Lavender!

[cblover]

Hi peeps!

So, who uses lavender and for what? I'd like to try some with my youngster in particular, but really for all 3 of mine. I'm aiming for it to have a soothing effect on him and enhance grooming sessions and periods of anxiety.

How do you apply it? In what quantity and for how long. Just curious about the whole thing actually. Any info would be great. Thanks.

 

[Dobiegirl]

Lavender is beautiful and calming, make sure you buy the essential oil and mix it with grapeseed oil or almond oil.

I would let him sniff it first and if he is not interested I wouldnt use it, if he likes it perhaps a little on his headcollar to start off with.

 

[cblover]

Thanks for that, I did think it was too strong to use neat. I'll buy the oil too!

 

[Jess Hoss]

Interesting ! Might try this with my coblet too.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I've used a lavender scented shower gel/bath soak and handcream on myself when taking a young horse on an exciting day out so that my stress didn't transfer itself to the horse. Much the same as pax was used by carriage drivers years ago.
It did seem to help. If you are using it on your horse, I was once told to offer it on your hands to see if the horse reacted positively to the smell.

 

[milliepops]

My clipper oil has lavender in it. I think that's more for my benefit though, I hate clipping, the itchiness makes me mad

 

[cblover]

Good idea! I don't mind clipping though...but could be good for the horses.

 

[TigerTail]

You can also buy powdered lavender and dip your body brush bristles into it and brush it into their coats for a soothing grooming session As with anything its the person using it so make sure your own energy is very low and calming too

 

[Nicnac]

You can use Lavender neat. I put a few drops in a bucket of water and soak my grooming brushes as it really lifts the dirt. It can also be sprinkled directly onto brushes to a) calm the horse and b) make it smell nice

As well as its calming properties, it is also healing and fantastic for burns.

The other oil that can be used neat is Tea Tree; however both should be 'patch' tested first as can cause adverse reactions.

 

[cblover]

Thanks all!

So, I got some today and went into the field with my 3. All were quietly grazing away as normal and I was calmly walking up to them for a chat and cuddle...again all normal. In fact my youngster always comes to say hell, I don't need walk up to him.

They all had a sniff of my hands, non ran away with disgust but two of them just carried on eating once they released no food was involved. Only the shettie stayed a while to investigate the smell.

Not sure what that means? lol