What You’ll Need
- A clean and empty spray bottle
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, lavender, or citronella)
- A funnel
- A stirring stick
Step 1: Prepare Your Spray Bottle
Start by ensuring your spray bottle is clean and empty. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before adding the ingredients.
Step 2: Measure and Mix
Using the funnel, pour 1 cup of water into the spray bottle. Next, add 1 cup of white vinegar. The acidity of vinegar helps repel insects effectively.
Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil to the mixture. Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or citronella act as natural insect repellents.
Step 3: Mix Well
Insert the stirring stick into the spray bottle and vigorously mix the ingredients until they are well-blended. This helps ensure that the essential oil is evenly distributed throughout the solution.
Step 4: Test and Adjust
Before using the horse aerosol on your equine friend, spray a small amount on a discreet area of their body and observe any adverse reactions. If all looks well, proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Apply the Horse Aerosol
To apply the horse aerosol, shake the spray bottle well and hold it approximately 6-8 inches away from your horse’s body. Spray a fine mist over your horse’s coat, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth. Use your hand or a soft cloth to gently spread the solution over their body for comprehensive coverage.
Reapply the aerosol every few hours or as needed, especially during turnout or riding sessions.
Step 6: Store Properly
Store the horse aerosol in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, to maintain its effectiveness and prolong its shelf life. Remember to label the bottle with its contents for future reference.
By building your own horse aerosol, you have the flexibility to customize the scent and potency to suit your horse’s needs. This cost-effective and easy-to-make solution will help keep your equine companion protected from pesky insects during rides and turnout sessions. Remember, natural repellents should not replace proper fly control practices, such as maintaining clean stables and using fly sheets, but they can serve as valuable additions to your arsenal.