and seasonal changes in the equine pelage has
previously been reported [33]. For many competitive
equestrian disciplines such as showing and
showjumping, the development of a smooth coat in
summer is a sought after and a valuable characteristic
of the natural equine breeding season. The ability to
advance the onset of shedding using light therapy is
a management technique already utilised by some
sport horse trainers; however, the associated cost of
housing could be considered prohibitive by many
more.
The ability to provide light therapy in a cost effective
manner while the horses remain outdoors offers a
novel method of achieving desired winter coat loss
earlier in the year.
In conclusion, this study has shown that timed lowlevel blue light to one eye provided by a head
worn mask is as effective as indoor barn lighting at
advancing the equine breeding season, but with
economic benefits for the breeder and welfare
benefits for the horse.
Authors’ declaration of
interests
A priority preliminary patent application was filed
in Ireland in May 2011 (Patent # S2011/0245) by
University College Dublin entitled ‘An apparatus and
method for inhibiting melatonin synthesis in a horse’
which describes an invention similar to the light mask
used in the current study.
collection, study execution, data analysis and
interpretation and preparation of the manuscript.
M.H. Troedsson contributed to study design, data
analysis and interpretation and preparation of the
manuscript. C.M. Walsh contributed to study design,
data collection, study execution, data analysis and
interpretation and preparation of the manuscript.
E.M. Woodward contributed to study design, data
collection, study execution, data analysis and
interpretation a