Aromatherapy for Horses

[drookitsheep]

Hi there,

Hope I manage to post this correctly, my first post and all!

I was just curious if anyone had used aromatherapy with any of their horses and with what degree of success? I read an article on it in a horsey magazine recently and the "guinea pig" seemed very positive about its effects in making her horse less stressed, and more relaxed generally.

I was thinking about trying it with my horse, hoping for the same outcome, but I'm not sure.

Anyone any thoughts/suggestions?

Many thanks,

drookitsheep

[sozzie]

A lady at my yard has recommended a dentist to me. The dentist uses essential (sp?) oils such as lavender to relax horses before she works on them.
I think this might be good for my youngster as she hasn't had any experience of dentist before and I want her first one to be a good one.
Other than that I've not come across aromatherapy at all.

[drookitsheep]

Hi sozzie,

Thanks for your reply. Sounds like the oils must work if they're used before something as traumatic as dentistry!

The article in the magazine I read had the owner offering different essential oils to her horse to sniff - I think initially a sample of the horse's mane had been sent off for analysis. The oils suggested were (I think!) frankincense, bergamot, yarrow and another one I can't remember.

The girl was also advised to put a drop of frankincense in each of her horse's nostrils before riding (the horse used to spin round and bolt) - she said she noticed a difference in the horse's attitude, that he was more willing to listen. She even said she felt that his facial expression had changed!

Would be interested to hear how you get on with the oils before the dentist - hope it all goes well.