The Effect of Aromatherapy on Equine Facial Expression, Heart Rate, Respiratory Tidal Volume and Spontaneous Muscle Contractures in M. Temporalis and M. Cleidomastoideus
The ability to calm horses affects both the safety
and well-being of human-horse relationships. However, not many natural
calmatives are known, nor the efficacy of these in supporting a state of
calmness in horses. This study used both qualitative and quantitative methods
to test whether aromatherapy has a measurable and calming effect on equine
facial expression and a range of physiological parameters. Nine horses of
different ages, genders and breeds were included in a crossover design with
humidified essential oils to determine the calming effect of vetiver (Vetiveria
zizanioides), spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) and roman chamomile
(Anthemis nobilis) in relation to water (negative control) and lavender
oil (positive control) in horses standing still. The results revealed
significantly lowered heart rate (P < 0.05 - <0.001) and respiratory
tidal volume (P < 0.05 - <0.001) for the tested essential oils, while
spikenard oil was best at inducing a relaxed facial expression (60% of the
full-time scale for 8 horses; 75% of the full-time scale for 7 horses) and
roman chamomile oil was statistically most successful at reducing the incidence
of spontaneous muscle contractures in M. Temporalis (P < 0.001) and M.
Cleidomastoideus (P < 0.05) compared to the other aromatherapy treatments.
It is concluded that aromatherapy has both qualitative and quantitative effects
on physiological parameters in static horses, and moreover, that essential oils
appear to have a calming effect.
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