Spring Shedding
Spring has officially sprung! For every horse owner this means we will be wearing horsehair as apart of every outfit that touches the barn. I’ve compiled a few of my favorite tips to get our horses ready for summer and get rid of the dreaded winter coats. Keep in mind that a great summer coat, doesn’t just come from routine grooming habits, there are a number of variables that can help your horse shed out that winter coat.
Shedding Block
- Daylight hours affect your horse’s ability to shed out their coats. If your horses are kept under lights year-round, they typically wont grow much of a winter coat. However, if your horses are stalled without lights, ensure they have plenty of access to turnout or daylight, as the days get longer.
- Ensure that your horse has a regular deworming schedule. A poor hair coat that refuses to shed out can be an indication of your horses intestinal parasite load.
- Grooming involves keeping the best tools in your box! A rubber currycomb and a shedding block can be your best allies. Nothing beats elbow grease when it comes to shedding out winter coats.
- Consistent exercise will help stimulate circulation and increase coat health.
- Faces and legs shed too, currycombs can irritate some of these more sensitive areas. A grooming mitt is great for these areas.
- Using a coat conditioner can help bring out the shine in that summer coat. I personally use a concoction of 1/3 Listerine, 1/3 baby oil and 1/3 Laser Sheen coat concentrate.
- Regular baths when the weather permits can be vital in loosening up the winter coat and bringing out a great summer coat.
- Nylon sheets will help keep your horse clean while giving it that sleeked-out look.
Now get out there and start currying! Summer shows will be here before we know it!
-Emily Bomgardner
Pictures courtesy of:
www.robinsonsequestrian.com, www.tractorsupply.com.
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