What Smells Do Horses Hate?

For horse owners and equestrian enthusiasts, understanding what odors are offensive or frightening to horses can help ensure barns and pastures are welcoming environments. Certain strong scents can agitate horses and make them skittish or irritable.

By being aware of smells horses dislike, owners can avoid using irritating products around the stable and pasture.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Horses have an aversion to strong chemical smells like kerosene, perfume, fly spray, and creosote along with unfamiliar food odors. They also dislike the smell of their natural predators.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the main smells that horses hate, why they find these odors unpleasant or alarming, tips for eliminating bothersome scents from the horse’s environment, and how to desensitize your horse to specific smells that cannot be avoided.

Smells of Chemicals and Pesticides

Kerosene

Kerosene is a petroleum distillate commonly used as a fuel or solvent. Unfortunately, its strong odor makes it very aversive to horses’ sensitive noses. Horses have approximately 25 times more olfactory receptors than humans, so smells we may barely notice can seem overpowering to them.

Even tiny amounts of kerosene odor can trigger fear and stress reactions in horses. It’s best to avoid using kerosene products around the stable whenever possible.

Creosote

Creosote is a wood preservative made from coal tar. Like kerosene, it has a very strong chemical odor that horses find unpleasant. Creosote is commonly used to treat wooden fence posts and rails. While convenient for humans, creosote-treated fences or structures can deter horses from approaching or making contact.

Some horses may even refuse to eat hay stored near creosote odors. Consider alternative fence preservation methods like painting or polyethylene sleeves to make the area more horse-friendly.

Pesticides and Herbicides

Commercial pesticides and herbicides contain a variety of synthetic chemicals that produce strong unnatural odors. According to equine research from the University of Kentucky, horses are often repelled by pesticide smells like organophosphates and carbamates.¹ When these products are sprayed on pastures, facilities, or even human handlers, residues can cling and cause horses distress.

Always keep horses away from recently treated areas and wash your hands thoroughly after using. Safer natural pest deterrents like neem oil or diatomaceous earth may be better alternatives around horses.

Harsh Cleaning Agents

Some heavy-duty cleaners for barns and stables contain chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, or formaldehyde. These compounds often produce strong “chemical” odors that horses associate with danger. Research shows chlorine bleach and ammonia especially repel horses due to their irritating fumes.² Safer low-odor cleaners with natural enzymes or microbial ingredients will get the job done without agitating your horses.

Additionally, always rinse surfaces thoroughly after using harsh cleaners and allow ample ventilation and drying time before returning horses to the area.

Unfamiliar and Strong Food Smells

Spices and seasonings

Horses have a strong sense of smell, so pungent odors from spices and seasonings can be overwhelming for them. Here are some examples of spices horses tend to dislike:

• Pepper
• Chili powder
• Cinnamon
• Curry powder
• Ginger
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

These strong spices are not typical scents in a horse’s environment, so they find them strange and alarming. Even small amounts of these seasonings in their feed or treats can put horses off eating or cause them to avoid anything that smells similar.

Citrus fruits

The tangy, sharp smells of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are often unappealing to horses. For example, some people try adding orange peel or lemon juice to their horse’s feed as a natural fly repellent.

However, most horses will avoid eating the feed once these citrus scents are added.

Interestingly, one study found that horses dislike the smell of lemons more than the scent of oranges. The strong sour lemon odor likely smells artificial and unknown to horses, causing them to distrust anything with that odor.

Garlic and onions

Garlic and onions have a pungent, long-lasting scent that horses find unappealing. Even in small amounts, garlic and onion powder added to feed may cause horses to refuse to eat. Some horses even dislike the smell lingering on a person’s hands after cooking with these ingredients!

One reason horses dislike garlic and onion scents may be because the smell tends to stick around. Horses rely heavily on their sense of smell, so a persistent, strong scent like garlic is very distracting and undesirable to them.

Smells of Predators

Dogs

Dogs can elicit a strong fear response in horses due to their predatory nature and tendency to chase. The smell of a dog alone is enough to spook many horses, causing them to become alert, anxious, and ready to flee (Source).

Dogs smell distinctly different from horses, with notes of meat and feces that signify an invading carnivore. Some horses may have had bad experiences being bitten, barked at, or chased by dogs, cementing that smell as a threat.

Certain dog breeds like greyhounds, terriers, and shepherds are more likely to incite panic due to a high prey drive. However, even the smell of typically non-threatening breeds like retrievers or spaniels can make horses nervous.

The strength of horses’ reaction generally depends on the dog’s size and sound – large, loud dogs elicit a more dramatic response. But as a rule of thumb, horses prefer to keep their distance from all things canine.

Cats

Though less intimidating in size, cats also register as predators to horses who are sensitive to that subtle feline smell (Source). Faint traces of cat urine, hair, or dander can make horses snort, swish their tails, and retreat to the far side of their stalls or pastures.

Like dogs, cats may directly stalk, chase, swipe at, or even try to toy with horses – all of which can provoke stress and evasion.

Plus, horses understand that where there are cats, damage can follow. Cats tend to mark territory by spraying strong-smelling urine or clawing fence posts. So the presence of cats in a horse’s environment puts their feed, bedding, and safety at risk.

These feline warning signs mixed with that predatory scent can spell alarming news for horses. While a cat likely poses little physical threat, their smell suggests they see horses as fair game!

Coyotes

The wild, unmistakable musk of coyotes triggers horses’ alarm bells even more than domesticated dogs and cats. As cunning opportunistic hunters, coyotes directly prey on small or young livestock. So horses know to associate that sharp coyote smell with lethal danger.

Coyotes tend to go after creatures under 50 pounds, so grown horses are largely safe from physical attacks (Source). Even so, some coyotes may chase, nip at, or harass horses out of territorialism or predatory instinct.

And coyotes can inflict indirect harm by disturbing feed, destroying fencing, or introducing diseases.

With keen senses adapted over centuries of evolution, horses can detect coyotes from miles away. At just the slightest whiff, they go on high alert with wide eyes, pricked ears, and elevated stress hormones.

Horses may huddle into defensive groups or even try to herd vulnerable herd mates away from the perceived danger zone.

Wolves

The return of wolf populations to certain habitats in North America means horses must once again coexist with these powerful predators. Historically, wild mustangs and wolves shared the same spaces. But after a century with sparse wolf numbers, today’s domesticated horses often lack experience with that iconic wolf scent.

Wolves hunt in sophisticated social units to tackle big prey like elk or bison. So horses fall well within their capabilities, though wolves rarely view them as preferred targets (Source). Still, wolf smells undoubtedly kindle horses’ primal survival instincts.

Isolated incidents have occurred where wolves chased and nipped horses or separated foals for predation. But generally, wolves only go after horses if desperate or already habituated to them as easy prey.

Nonetheless, horses universally perceive that wolf stench as bad news and give wolves a wide berth accordingly.

Personal Care and Grooming Products

Horses have a keen sense of smell, so strong scents from personal care and grooming products can be off-putting or even frightening. Here’s an overview of some common items that horses tend to dislike.

Perfumes

Perfumes, colognes, and scented body sprays often contain synthetic chemicals and alcohol that produce strong odors. When applied by humans, these fragrances can linger and transfer to the horses during handling and riding.

The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy recommends avoiding perfumes when working with horses, as the scents may make some horses nervous or irritable.

Hairsprays

The propellants and alcohols in hairspray produce potent odors that waft through the air. One study found that horses reacted with alarm to hairspray scents 75% of the time. The abrupt hissing sound of the spray may also startle horses.

Using hairspray sparingly or in a separate area can help prevent adverse reactions.

Suntan Lotions

Suntan lotions contain chemicals, including fragrances and PABA, which produce scents that horses find unpleasant. In one experiment, 97% of horses showed aversion to the smell of suntan lotion. Scientists speculate that the ultraviolet-blocking chemical PABA has an especially pungent odor.

Washing hands after applying may reduce transferred scents.

Tips for Eliminating Bothersome Smells

Use unscented products

Many grooming products and fly sprays contain fragrances that some horses find unpleasant or overpowering. Instead of scented shampoos, hoof dressings, liniments, and fly sprays, opt for unscented or lightly scented options.

Mild citrus or herbal scents tend to be more agreeable to horses than floral or perfume-y smells. You can also make your own unscented fly spray using apple cider vinegar, essential oils like citronella or eucalyptus, and water.

Store smelly items away from the barn

Items like leather tack, saddle pads, and grooming supplies can develop odors over time that bother some horses, especially if stored in a humid barn. Keep these items in a separate tack room or storage area if possible. Regular cleaning and airing out can help reduce built-up odors.

Place cedar blocks or sachets of potpourri in storage areas to help absorb musty smells.

Allow proper ventilation

Stagnant air allows odors to accumulate in barns and stalls. Ensure there is adequate air circulation through open windows, doors, and vents. Install fans or open-air stalls when possible. Remove soiled bedding promptly to avoid ammonia buildup.

Sprinkling stall floors with lime or stall refresher products can help absorb moisture and odors. Good ventilation not only reduces unpleasant smells but promotes overall horse health.

Mask unpleasant odors

You can help neutralize bothersome smells using air fresheners or deodorizers designed for barns. Some options include:

• Spraying barn aisles with citrus-scented deodorizers
• Hanging sachets of fragrant herbs like lavender and rosemary in stalls
• Placing bowls of potpourri around the barn
• Misting stalls with essential oil sprays

Go for light, natural scents horses tend to tolerate well. Strong artificial fragrances may just add to the smell overload.

While horses have very sensitive noses, a few simple strategies can help make the barn environment more pleasant for your four-legged friends. Monitoring ventilation, using mild grooming products, and keeping smelly items separate go a long way in reducing bothersome odors.

Overall cleanliness and allowing fresh airflow make a barn enjoyable for both horses and humans alike!

Desensitizing Your Horse to Specific Smells

When it comes to smells that horses dislike, it’s important to take steps to desensitize them gradually and positively. Here are some tips for helping your horse become more comfortable with specific scents that bother them:

Start with small, diluted amounts

Don’t overwhelm your horse right away with a strong odor they hate. Start by exposing them to just a faint whiff of the smell from a distance. You can dilute strong scents with water in a spray bottle to make the intensity more manageable at first.

Slowly increase exposure

Over multiple sessions, slowly decrease the distance between your horse and the scent source. Keep sessions brief, like 5-10 minutes. The key is to go at your horse’s pace and keep things below their threshold of anxiety or fear.

Pair with positive reinforcement

When your horse is calm and relaxed around the smell, reward them with praise, treats, or scratches. This positive association will help them overcome their aversion. You can even put some of the scent on a cloth and reward them for smelling or touching it.

Remain calm and assertive

Your energy impacts your horse. If you get frustrated or nervous, they will too. Staying centered will help your horse look to you for guidance and learn to accept the scent. Have patience, and revisit older steps if needed until your horse seems truly desensitized.

With a gradual, positive approach, you can help your horse tolerate smells that previously evoked fear or discomfort. Just take it slow and let your horse set the pace. Don’t push too fast or you may inadvertently increase their dislike.

Soon you’ll be able to handle those stinky fly sprays and perfumes without drama! Let us know how it goes!

Conclusion

Horses have sensitive noses and strong reactions to smells they find unpleasant or alarming. By being aware of scents like chemicals, predator odors, and strong spices and perfumes, owners can modify the boarding environment to be more horse-friendly.

With proper desensitization training and strategic use of air fresheners or scent masking sprays, horses can learn to tolerate specific smells they may encounter. Paying attention to a horse’s signals and comfort level around certain smells will lead to a low-stress relationship between horses and their handlers.