6/ AUGUST 2020 THE RIDER The Way of Horses: Essenstial Oils


mental or indispensable". But in the aromatherapy arena, the definition of "es- sential" is: "the quality or na- ture that makes something what it is - it's essence." Essential oils are differ-


ent than perfumes. Perfumes can be made from manufac- tured chemicals and can con- tain artificial ingredients. Essential oils are natural and contain the molecules from beneficial plants - tapping into their "essence". To administer the essen- tial oil, via aromatherapy,


By Eleanor Blazer Copyright @ 2015


The smell of a horse can be


calming to those of us who love them. Many people, who do not ride, keep a horse. When asked "Why?", a common answer is "I need the smell of a horse in my life".


The olfactory system (the


mechanism that enables smell) is not as well developed in humans as it is in many animals. But yet a whiff of a certain scent can trigger a pleasant or unpleasant feeling, calmness or anxiety. The art of aromatherapy uses


the sense of smell to help support the body during an illness or time of stress. Therapeutic essential oils are the key to this interesting and helpful therapy. "Essential" had many defini-


tions. One that comes to mind is: "something that is required, funda-


allow the horse to sniff the bottle of oil. If he avoids the offering, do not keep insisting, this is to be pleasurable - not a fight. If the horse likes it, you can now dab a small amount of diluted oil in his stall or paddock area, so he will have the opportunity to partake at will. You may also apply a small amount of the diluted oil (not more than a drop) on the chest, neck or forehead. Be sure to steer clear of any mucous membranes. The aroma will waft up to the nose. The equine sense of smell is much stronger than ours so do not use ca- pacious amounts - just a drop is all that is needed. Monitor the area and discontinue if skin irritation appears. Essential oils can also be used


topically. A massage using the di- luted oil can help relax the horse...and you. Some oils have antiseptic properties which may help ease irritation of a minor


wound. Consult your veterinarian before using essential oils on an in- jury.


There are many essential oils,


and each one has specific targets. For example, lavender is known for its calming, almost sedative properties; rosemary is considered to be a stimulant - keeping the subject alert and focused. How often you use essential


oils depends on the product and manufacturer. Follow the direc- tions and buy from reputable deal- ers.


Do not use essential oils inter-


nally without consulting a profes- sional. Giving your horse essential oils orally can cause digestive upset or other issues. Just as the essence of the


horse can help us during periods of grief or sickness, we can help them. Consider the use of essential oils for your horse during times of stress....soothing to both you and your horse.


* For information about essential oils enroll in the online course: "Essential Oils and Acupressure for Horses". Go to: http://www.equinestudiesinsti- tute.com/pht_oil_acupressure_de- scription.html The course is provided by the Tall- grass Animal Acupressure Institute (TgAAI). Earn a certificate from TgAAI when you pass and com- plete the course. Reprinted from the February 2015 Issue of The Rider.


Archie the Mouse has a new Adventure!


ARCHIE FINDS THE FILLY tells how, with the help of new friend Buzzy the Bee, Archie goes in search


of his BFF Winny’s new grand-daugh- ter…a brand new baby horse. Together Archie and Buzzy visit all the farm- yard families, trying to find the new


little filly. Lots of fun as they meet all the new babies who arrived this spring and, of course, our little hero finds the filly and introduces her to grandpa


Winny. Great for read-alongs and of- fers colouring pages, too.


Author: Glenda Fordham Illustrator: Elyse Darby Full-colour illustrations, soft cover $14.99


Special! Order both books for only $22.00


Can a mouse and a horse become friends?


Archie Finds a New Home, the story of a little house mouse forced to move from his family’s over-crowded mouse hole in


the farmhouse and finds a brand new home out in the barn. He encounters all sorts of hazards as he makes his way across the


farmyard but eventually finds a new best friend in Winny, the old carthorse, who


saves Archie from the hungry barn cat. For children 0-5.


Author: Glenda Fordham Illustrator: Elyse Darby


Full-colour illustrations, soft cover $9.99 From The Rider and Barnmicebooks.com Visit www.barnmicebooks.com to order.


Yor coplete equine soutios patne since 1987


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