Last Updated on March 2, 2022 by Allison Price

You will be able to care for horses if you have been given the task. Horses can easily become irritated by external forces or elements like bacteria, parasites and flying pests. It is important to keep them comfortable and happy.

Horses can benefit from Neem oil

The problem of treating a horse with an illness is often a problem.

There is a shift in the industry when it comes to using more natural products that are not only more environmentally-friendly but also animal friendly and one such product that provides a multitude of benefits for horses is neem oil. Below, learn more about this product as well as why it is so highly recommended for horse care.

What is Neem Oil and Where Does It Come From?

Essential oil neem oil, also known as super oil, is extracted from the seeds and leaves of the neem tree. It is a natural oil that is considered to be a super oil due to its many benefits. It grows in semi-tropical and tropical climates. The leaves and trees of the neem tree contain a special substance called Azadirachtin.

Azadiractin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that also has anti-bacterial properties. It repels flying pests such as mosquitoes and midges, but it is completely harmless to mammals.

Neem oil is an anti-fungal ingredient, making it a sought-after product for animals with fungal infections. Horses can be treated with Neem oil during warm seasons. It is used as a preventative against the swarms mosquitoes, mites, and ticks that love to ruin horses’ lives.

Neem oil can also be used to soothe inflammations or irritations from insect bites, and it can also moisturize dry skin. Recent clinical trials have shown that horses respond better to neem oil than cortisone. Horses can make great profits from neem oils.

Neem Oil protects horses from summer itch

horses fear the arrival of midges in the summertime due to an irritating condition called summer seasonal recurrent dermatitis, or more commonly sweet itch. This is caused by a horse’s allergic reaction, which can be caused by bites from insects such as midges. However, it can also happen due to black flies and mosquitoes.

5 ways you can prevent sweet itch

These pesky insects rip into horse skin and inject harmful saliva while eating blood. Horses’ skin reacts to the insect bites by causing irritations and inflammations around the ears, tail, croup and chin. The summer itch can be very uncomfortable for horses. There is not much the horse can do to stop it.

A neem oil-based product can be a powerful tool in protecting horses from the unpleasant bite marks and lesions that midges and other flying pests can inflict. They can also speed up the healing time for any bites or irritations that have already been caused to the horse’s skin and coat.

Applying a few drops to the tail and mane of horses suffering from summer itching will instantly provide relief.

Horses suffering from itchy bites can also use Neem oil as a natural pain relief. You can apply the oil directly to open sores and cuts.

Neem oil, which has natural antiseptic and sterilization properties, will cleanse the wound and stop bleeding. It will also protect against infection and promote healing.

How to use Neem oil as an insect repellent

The repellent properties of neem oil can be used to prevent mosquitoes and insects from entering your home. Neem oil is effective as a repellent, but you must use it daily on your horses.

This is best done by diluting pure neem oils with warm water in an aerosol bottle. Then spray the product onto horses’ coats. To make the most out of store-bought fly spray, add a few drops to your sprayer and shake.

Your fly spray will last longer because the neem oils bind to the horse’s hair and are sweat- and water-resistant. The oil is thick and similar to coconut oil. It will stay in place for several days, without needing to be reapplied.

To protect sensitive areas such as the ears and belly from biting midges, apply undiluted Neem oil. It will repel biting insects and soothe itchy irritations caused by midges saliva.

General Skin Care for Horses

Neem oil has many uses. It is a versatile substance with beneficial medicinal properties. It is used commonly to treat skin infections, minor injuries and fungal or bacterial skin conditions.

All-natural 100% cold-pressed Neem oil has high levels of Vitamin E. It also contains essential amino acids. These penetrate deeply into the epidermis, where antibacterial agents can kill the bacteria.

The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and pain, while the restorative Vitamin E (and amino acids) work to reverse damage and promote tissue growth and hair regeneration.

Although the oil has a strong odor, which can be offensive to some (commonly used to compare to sulfur and peanut oils), our barn prefers neem oil to medicated shampoos. We find it to be just as effective and produces better results.

You can massage a generous amount of neem oil onto the legs to treat any trouble spots on the cannon or pastern bones that are frequently in contact with moisture and wet grass.

This is great for treating the area, but it also serves as a preventative against future outbreaks.

To get full-body breakouts, mix a large amount of neem oil with warm water. Then shake the bottle and pour into a spray bottle.

Spray the solution liberally on the entire body. Then, brush it in gently with a curry brush or body brush.

You can apply every other day until your condition improves.

This will not only help with the infection, but will also promote hair growth. Your four-legged friend won’t be left bald or with dry, irritated patches of skin as is common after using harsh medicated products.

Use Pure Neem Oil on Your Horse

Pure neem oil can be very concentrated so it should not be used in large quantities. It is used to treat the skin of horses and their coats, as well as treating skin inflammations.

You can also use the oil to prevent mosquito bites. Neem oil can be mixed with other essential oils, but it is best to use the oil alone.

A typical method is to apply small amounts of the oil on the horse’s coat, and then rub it in with a damp cloth. Horses can benefit from the oil’s positive effects by applying it only once or twice a week, due to its concentrated nature.

Neem oil repels water so even in heavy rain or precipitation the oil will not run off horses and still benefit their skin. It is best to dilute the product in winter. The oil behaves much like coconut oil, and will harden in colder weather. Run warm water over the bottle for several minutes to bring the oil back to liquid form.

Shampooing horses with Neem Oil

A nice shower is a great way to relax after a tiring summer ride with your horse. A shampoo containing neem oil will make it easier to care for your horse’s skin and coat.

Neem shampoo for horses that contains neem oil will give your horse a natural shine. It can also make your horse’s coat look sleeker. A neem oil shampoo can also be used to rinse off any organisms on the horse’s skin. It can also help with conditions such as rain rot, mud fever and other unusual bumps and lumps. To keep your horse’s coat and skin healthy, shiny, and moisturized, use as part of your regular grooming routine.

Either buy a specialty shampoo containing neem oil or add a few drops to the shampoo you use to clean your horse.

Next, wash your horse with water and shampoo. Use a sponge to massage the neem oil shampoo into your horse’s skin.

To maximize the healing and nourishing benefits of the shampoo, allow it to sit for at least 5-10 minutes. Because a little goes a long way, we recommend that you use only a small amount of neem oils.