Horses and Seasonal Shedding
Depending on where in the world your horse is located, the time of shedding may vary. Even though the coat change is often associated with seasonal transitions and temperature differences, hair growth is actually mostly influenced by daylight and the number of sunlight hours per day. In general, horses start shedding their summer coat in January-February, into the spring, to later make room for a thicker winter coat sometime between August and November.
For some horses, the coat change may go unnoticed, while others are significantly affected. Some horses may become tired and downcast. Many may lose weight and muscle, as the body prioritizes shedding over building muscles and maintaining weight, especially in the spring. It is highly individual - so keep an eye on your horse's needs.
Horses and Seasonal Shedding
Depending on where in the world your horse is located, the time of shedding may vary. Even though the coat change is often associated with seasonal transitions and temperature differences, hair growth is actually mostly influenced by daylight and the number of sunlight hours per day. In general, horses start shedding their summer coat in January-February, into the spring, to later make room for a thicker winter coat sometime between August and November.
For some horses, the coat change may go unnoticed, while others are significantly affected. Some horses may become tired and downcast. Many may lose weight and muscle, as the body prioritizes shedding over building muscles and maintaining weight, especially in the spring. It is highly individual - so keep an eye on your horse's needs.
Supplements that are said to facilitate
It is said that supplementation of B-vitamins during the horse's shedding period can help and facilitate the horse's energy and protein conversion during this, for the body, challenging period.
B-vitamines
B-vitamines
Grooming is the most effective
What helps the most to get rid of the old coat quickly is to groom the horse more. Shedding can also cause itching for the horse, so more intense grooming during these periods is usually highly appreciated for that reason. In addition to classic grooming brushes and curry combs, a sweat scraper is an effective tool to remove excess fur.
Brushes, Shedding Blades & Stripping Stones
Brushes, Shedding Blades & Stripping Stones
Clipping
Some horse owners choose to clip their horse, partly to help the horse get rid of the shedding coat. This should be delayed until the process of shedding is complete, as the horse's overall condition can otherwise be negatively affected, and the new coat may become poor as a result. Once the process is complete, you can, however, advantageously clip your horse and continue to clip it regularly until the next shedding period. This, among other things, reduces your horse's sweating during work and helps it dry faster afterward.
Clippers & Accessories
Clippers & Accessories
The risk of chafing increases
During shedding seasons, the risk of chafing on the horse from blankets and equipment increases. In addition to keeping the horse clean from mud and moisture, which can further contribute to chafing, and varying between different blankets and equipment to reduce friction in one place, you can also use shoulder guards, spur guards, neck covers, etc. to protect vulnerable areas. You can also switch to faux fur-lined leg wraps, saddle pads, and similar items, as well as attach faux fur-covers to the reins, to mention a few tips.
