Horse running through a field
Applied Herbal Choices Zoopharmacognosy

Empowering Horses
to Be Their Best

Helping animals reconnect with their innate ability to self-select healing plants, herbs, and botanical remedies for optimal physical and emotional wellness.

Discover
"Given the opportunity and choice, animals will always choose wellness — both physical and emotional."

We believe every animal holds an innate wisdom for healing. Our role is simply to offer the right choices and trust the animal to lead the way.

Zoopharmacognosy

Zoopharmacognosy is the process by which animals naturally self-select plants and plant extracts to self-medicate. Wild animals instinctively choose medicinal plants and herbs to maintain health — a capability domestication hasn't eliminated, only restricted.

Our individualized sessions offer a curated selection of essential oils, floral waters, dried plants, herbs, and botanical powders, empowering your animal to guide their own healing journey.

Book a Session
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Animal-Led Sessions

Each 1.5–2 hour session is guided entirely by your animal, who chooses from a curated selection of natural remedies through scent and body language.

Physical & Emotional

Addresses behavioral issues, emotional disturbances, and physical challenges — supporting holistic recovery and balance.

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All Animals Welcome

From horses and dogs to household pets — our approach works across all animal types, disciplines, and lifestyles.

How a Session Works

A gentle, intuitive process centred around your animal's natural instincts and individual needs.

1

Assessment

We begin with a thorough physical and behavioral assessment of your animal to understand their unique needs and history.

2

Self-Selection

Your animal is offered a curated range of essential oils, herbs, and botanical remedies. They guide the session by choosing what resonates with them.

3

Integration

We monitor body language changes, discuss findings, and provide guidance on continued support for lasting results.

Louise O'Leary

Louise O'Leary

Louise transitioned from a successful creative business to pursue her lifelong passion for animals on a deeper, more intuitive level. Trained under Jo Rose at Rose Applied Therapies in the UK, she specialises in Applied Animal Choices / Zoopharmacognosy.

Her animal-led approach places trust in each animal's innate wisdom, carefully observing body language and behavioural cues to support their healing journey. Based between Costa Rica and Ireland, Louise brings warmth, expertise, and genuine care to every session.

Zoopharmacognosy Animal Communication Homeopathy (HAWL) Bush Flower Essences Equine Nutrition Canine Stress Management

Education & Training

  • Zoopharmacognosy (Applied Animal Choices) training — Jo Rose, Rose Applied Therapies, UK
  • Homoeopathy At Welly Level (HAWL) certification
  • Animal Communication certification — Amelia Kinkade
  • Animal Healing — Australian Bush Flower Essences
  • Equine Facilitated Learning Level 1 — Kathy Pike
  • Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding & Kinesiology Testing Level 1 — Holistic Horseworks
  • Animal Energetics with flower essence and communication — Lisa Tully

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

  • Improving Pasture Biodiversity for Equine Gut Health — Matthew Dodds
  • Equine Epigenetics and the Gut Biome — Dr Carol Huges
  • Muscle Testing for Energy Imbalances in Animals — Jo Rose
  • Techniques in Finding and Releasing Emotions in Animals — Jo Rose
  • Equine Assessment, discovering misalignment and connecting with breath — Animal Botanical UK
  • Journey of Equus, Wisdom of Horses — Hilary Schneider
  • Chinese Five Element Theory for Animals — Essential Animals
  • Equine Nutrition and Herbs — The Equine Herbalist

What Clients Say

★★★★★
"Louise has been nothing but amazing with the My Lovely Horse Rescue animals, her knowledge, love and care is astounding. We have witnessed unbelievable transformations from our animals after a few sessions with Louise. One in particular, a pony, has been through serious trauma took to Louise's methods immediately, it was astounding. We at My Lovely Horse Rescue can't say enough great things about this person, she clearly cares so much about animals and it shows by how quickly they relax in her presence."
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Martina Kelly Co-Founder, My Lovely Horse Rescue
★★★★★
"Louise has such a gentle manner. The method she offered and the way she offered it was a game-changer for our pony. He went from being tricky, tense and difficult to work with, to trusting and happy to be with us. We were able to get him going and safe for the kids to ride again. And his long standing occurring eye infection has totally cleared up. Amazing."
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MJ Harney Equestrian Enthusiast & Competitor
★★★★★
"It's hard to explain how incredible it is to watch your horse with Louise. My horse can be anxious, but by the end of their time together, he was sleeping in her hands. It's truly an unbelievable experience. Louise not only understands animals, but she knows how to listen to them, giving them the things they need to help themselves. Their reaction to her is unlike anything I've ever seen. I highly recommend."
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Kate Horse Owner, Costa Rica
★★★★★
"I have a crazy cat… or at least, I used to have a crazy cat! She loves attention but could never get enough, to the point that she was really difficult to be around as she would never settle down and seemed almost desperate and anxious for love. I asked Louise to see if she could look at her, after only one session, the difference in my cat is remarkable. She still loves to be loved, but she is much calmer and doesn't seem so needy. Louise has a lovely way with animals as well as their humans, treating both with respect and patience. If you have any worries about the psychological welfare of your pet, whatever type of animal it may be, I would highly recommend contacting Louise."
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Jennifer Page Cat Owner
★★★★★
"My Cockapoo, Tess, had a dreadful four-day journey between Canada and Ireland, compounded by being held in Frankfurt due to medical distress. When we collected her in Dublin she was on antibiotics to treat a gut problem and was seriously traumatised. It was suggested that I contact Louise. I had never heard of animal self-medication, and had no idea what to expect, but was so impressed. Louise is calm and confident, knows exactly what she is doing, and Tess responded very well with a fast and positive result. If Tess has any further issues I will not hesitate to contact Louise again."
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Gethen Prior Dog Owner
★★★★★
"After my dog was viciously attacked by two dogs last year, he recovered physically but was an emotional wreck. He was nervous of every dog he met and wouldn't let me out of his sight. Louise had two sessions with him and it has made such a difference! Although he can still wary of other dogs, his confidence has improved, and he doesn't need to have me in his sights the whole time. Thanks again Louise, I'm so grateful to you for restoring some sort of normality."
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Frances & George Dog Owners
★★★★★
"We have recently rehomed Lincoln and his friend Alastair from a rescue. Lincoln was settling really well in his new surroundings so his reaction to the farrier visit really shocked us. He was so petrified. It was clear he had some things he needed help to work through. Louise came down and spent what I can only describe as a magical morning with us. Her knowledge of the method blew us away and Lincoln's reactions to the suggested oils was incredible. And one stage he seemed to have a big release and he was very much at ease afterwards. Louise gave us a clear and easy routine to continue with Lincoln and Alastair also. We are happy to report that with continued work Lincoln is much more at ease with strangers and we feel much more prepared for the next farrier visit. Can't thank you enough Louise and we would highly recommend!"
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Cherie Shekleton Horse Owner
★★★★★
"We have a pack of 9 dogs, all strays that ended up one way or another and made La Senda their home. Louise has helped us with 2 specific cases: Gilda, diagnosed with a chronic liver condition, was on regular medication for two years. When we met Louise, she suggested homeopathy. Initially, we added homeopathic drops to her medication, and her blood results improved. Gradually, we reduced her allopathic medication, and her results continued to improve. Eventually, we stopped her medication entirely and only gave her the drops. Her blood results were even better! Our last arrivals, two tiny noisy scruffy dogs, caused a lot of unrest in the pack, leading to fights. Louise gave us drops to add to their food bowl every morning. These drops helped them overcome their traumas and become more confident and calmer. We can clearly see the results. We haven't had fights in the last four months!"
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Griet La Senda, Costa Rica
★★★★★
"My yearling Holly went through wire fencing. Her legs were cut, her joints were swollen and her nerves were shot. She was a mess. Louise arrived calm and prepared and after a thorough assessment proceeded to offer waters and oils. Immediately upon receiving, Holly relaxed. Louise took her time and really listened to her. She worked with Holly for what was actually going on. Within 2 hours Holly had completely relaxed and let go of the trauma and was eating and drinking normally again. Within 12 hours the swelling had gone down significantly. Within 24 hours it had almost gone completely and she was moving freely again. Her wounds have healed cleanly and evenly with the natural ointments provided. But it is the psychological aspect of Louise's work that set her method apart. She dealt with the whole horse and freed her of the trauma she had encountered so that Holly can move forward, unscarred physically and emotionally."
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Joey Eustace Horse Owner
★★★★★
"Louise's animal therapies were a recommendation from friends of mine who own horses and witnessed the efficacy of her treatments. My 12 yr old soul mate dog Shanti had been having health issues for several months, so I was searching for an alternative healing method. Louise came by with her magic box of remedies and helped, not only Shanti but also my other dog and myself to flow with more ease towards her final days. Even though her disease was terminal, the natural medicines gave her back lost mobility from her legs, reduced her inflammation, and improved her mood. Louise became a crucial part of my support team during this process, as she was able to identify Shanti's needs better than anyone else, with her broad experience at reading animals behaviour and with her amazing connection to them. She went above and beyond, helping me cope with grief with her magical remedies. I am forever grateful that me and Shanti were held by Louise's therapies and love, and I would highly recommend her skills, animal knowledge, empathy, and intuition in any animal/human related situation."
M
Marci Dog Owner, Costa Rica
★★★★★
"Louise is a true animal whisperer. She was able to bring our horse through past injuries, traumas and grief to a space of openness, trust and love. Through her instinctive awareness of animal energies, Louise works magic to bring them back to balance and help them release everything that is no longer serving them. I can't say enough about the benefits she has opened our horse up to. I would highly, highly recommend her."
M
Mel Horse Owner, Canada
★★★★★
"I have been using Louise to help some of the critters at my Barn. It is amazing to see the animals self select the oils and then even more amazing to see the results. I have seen horses and dogs get more sound — and have seen them change emotionally. If you have a pet you think needs a little help or even a lot of help — I recommend you try this! Louise is truly connected to animals and she is generous with her time and follow up."
M
Molly Barn Owner, Costa Rica
★★★★★
"Louise has been working with my labradoodle Lily for her arthritis and has worked miracles on her. Lily has more energy and us so much happier in herself. I honestly believe Louise has given her a new lease of life."
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Clare Reid-Scott Dog Owner

Ready to Support Your
Animal's Wellness?

Every session is a unique, animal-led experience. Whether your companion is facing physical challenges, emotional disturbances, or you simply want to optimise their wellbeing — we're here to help.