I put together this recipe for DIY coat conditioner after years of buying expensive sprays and trying various concoctions.
While there’s nothing wrong with using a bit of Show Sheen or Cowboy Magic, I just wasn’t happy with the results when using them on a daily basis.
I’ve also tried a few other homemade solutions (most using baby oil and conditioner, some even recommend Pledge wood cleaner!), but I wanted something with quality, natural ingredients that didn’t leave my horses too slick or sticky.
This coat conditioner is made with Fractionated Coconut Oil which is liquid, colorless, odorless and non-greasy. It’s perfect anytime you need a really light, penetrating oil.
As an added bonus it won’t stain blankets (or clothes) and has a long shelf life. It also happens to be inexpensive (yay!) unlike most store bought sprays.
For more info about coconut oil check out Coconut Oil for Horses – Top 10 Uses.
The recipe also includes Witch Hazel for its natural healing properties (this stuff is great! See Witch Hazel for Horses – Top 5 Uses), and Vegetable Glycerin to help seal in the moisture.
I prefer to use distilled water in my DIY recipes since it’s cheap and easy to find (most drug stores carry it), but boiling tap water and then cooling it would work as well.
Using water straight from the tap could potentially shorten the shelf life of the spray (depending on the water source).
Essential oils are totally optional but highly recommended! You can experiment to find a blend that works for you and your horses.
Homemade Coat Conditioner with Coconut Oil
Materials
- 16 oz spray bottle
- 2 tbs. Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 2 tsp. Vegetable Glycerin
- 1 tsp. Witch Hazel
- Essential Oils (optional)
- Distilled Water (approx. 2 cups)
Instructions
- Fill a 16 oz. spray bottle with the listed ingredients
- Shake well
- Use as a leave-in conditioner for your horse's mane, tail and coat
Notes
Please note that fractionated coconut oil is different than traditional coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature and will NOT work in this recipe.
This works out to about $1.50 per batch. Not bad!
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Make it your own, but be prepared to share. Everyone will want to try it š
Want more DIY recipes? Check out the Savvy Guide to DIY Horse Care in the Etsy Shop!
I just ordered the ingredients. Thank you for the links. I'll let you know how it goes LOL
Great! I'm looking forward to an update.
I accidently added 2 tsp. of Witch Hazel, but it works well. Not too greasy. Thank you!!
With your recommended recipe, do you find that you need to wash this out, or is it a "leave in" conditioner?
I'm glad you asked! I forgot to mention that in the post. I use this as a leave-in conditioner, and find it works best as a finishing spray. Once I have all the dirt/sweat/dust removed I spray it on and work it in with a soft brush or cloth. For tails I spray it in before finger combing out the tangles. Thanks for your question.
Are there some essential oils you recomend? Going to look for the ingredients to try it out.
A mix of Lavender and Rosemary is one of my favorite combinations. If you have extra ingredients I recommend you try the recipe for Homemade Grooming Wipes too.
I had been looking for a skin care recipe that contained fractionated coconut oil to use on our goat "Bean", who has some dandruff & dry itchy skin due to fall allergies. Came across your recipe, and I added tea tree, rosemary, and lavender essential oils with it (good choices for dandruff), and it worked like a charm! No more dandruff or "itchies" and she loves her spray and "massage" time!! Big thanks from Bean the goat and myself for sharing a wonderful recipe!! :)Cynthia
Hi, Do you find that flies/bugs are more attracted to the horse when using this leave in conditioner? If so, do you think by putting eucalyptus oil in the mix will keep them away? Thanks. Lynn
I Love all your stuff!!:)and I'm vary exited to try this conditioner out!~Laura~ š
Made my first batch of coat conditioner š added a little lavender as I love the smell… would you recommend this as a daily leave in tail conditioner… he suffers from a dry itchy dock …thank you for all your tips… Just love the site
I love DIY and natural products for my horses. Coconut Oil it just amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Hello, Thank you for your site it is most informative! I was wondering what you would use for static electricity for the winter? When I use the Coconut oil as a wipe on, should I wait until blacked season is over? Thank you very much!
Hi , would you recommend in the liquids to add some Apple Cider Vinegar to your home-made coat conditioner? Just wondering what benefits it may add, keeping insects off and maybe other benefits? We are going to make some today!!
Hello, I have all the ingredients to make the coat conditioner but I'm curious to know if you have any suggestions for a mane and tail conditioner and something to promote growth?Thank you!
Thank you for this recipe. I love it!! It works really well keeping his tail untangled and conditioned. I spray it on the base and above his tail and it works great for the itchies. Also spray it and rub it in on his neck for the itchies.Great recipe! Now I'm going to try the mane/tail growth on a friend's horse's forelock which one of the grooms cut short taking out his show braids š
Hi, what is the purpose of the glycerine?
I just mixed up a batch and am wondering how many total drops of essential oils you add. Thanks for your time!
I added peppermint oil
I can’t wait to try this out! Thank you for the recipe!
Is this something that can be used in the winter?
Author
Yes, it’s great for a dry winter coat!
I’m unfamiliar with the use of essential oils. What’s an appropriate amount to use?
This works great on dogs too! š
I see you listed many types of coconut oil. You mentioned to use Fractionated Coconut oil. Is that another name for liquid coconut oil???
How well would it work if I added just a pinch of purple conditioner to it for my grey? And which is better to use for yellow in a grey, blue or purple? I was reading an article and it suggested using a blue color depositing conditioner to tint the yellow cuticle of the hair. But according to color theory the opposite color cancels so it should be purple correct? Maybe Iām missing something š¤·š»āāļø
Hi, how many drops of essential oil to use in your recipe please. X