TITLE:
The Effect of Aromatherapy on Equine Facial Expression, Heart Rate, Respiratory Tidal Volume and Spontaneous Muscle Contractures in M. Temporalis and M. Cleidomastoideus
AUTHORS:
Sofja Kosiara, Adrian Paul Harrison
KEYWORDS:
Horse, Essential Oil, Calmative, Behaviour, Welfare
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
Vol.11 No.2,
February
25,
2021
ABSTRACT: 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