Last spring, I was determined to stay on top of my horse’s shedding coat. I spent hours each week grooming him and diligently removing all the loose hair. I thought I was doing a great job, until one day I arrived at the barn to find that my horse had rolled in a pile of his own shedding hair.
I couldn’t believe it – I had spent so much time trying to get rid of all that hair, and he just went and rolled in it! I couldn’t help but laugh as I brushed him off, realizing that sometimes no matter how hard we try to manage our horse’s shedding, they will always find a way to make a mess of things.
Lesson learned – sometimes you just have to roll with the shedding hair and enjoy the ride!
As the weather starts to warm up, it’s natural for horses to shed their winter coat in preparation for the warmer months. However, shedding season can leave horse owners with a big mess to clean up and a horse that still looks shaggy. But fear not, there are some things you can do to help manage your horse’s shedding process and keep them looking and feeling their best.
Why horse sheds?
Horses shed their winter coats as the weather warms up due to a complex process involving hormonal changes triggered by the longer daylight hours. According to research, as the days start to get longer in the spring, a horse’s pineal gland in their brain begins to produce less of the hormone melatonin, which is responsible for regulating their coat growth. As a result, the hair follicles are released from their dormant state and start to produce new hair. This causes the old winter coat to loosen and shed out. Additionally, warmer weather triggers an increase in blood flow to the skin, which also stimulates hair growth and shedding.
Shedding is a natural process that is influenced by changes in daylight and temperature. According to a study published in the Journal of Animal Science, shedding is triggered by an increase in daylight hours and a rise in temperature, which causes the hair follicles to release the old hair and produce new hair. Another study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that hormonal changes, particularly the increase in levels of prolactin and melatonin, also play a role in shedding. Overall, shedding is a natural and necessary process that allows horses to adapt to changes in their environment.
Here’s a link to a scientific article on the topic of seasonal shedding in horses:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3657689/
Here are some tips for managing your horse’s spring shedding season:
Groom regularly:
Regular grooming not only helps to remove loose hair and dirt but also promotes circulation and healthy skin. Use a curry comb to loosen dirt and hair, a stiff-bristled brush to remove loose hair, and a soft-bristled brush to bring out a shine.
Bathe your horse:
A warm bath can help to loosen and remove stubborn hair. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and rinse thoroughly.
Use a shedding blade:
A shedding blade is a tool specifically designed to remove loose hair. It’s a metal blade with small teeth that can easily remove hair from your horse’s coat.
Provide proper nutrition:
A healthy diet rich in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals can help promote a healthy coat and skin.
Consider blanketing:
If your horse is still shedding but temperatures are still cool, consider using a light blanket to help keep them comfortable and prevent them from getting chilled.
By following these tips, you can help manage your horse’s shedding process and keep them comfortable and healthy as the weather changes. Remember to be patient and take your time when grooming and bathing your horse, and don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of spring shedding season.
Book recommendations
“The Horse Owner’s Guide to Grooming” by Susan McBane: This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to properly groom your horse, including tips on brushing, bathing, clipping, and more. You can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Horse-Owners-Guide-Grooming-McBane/dp/0764117649
“The Complete Guide to Horse Care: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Happy, Healthy, Well-Trained Horse” by Tim Hawcroft: This book covers all aspects of horse care, from feeding and nutrition to health and wellness, and even training and behavior. You can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Horse-Care-Well-Trained/dp/0789480856
“Feeding and Care of the Horse” by Lon D. Lewis: This book is a great resource for understanding the nutritional needs of horses and how to properly care for them. It covers topics such as feeding schedules, feed types, and managing weight. You can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Care-Horse-Lon-Lewis/dp/0470137810