Swap That for This: Natural Horse Care Swaps Every Horse Owner Should Know
Horses have sensitive skin that's constantly exposed to the elements — sun, wind, rain, mud, and insects. Yet many conventional horse grooming products are packed with synthetic detergents, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals that strip natural oils and irritate skin.
Your horse deserves the same care and consideration you'd give yourself. Here are some simple, natural swaps — all made in New Zealand.
Swap That → For This
That: Conventional horse shampoo with sulphates & synthetic fragrance
→ This: The Handsome Horse | Natural Lavender Horse Shampoo
Most horse shampoos use harsh sulphates that strip the coat's natural oils, leaving skin dry and the coat dull. The Handsome Horse uses a gentle castile soap base with aloe vera and lavender essential oil — low-lather, genuinely moisturising, and kind to sensitive equine skin. Available in 500ml.
That: Synthetic fragrance horse shampoo
→ This: The Handsome Horse | Natural Frankincense Horse Shampoo
For horses that react to synthetic fragrances or need a calming grooming experience, frankincense essential oil is a beautiful natural alternative. Gentle, grounding, and effective — without the chemical load. Available in 500ml.
That: Chemical wound spray or synthetic fly repellent
→ This: Head to Hoof | Natural Healing Spray
Most chemical wound sprays and fly repellents are loaded with synthetic pesticides and harsh antiseptics. Head to Hoof is a multi-purpose natural healing spray — made fresh to order in NZ — that handles minor wounds, skin irritations, insect bites, dry skin, AND fly repellent in one bottle. Witch hazel soothes and reduces inflammation, myrrh supports healing, and lemongrass naturally deters flies. Available in standard or alcohol-free formula for sensitive skin. Riders love it too — spray on tired legs after a long ride!
That: Petroleum-based wound or skin treatment
→ This: Healing Hands | Natural Healing Gel
Nicks, scrapes, dry patches, and skin irritations are part of horse life. Many conventional treatments use petroleum derivatives or synthetic antiseptics. Healing Hands uses aloe vera, tea tree oil, lavender, helichrysum, and frankincense — a powerful natural combination for supporting skin healing, free from detergents, parabens, and phthalates.
That: Human sunscreen on exposed areas (toxic if licked)
→ This: Sun Buddy | Natural Sun Protection Balm
Horses with pink noses, white markings, or light-coloured coats are highly susceptible to sunburn — but human sunscreen contains ingredients that can be harmful if ingested. Sun Buddy uses raspberry seed oil and zinc oxide in a safe, natural formula designed specifically for animals, perfect for noses, ears, and exposed skin on bright NZ days.
Why It Matters for Horses
Horses absorb what's applied to their skin, and they're also groomed and handled regularly — meaning synthetic chemicals can transfer to handlers too. Choosing plant-based, non-toxic formulations is better for your horse's skin health, their overall wellbeing, and yours.
Everything in The Handsome Horse range is handmade in small batches in New Zealand, using only ingredients that earn their place — no fillers, no synthetic shortcuts, no compromises.
Ready to make the swap?