Neem Oil & Horses: Benefits, Risks & Why We Include a Pregnancy Warning

Neem Oil & Horses: Benefits, Risks & Why We Include a Pregnancy Warning

At Boston Park Equine, every ingredient we use is chosen carefully, not just for what it can do, but for how safely and responsibly it can be used. Neem oil is one such ingredient. It’s widely known, often labelled “natural,” and commonly used around horses — but it also deserves respect and clear education.

This blog explains what neem oil is, why it’s used on horses, where caution is needed, and why Repel & Repair carries a specific warning for pregnant mares.

What Is Neem Oil?

Neem oil is pressed from the seeds of the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), traditionally used for its insect-repelling and skin-supportive properties. It contains naturally occurring compounds such as azadirachtin, which affect insect feeding and development.

Importantly, not all neem products are the same. Neem seed oil, neem extracts, and azadirachtin-concentrated products all differ in strength and biological activity — which is why dose, dilution, and application matter.  We source the highest quality imported product available in Australia, it is Certified Organic, cold pressed Neem seed oil with no additives and no extractions – it is just as nature intended

Why Neem Oil Is Used on Horses

Neem oil has become popular in equine care for several reasons:

🪰 Natural insect deterrent

Neem doesn’t just mask scent like some repellents — it interferes with insect feeding behaviour. This makes it useful against:

  • Flies
  • Midges
  • Mosquitoes
  • Lice and mites

🐴 Skin support

When properly diluted, neem oil may help with:

  • Itchy or irritated skin
  • Scurf and dandruff
  • Areas prone to rubbing or insect bites

 

 

Risks & Considerations When Using Neem Oil on Horses

While neem is natural, natural does not automatically mean risk-free.

1. Skin sensitivity

Some horses can develop:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Raised bumps
  • Increased itch

This is why patch testing is essential before broader use.  We are yet to have any customer complain of reactions in horses here at Boston Park Equine, however any new product should be patch tested before smothering your horse, or yourself in it.

2. Ingestion risk

Neem oil is not intended to be ingested. Horses may lick treated areas or groom each other, other horses want to lick it straight from the bucket!  We recommend this be discouraged, however small doses have not been known to do any harm.

3. Quality matters

Poor-quality or contaminated neem oil may pose additional risks. This is why sourcing, storage, and dilution are critical.  We stick to a strict ratio of Neem to other ingredients when making products, and only use the highest quality oils available.

Neem Oil & Pregnant Mares: Why Extra Caution Is Needed

This is the most important part — and the reason we include a clear warning on Repel & Repair.

What the research tells us

There is very limited direct research in horses, but studies in other mammals have shown that neem seed oil and extracts can have:

  • Anti-fertility effects
  • Hormonal interference
  • Pregnancy-disrupting effects
  • Foetal abnormalities when exposure occurs during pregnancy

Because mammalian reproductive systems share common pathways, these findings cannot be ignored — even when neem is used topically.

Why topical use still matters

Even though Repel & Repair is for external use only, topical application can still lead to:

  • Absorption through the skin
  • Accidental ingestion through licking
  • Transfer to other horses through grooming

During pregnancy — especially early pregnancy — small risks can have big consequences.

Why Repel & Repair Includes a Pregnancy Warning

At Boston Park Equine, we take a precautionary approach.

Although neem oil is widely used, the potential reproductive risks identified in animal studies mean we believe it is responsible to state clearly:

Repel & Repair is not recommended for use on pregnant mares unless under veterinary or a qualified herbalists guidance.

This warning is not there to alarm — it’s there to:

  • Protect mares and unborn foals
  • Encourage informed decision-making
  • Promote responsible, transparent horsemanship

If a product has even a plausible risk during pregnancy, we believe our customers deserve to know.  If you would like to discuss this further, please reach out to us and we are to talk you through, openly and honestly.

Safe Use Guidelines (Non-Pregnant Horses)

For horses that are not pregnant:

  • Always patch test first (wait 24 hours)
  • Use only as directed
  • Avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin
  • Prevent licking where possible
  • Do not use on foals
  • Discontinue use if any skin reaction occurs

The Smell of Neem: You’ll Either Love It or Hate It

Let’s be honest — neem oil has a very strong, distinctive smell.

Some people describe it as garlicky, sulphur-like, or earthy. Others don’t mind it at all. There’s rarely an in-between — you either love it or you really don’t.

That scent is completely normal and comes from neem’s natural active compounds. It’s also one of the reasons insects dislike it so much, if a product that contains Neem Oil doesn't have that distinct aroma, then it makes me wonder what's been done to hide it. The downside? The smell lingers.

If neem gets on your hands, clothing, or brushes, the scent can:

  • Hang around for hours
  • Transfer easily to other surfaces
  • Be surprisingly hard to wash off

Practical tip

If you know you’re not a fan of the smell:

  • Wear gloves when applying Repel & Repair
  • Avoid touching your face, phone, or gear during application
  • Wash hands thoroughly afterwards, over and over again.

Wearing gloves won’t affect how the product works on your horse — but it will save you from smelling like neem for the rest of the day.

  • Discontinue use if any skin reaction occurs

Our Philosophy: Transparency Over Trend

Neem oil can be a useful tool in equine skin care — but it’s not a “use anywhere, anytime” ingredient.

At Boston Park Equine, we:

  • Research ingredients beyond marketing claims
  • Consider long-term and whole-horse wellbeing
  • Clearly label risks, not just benefits

That’s why Repel & Repair comes with guidance and warnings — because responsible care starts with honest information.

If you’re ever unsure whether a product is right for your horse, particularly a pregnant mare, we always recommend consulting your veterinarian or qualified herbalist.

🐴
Happy Healthy Horses, Naturally
— Boston Park Equine

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