By Ellie Riley
You’ve just come back from a warm summer ride and both you and your horse are coated in a thin layer of salty sweat. Between the salt and sun, your skin and your horse’s’ skin are begging for a cool and refreshing rinse. Sometimes water isn’t enough and you need something extra to calm inflammation, sunburn, or the sting of small cuts and abrasions. Did you know that you can make an all-natural and cooling skin mask from easily sourced ingredients for both you and your horse?
Horses’ have very sensitive skin and sometimes we forget that it is not only their body’s largest organ, but is also semi-permeable. We lovingly address the needs of their muscles, bones and hair coat, but neglect the special needs of their skin. This summer both of you will enjoy this simple cooling mask as it soothes, provides natural moisture, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Unleash the power of your hands- and the power of your pantry!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kaolin clay
- ½ cup oatmeal (grind to fine texture in coffee grinder or food processor)
- ½ cucumber (leave skin on, chop into chunks and blend in food processor)
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- Water or rosewater
Directions:
In a mixing bowl or container add cool water to the kaolin clay until it’s just slightly soupy. Stir in the oatmeal and the mixture will thicken, add the cucumber puree and honey and stir until mixed.
Depending on where you are using the mask you can change the thickness of the mixture to suit your needs. A thicker, more paste like consistency is great as a cooling poultice on horse legs or cracked heels, areas of dermatitis or bug and skin irritation. A more yogurt like consistency is great for human faces or foot masks. Leave the mask on for up to 30 minutes, rinse off with cool water and enjoy the benefits. This mask will transport you from the wash stall straight to the spa and is safe to use on any part of the body, human or equine.