BY BLOG EDITOR LAUREN MAULDIN
I’ll admit it — I was slow to get on the essential oil train. It’s not that I have anything against holistic methods, but for the longest time I thought the best thing about using an essential oil diffuser in my home was that it helped covered up the smell of my dog’s terrible farts. But eventually, I started reading more and experimenting with different oils. I found that I truly enjoyed lavender to help me fall asleep at night, and a strong peppermint did help with mild nausea. Yes, I chalk up some of these benefits up to placebo effect, but if it works, it works!
When I first heard of The Infused Equestrian, I was immediately interested to see if my horse would enjoy essential oils as much as I did. While I admit that my first thought was placing an oil diffuser filled with lavender in Simon’s stall to calm his Thoroughbred anxiety, I realized that The Infused Equestrian’s essential oil based products are much, much more realistic when it comes to horse care.
First, I tried Shiny mane & tail conditioner. In the dry, California heat, I have to deep wash and condition Simon’s tail at least once a week or he removes it from the equation all together by itching his hair off. I added Shiny to my tail care routine by using it as a final conditioner on his slightly damp tail after a bath. Shiny smells great (this is going to be a theme in this review!), and is a straight up oil. I found the best application was drape his tail over my arm, and dribble the liquid straight on to the hair. Then I massaged it in.
What I love about Shiny is that it smells great, doesn’t immediately drip off or leave a residue days later like MTG does, and it lives up to its name — gives a nice shine! After applying, I rubbed the excess oil from my hand’s onto Simon’s coat.
Another product that I’ve added to my post riding routine is the comfort liniment. This easy to pump gel smells amazing with a hint of peppermint, and is comforting without being harsh. Sometimes when I spread liniment on my hands, I get an intense, chemical like burning sensation, but not so with comfort. I use 2 pumps on each, and spread over Simon’s lower legs after a tough workout.
The pedi hoof conditioner is also a favorite. After applying, it gives a much shinier finish than mineral oil that I often put on for horse shows, and slowly soaks in throughout my ride. With how dry it is where I live, I feel good about applying the treatment to Simon’s hooves a few times a week to keep them from getting too brittle.
But my favorite product, and I do mean FAVORITE product are the pure bit wipes. Y’ALL THESE THINGS ARE MAGIC!
Here’s a truth-ism about me — I’m terrible at cleaning my bits. I never soak them, never deep clean them, they just hang out on my bridle and occasional I think, Oh that looks disgusting… I should probably do something about it. But then I still rarely do anything about it.
Now with the pure bit wipes, my bits are sparkling after every ride and I can assure you it’s not because I magically became better at cleaning them. Just one little towelette easily takes off all the grime and slobber, and they work just as well when that gunk has been dried on for days as they do when it’s fresh. Magic. I promise you — absolute magic.
Using The Infused Equestrian products have opened my eyes to the options for using essential oils in horse care. They’re a must for someone who’s into natural products, or someone who is terrible about cleaning their bit. Shop the entire collection for horses and humans at theinfusedequestrian.com.
About the Author: Lauren holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of California Riverside, and is a lifelong rider and writer. Beyond equestrian journalism, she explores body positivity, mental health and addiction through personal narrative. She enjoys showing on the local hunter/jumper circuit in Austin, Texas.
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