The Art of Self-Selection Aromatherapy for Horses
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The Art of Self-Selection Aromatherapy for Horses

Updated: Oct 20, 2023



Healing for Horses

Aromatherapy for Horses
Cleo liked Carrot Seed Oil

Aromatherapy has been revered for its healing properties for centuries, offering numerous benefits to humans. But did you know that aromatherapy can also be a powerful tool for enhancing the well-being of our four-legged companions, specifically horses? The art of self-selection aromatherapy empowers horses to choose the essential oils they are naturally drawn to, enabling them to participate actively in their own healing process. In this blog, we will delve into the world of self-selection aromatherapy for horses and explore how to facilitate this enriching experience for your equine friends.


Understanding Self-Selection Aromatherapy

Self-selection aromatherapy is a holistic approach that allows horses to select the essential oils they need to support their physical, emotional, and mental health. When presented with a range of essential oils, horses use their innate instincts to choose the scents that resonate with their individual requirements. These intuitive choices are believed to be guided by the horse's own body wisdom, as they instinctively seek out the oils that can address imbalances or offer therapeutic benefits.


Creating a Safe Environment

Before introducing self-selection aromatherapy to your horse, it's essential to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Allow your horse ample space to roam freely and interact with the essential oils without any pressure. Set up a designated area where you can place a variety of essential oils at a safe distance from each other. Ensure that all oils used are of high quality, pure, and non-toxic for equine use.




Selecting Essential Oils

When choosing essential oils for your horse's self-selection experience, consider oils known for their calming, grounding, or revitalising properties. Lavender, known for its soothing effects, is a popular choice. Frankincense is often favoured for its grounding qualities, while Peppermint may be chosen for its invigorating nature. Other options include Chamomile for relaxation, Eucalyptus for respiratory support, and Geranium for emotional balance. Always offer a variety of oils and observe how your horse responds to different scents.


Observing the Horse's Response

Once the essential oils are arranged, give your horse time to explore and interact with them at their own pace. Observe their reactions closely; signs of interest may include sniffing, licking, or nuzzling the bottles. Equally, if your horse moves away from certain oils, it may indicate that those scents are not currently needed. Respect your horse's choices and avoid imposing any specific oils on them.


Benefits of Self-Selection Aromatherapy for Horses

Self-selection aromatherapy offers numerous benefits for horses, both physically and emotionally. The oils they choose can aid in reducing stress, promoting relaxation, relieving muscle tension, and supporting respiratory health. Aromatherapy may also help horses overcome anxiety, boost their mood, and improve overall well-being. By participating in the selection process, horses gain a sense of empowerment and ownership over their


Self-selection aromatherapy for horses is a beautiful way to connect with our equine friends on a deeper level while promoting their physical and emotional well-being. This holistic approach allows horses to use their innate instincts to select the essential oils they need, tapping into their natural body wisdom. Through careful observation and respect for their choices, we can offer support and enrich their lives. As we explore alternative approaches to equine care, self-selection aromatherapy stands as a testament to the harmonious bond between humans and horses, fostering trust, healing, and mutual understanding.

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