It’s not snake oil, it’s horse oil. And it’s horse oil that’s amazing for humans too! I know it’s not snake oil because I use it and love it. The product I love is called Soothing Salve and it’s made by a company called Equine and Human.

Equine and Human was developed by a horse massage therapist, named Kim Moran, in Los Angeles. First of all, let’s stop there for a moment. Kim is a horse massage therapist. What an incredible service she performs. Intuiting a horse’s needs and then aiding them is quite a gift. Next, she created soothing and effective products to use on the horses. Apparently her friends all liked the smell and feel of the products and they started using them. Kim’s product line Equine and Human was born.

I got a chance to speak with Kim, so I’ll let you hear her story straight from the horse’s mouth- so to speak…

DRS: How long have you been an equine massage therapist? How did you get into it?

KM: I have been practicing equine sports massage for 8 years. I always wanted to become a veterinarian but that dream just got away from me so I thought about ways I could help animals and be able to spend more time with horses. Equine massage therapist and energetic body worker was where I landed.

DRS: That’s so cool. So then what made you decide to develop a product?

KM: I was looking for a complimentary modality of treatment for my massage work, a product that would help the horse maintain suppleness and vitality for longer periods of time. I tried other products and either didn’t like the smell or something about the product just didn’t work for me. I liked and used essential oils and just started noticing some of the emotional benefits and researched some of the physical benefits of the oils and just kind of tinkered away until I got products that I liked. I have plans to expand the line. Stay tuned.

DRS: We will definitely stay tuned. How did you decide to try them on humans?

KM: I needed to see how the products worked so I started using them on myself and I thought they worked well and then asked friends and family to try them and give me feedback. Everyone really liked them so I thought, why not? In the horse world the rider and the horse try and become one, so you’ll often see a rider with a pain or injury that puts them off balance and then the horse also suffers. A product that both horse and rider can use is a win-win.

DRS: This is so genius, Kim. What is the benefit for horses? And how does it map over to humans?

KM: The basic idea is to make a product that not only helps you physically but also delivers a very uplifting and also grounding emotional or energetic feeling. Horses are prey animals and tend to flee or freeze when frightened and humans are predatory animals and tend to want to stay and fight. Energetically we need to come into harmony to achieve whatever goals you set up for yourself and your horse. And really the horse is just a metaphor for life- unpredictable. Anxiety, depression, trauma, insomnia, fear, rage are pretty common in people so hopefully the blend of essential oils and other high quality plant and mineral ingredients in my products help all living beings feel happier and perform better.

DRS: That’s so beautiful and so true. I’ve been using the salve and loving it, but you have a whole line. Do you have a favorite product from your line?

KM: I like that there is something really for every occasion. I guess working with horses I like the Soothing Spray because it covers a large surface area with a perfect amount of product. For people, in winter, I like the salve for hands, and in summer definitely the gel because it feels great on a hot day. I also diffuse the oils in my house to create a mood.

I would also like to add that products like the diffused Whoa oil and the Soothing products (when used correctly) are great for other animals. Anxious dogs can benefit from the calming properties of the diffused oil. The soothing products can also be used on dogs etc. but they tend to want to lick smelly things so you just have to be careful to apply correctly and sparingly.

DRS: Thank you for the reminder to be cautious. That is so important. Your new website is wonderful. Is there anywhere else people can find your products?

KM: I’m just now working on getting the products into some local tack stores and boutiques. I also sell at small boutiques, horse shows, and other equine related events.

I met Kim at a holiday boutique in December and tried the salve. My hands get crazy dry during winter and sometimes crack and bleed. Not this year! I’ve been addicted to this stuff and my hands are better than ever. Plus, my dogs like the smell. I have another salve that I can tell they aren’t thrilled with, but they like this one. Thanks, Kim for being an angel for the horses, and for creating a product that not only soothes them, but that your human friends can benefit from as well.

To learn more, please check out https://www.equineandhuman.com/

Bonus photos: Me horseback riding when I was 10 or 11!

Oh- one more thing. If you love horses but are considering adopting a dog (or know someone who is), pick up a copy of What to Expect When Adopting a Dog to get some inspiration.