FACT: Pro-Equine only supplies premium grade Neem Oil with high, active Azadirachtin content. Cheap, low grade Neem oil will not work on any of the conditions below.
Neem Oil is, quite simply, one of nature's marvels and has a multitude of uses. For starters, it is antibacterial and anti-fungal and contains vitamin E and many essential amino acids, which help moisturise and soothe the skin. Neem Oil's collagen properties promote healthy, new skin, reduce scar tissue and encourage rapid hair re-growth.
For horses that are bothered by flies and midges and rub and scratch away parts of their mane, tail and even their coat, Neem Oil is ideal. It can be applied, neat or diluted, to keep the pesky insects away in the first instance and avoid your horse being bitten. Once your horse has been bitten and is itchy, Neem Oil can be applied to the itchy and rubbed areas. Neem helps stop further biting, deeply moisturises and soothes the skin, and encourages rapid hair re-growth.
Neem Oil has repellent properties and has been scientifically tested for use against midges. The University of Edinburgh evaluated Neem oil for “repellent and anti-feedant activity” against the biting midge Culicoides impunctatus and concluded that blood-feeding by the midge was “significantly reduced by topical applications of Neem oil”.
Neem Oil can be used neat (on humans and animals) or can be diluted (to make a rinse solution or spray) by adding a small amount of a mild detergent or for a natural alternative use any of our shampoos, such as Bug Buster Shampoo, along with water. A dilution of at least 1 part Neem to 20 parts water is recommended for a fly spray. It is also fine to use Neem even when the sun is shining!
Neem Oil can be rubbed onto your horse's legs, particularly white socks, during the muddy, winter months, creating a waterproof barrier. Apply a thick layer prior to turnout before any signs appear - it also helps stop the mud sticking! Neem Oil will soften and remove scabs, tackle itching and encourage hair re-growth. There is no need to shampoo which can make the skin more sensitive. The oil can be rubbed off with a clean, dry cloth at regular intervals to remove debris.
Please note our Neem Oil is 100% cold-pressed oil with no additives or preservatives so it will solidify at low temperatures. We recommend that during winter you decant the oil into a smaller, microwavable container, or a container that can be stood in hot water to re-liquify the oil.
