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Post by Dragonmaster on Dec 14, 2009 14:38:24 GMT 1
Some guidelines
1. Offer oils to a horse for it to smell and watch its reaction. If it needs the oil it will try to take it. If it does not need the oil it will turn away. Repeat this procedure every 2 or 3 days during a course of treatment to see whether the horse still needs the oil. Br careful that the horse cannot grab hold of the bottle. Do not offer any more than 5 oils at any one time.
2. Use a ‘rule of thumb’ dilution of 3 to 5 drops of Essential Oil per 5ml of base. This may need to be decreased according to a) the size and sensitivity of the Equine, b) the type of oil used and c) the type of application. Use a weaker dilution if it is to be applied around the face and nose or underbelly where the hair is finer and the skin more sensitive. Slightly stronger dilutions (5 to 7 drops per 5ml) may be used in fly repellent sprays. Essential Oils are very potent so do not be tempted to use more than directed.
3. Remember that, like us, horses are individuals and some horses will be sensitive to some oils so if in doubt patch test with a weak dilution first; or seek advice.
A First Aid Kit Tea Tree Lavender Eucalyptus Roman Chamomile (make sure it is pure not pre blended, will cost about £20. Most shops sell it pre blended for about £4.99) Rosemary (do not come in contact with this if you suffer from High Blood Pressure) Peppermint Aloe Vera Gel Grapeseed or Sweet Almond Oil
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Post by lorraine1100 on May 8, 2010 23:15:32 GMT 1
I have a formal qualification in Aromatherapy. My only concern is that horses should never be massaged by any one other than a qualified person and only under the instruction of a vet. Some ancient law exists that makes it a criminal offence to massage a horse without being given the green light by a vet - believe it or not!
The Veterinary Surgeons' Act 1962 in the UK also states that all physical therapists should seek the attending vet's permission before treating a horse. In most cases, all this takes is a simple phone call. However, there are many unscrupulous people out there who flout this law, therefore potentially placing the horse at risk.
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Post by Dragonmaster on May 14, 2010 9:48:02 GMT 1
We dont tend to give horses aromatherapy massages - it would take too much base oil and they cant get on the therapy couch LOL! Sorry It's a joke I can never resist. My gripe with the Diploma in Aromatherapy that I did was that it was mainly about how to massage a person and they were not interested in all the other things you can do with the oils. So when in class I piped up with things like 'peppermint oil will keep ants out of your kitchen cupboards' I was told to be quiet! For horses the diluted oil will be rubbed onto the place where there is a problem, or put on the chest where they can inhale the vapourised oils.
MTA - actually we all massage our horses when we groom them or stroke them. It's deep tissue massage that could be potentially harmful if done in the wrong way.
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