Lavender
Humans have reaped the benefits of lavender for improve sleep quality for years, now begin used in a range of sleep aids and bathing products. However, only in the past few years has it come to light that it may also benefit the sleep of our horses.
A 2018 study investigated the effect of inhaling lavender, as an essential oil, on horse behaviour and stress response. After inhaling the lavender oil for just seven minutes, the researchers found that horses had decreased stress levels, shown through decreased heart rate variability and relaxed behaviours such as lowering of the neck, licking and chewing. When repeated with water vapour and even chamomile, the effects were nowhere near as relaxing!
Therefore, introducing lavender-based products within your daily routine, with emphasis on just before you put them to bed, may assist them settling down for the night and achieving quality sleep. Try a few drops of the essential oil on their rug, or hot-clothing them a lavender-based product, such as NAF’s Lavender Wash.
