCKING UP:

AromaBoost especially focusing on formula #2. New Mobility RTU.

EQUINE PROTOZOAL MYELOENCEPHALITIS, EPM:

AromaBoost, Boost in a Bottle, NeuroBoost, Calm-a-Mile RTU

FEVER:

AromaBoost, Boost in a Bottle, Any-Itis

FOALING:

Transition

HEAVES:

AromaBoost topically as needed up to daily. Formula #1 can also be Pet onto the chest area. Diffusion of Open-Air, as well as Petting onto the chest area. Boost in a Bottle.

HORMONAL SUPPORT:

Hormone Blend

INSECT BITES:

RoseRamie can be applied directly to a bite. Away, EIEIO EO, Evict, or Oust can be used for repellent activity.

LACERATIONS:

Skin Spray Base applied as a water mist.

LAMINITIS:

AromaBoost applied up to once a day, including to the legs/hooves. Any-Itis NEAT can be used topically and/or orally. New Mobility can also be applied to the legs and hoof areas. HardyHoof can be applied to hooves topically, multiple times a day to aid in comfort.

MUSCULAR CONDITIONS:

AromaBoost, Boost in a Bottle, New Mobility RTU, Any-Itis

NEUROLOGIC CONDITIONS:

AromaBoost especially focusing on formula #5. NeuroBoost, Any-Itis topically or orally as indicated. New Mobility RTU if musculoskeletal conditions are present.

PROUD FLESH:

Skin Spray Base, RoseRamie, RoseRamie Plus

RAIN ROT:

Skin Spray Base, RoseRamie, RoseRamie Plus, YeastyBeasty (NEAT within a shampoo when weather allows), YeastyBeasty French Green Clay, Skin Spray Base French Green Clay.

RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS:

AromaBoost, Diffusion of Open-Air, Exhale

RINGBONE:

AromaBoost applied to spine, and also to the frog, hoof, and leg areas affected. Especially focus on formula #3, although all formulas are important. Any-Itis can be used topically and/or orally as needed. New Mobility topically.

STRANGLES:

AromaBoost, Boost in a Bottle, Diffusion if possible (Open-Air, Exhale), Any-Itis

VIRAL CONDITIONS:

AromaBoost, Boost in a Bottle, Exhale

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