It's Shedding Horse Season! How Best To Manage

As the Spring and Autumn seasons approach, horse owners may notice a change in their equine companion's coat. This natural process, known as moulting, plays a crucial role in helping horses adapt to the changing temperatures. Let's delve into the science behind horse moulting and how it affects your horse's winter coat.

What is Horse Moulting?

Horse moulting is the shedding of the horse's coat to make way for a new one. This process is triggered by the changing daylight hours and temperature shifts that signal the horse's body to prepare for the upcoming season. Moulting typically occurs in the spring and fall, but some horses may also experience a winter moulting phase.

Why Do Horses Molt in Winter?

During the winter months, horses grow a thicker coat to provide insulation and protection from the cold. As the temperatures begin to warm up in preparation for spring, the horse's body starts shedding the winter coat to allow for a lighter, cooler coat to grow in its place. This shedding process helps regulate the horse's body temperature and ensures they are comfortable in changing weather conditions.

How Can Horse Owners Help?

While moulting is a natural process, horse owners can support their horses by providing proper grooming and nutrition. Regular grooming sessions with a shedding blade or curry comb can help remove loose hair and stimulate the shedding process. Additionally, ensuring your horse has a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients will support healthy coat growth and moulting.

DeShedding brushes and tools are essential grooming items designed to reduce shedding by removing loose hair from a pet's coat, whether it be a horse, dog, cat, or other furry animals. These tools help keep the coat healthy, minimize shedding around the home, and prevent matting and hair buildup.

Types of DeShedding Brushes & Tools:

Furminator :
- The Furminator is one of the most popular deShedding tools. It features a stainless steel edge that reaches through the topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat without damaging the topcoat or cutting the skin.
- It’s available in different sizes and models for various coat lengths and pet sizes.

Slicker Brushes :
- Slicker brushes have fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. They are particularly effective at removing loose fur and detangling mats, making them a good option for dogs and cats with medium to long fur.
- These brushes can also help with massaging the skin, promoting circulation and a healthy coat.
Rubber Curry Brushes :
- Typically used for horses but also effective for dogs with short coats, rubber curry brushes feature flexible rubber teeth that attract loose hair.
- These brushes are also great for removing dirt and debris while providing a gentle massage that stimulates natural oil production in the skin.
Undercoat Rakes :
- Undercoat rakes are designed to remove loose hair from the undercoat of double-coated breeds. These tools have long teeth that penetrate deep into the coat to reach the undercoat.
- They are especially useful for breeds with thick, heavy undercoats, like Huskies or German Shepherds.
Shedding Blades :
- Shedding blades are metal strips with a serrated edge used to remove loose hair. They are particularly useful for larger animals like horses, but can also be used on dogs.
- These tools are effective at removing large amounts of hair quickly but should be used with care to avoid skin irritation.

Benefits of Using DeShedding Tools:

Reduces Shedding :
- Regular use of deShedding tools significantly reduces the amount of loose hair, keeping it off furniture, clothes, and floors.
Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat :
- By removing loose hair and preventing mats, deShedding tools help maintain a healthy coat. The process also stimulates the skin, promoting natural oil distribution, which keeps the coat shiny and soft.
Prevents Matting :
- Mats can form when loose hair tangles in the coat, particularly in long-haired breeds. DeShedding tools help prevent this by removing the loose hair before it can mat.
Improves Comfort for the Animal :
- Shedding can cause discomfort, especially in hot weather. Removing excess hair helps the animal stay cool and comfortable.

How to Use DeShedding Tools:

Start with a clean, dry coat : For best results, the pet's coat should be clean and dry before using a deShedding tool.
Brush in the direction of hair growth : Use gentle, even strokes in the direction of the hair growth to avoid pulling or irritating the skin.
Be mindful of sensitive areas : Take care when brushing near sensitive areas like the belly, face, and legs, especially with tools that have metal edges.
Regular grooming : Regular use of deShedding tools, especially during shedding seasons, can make a significant difference in coat health and shedding management.

By integrating these tools into a regular grooming routine, pet owners can significantly reduce shedding, promote a healthier coat, and enhance the overall well-being of their pets.

Conclusion

Understanding the science behind horse moulting and the shedding of the winter coat is essential for horse owners to provide the best care for their equine companions. By recognizing the natural process of moulting and supporting your horse with proper grooming and nutrition, you can help them transition smoothly from winter to spring with a healthy, shiny coat.