Aromatherapy for Horses - Interview with an Equine Educator

I have a love for horses, so aromatherapy for horses sounds like an awesome combination! This post, we welcome Zoe Dodds from Natural Horse Therapies, offering her perspective about aromatherapy for horses and why essential oils are such an important part of natural health for horses.

Firstly, tell me what you do and what is unique to your practice?
I work as an equine educator and holistic equine therapist. I am author of several books on holistic therapies that empower people in understanding the subtle dynamics of equine health. My passion is horses and natural health and my life's dedication is to share this with others.

My work emphasises the natural communication that arises when one learns to work harmoniously with horses. I seek to understand the way our horses think and interact, educating people in natural ways of handling. I believe that developing a relaxed attitude of assertiveness and respect with horses whilst remaining centred and present, will always deliver the best results in whatever one’s chosen field of horsemanship.

From an early age I have felt the call of horses and have been deeply motivated to find ways that make the path of the horse in the human world one of pleasure and connection and richness. I believe each of us has the ability to experience a deep connection with nature and animals when we expand our consciousness to encompass all beings. I find essential oils fit in perfectly with this intention. Through using essential oils we can balance ourselves and our horses and it is easy to do. This is what makes my practice unique.

How do you use essential oils in your practice?
I use essential oils to help balance a horse that needs emotional or physical balancing. I will offer them first an opportunity to deeply inhale the essential oil, and I will also place drops of specific oils in various locations on their body, dependant on what I am treating. Where a horse is sensitive, I will use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil potency. Generally, I find the horses love the oils and will become very quiet and inquisitive.

What is your most interesting story about using essential oils with clients?
I received yesterday a very excited call from a lady who had not been able to pick up her horse's back leg due to its pain. She was ecstatic because for the first time in 5 years, her horse offered her its leg and easily allowed her to lift it (where previously the farrier had to file it while it was on the ground and he would dig a hole around it to do it!). I had used Panaway and wintergreen along with some gentle massage techniques. Hooray for the oils!

If you were going on a trip and you could only take one essential oil (this can be a blend or single oil) what would it be and why?Well, I would definitely take Peace and Calming. I absolutely adore this oil. It smells terrific and it has so many of my favourites in it: Tangerine (Citrus nobilis), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) and patchouli (Pogostemon cablin). I really do find it relaxing and uplifting at the same time.

I find it is one of my favourites with horses also, and well, if I was going on a trip, I would want the benefits of this oil!

Finish this sentence: I love Young Living Essential Oils because...they are guaranteed to be so pure. I love the attention to detail and the fact these oils are researched not for profit alone, but for their maximum therapeutic value.

Thanks Zoe for sharing your expertise in combining the equine world and essential oils.

Zoe is based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. If you would like to contact Zoe about her practice or to find out more information about essential oils and horses, please contact her on (07) 5442 6971.