Walking On Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2015 | Page 12
Back to Basics
Three Ways To Help Horses
Shed Winter Coats
It is easy to help your horse shed his winter hair coat in the
spring. There are numerous methods and grooming products
designed to speed the natural shedding process. The method
and tools you use depend on your horse’s attitude towards
grooming and your personal preference. Basically, approaches
to spring grooming can be classified into three categories:
Natural Approach - This is basically the ‘do-nothing’ approach. It involves letting your horse naturally lose his longer,
winter hair coat. Shedding is tied to the length of sunling in a
day, so this approach could take months in some areas of the
country. During this time, active horses could overheat. Additionally, horses who sweat excessively to cool down lose fluids
and important electrolytes.
Traditional Approach - The most economical way to assist
your horse in shedding his winter coat is to use grooming
tools and a lot of elbow grease. Curry combs can loosen dead
hair that a body brush can then remove. A shedding blade can
also help remove longer hair along the back and flanks. Care
12 • Walking On
does need to be taken with think-skinned breeds and around
sensitive areas of your horse’s body. With proper care, repeated
full body grooming sessions over a few weeks will completely
remove your horse’s winter coat.
High-Tech Approach - The fastest way to remove your
horse’s winter coat is with full body clippers and precision
trimmers. Using these tools, your horse’s winter coat can
be removed in just a few hours. If you clip your horse at the
beginning of spring, it is important to blanket your horse when
night temperatures fall.
There is a spring grooming method to suit any horse,
personal preference, and budget. Regardless of the method
you choose, however, ensure that your horse is safe at all times
during the grooming process. Always use a quality halter and
lead or quick-release cross ties. Additionally, remember that
one of the most important ways you can influence your horse’s
coat is with proper nutrition.