Shedding Horses Moulting Combs & Shedding Brushes
Yes it comes twice a year! every year and we have already put together a host of horse shedding blades and other equine shedding tools to help you manage shedding horse coats.
Shedding in horses refers to the natural process of losing their thick winter coat as temperatures rise in the spring. Horses develop a heavy coat in the fall to protect them from cold winter weather, and as days get longer and temperatures warmer, their bodies respond by shedding that coat to adjust to the changing climate.
Key Points About Shedding in Horses:
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Timing: Shedding typically begins in late winter or early spring, usually around February to April, depending on the climate and the individual horse.
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Daylight Sensitivity: Horses are particularly sensitive to the length of daylight. The increase in daylight hours triggers the shedding process. The pituitary gland in the brain senses this change and influences the growth or shedding of hair.
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Coat Thickness: Some horses grow thicker coats than others, depending on their breed, age, and environment. Ponies, draft horses, and certain cold-hardy breeds like Icelandic horses often grow very dense coats and shed more heavily in spring.
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Nutrition: Horses with a balanced diet, especially one rich in essential vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, may shed more efficiently and develop healthier coats.
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Health Indicators: Poor or uneven shedding can be a sign of underlying health issues, like Cushing's disease (PPID), which can cause horses to retain their winter coat longer or not shed at all. Horses that don’t shed properly should be checked by a veterinarian.
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Grooming: Regular grooming helps remove shedding hair and stimulates blood circulation in the skin, which encourages faster shedding. Tools like shedding blades, curry combs, and grooming mitts are commonly used to help the process.
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Clipping: Some owners opt to clip their horses' winter coats before shedding begins, particularly if the horse is working regularly and sweating under a thick coat.
Shedding is a natural and healthy process, but monitoring it closely ensures the horse remains comfortable as seasons change.
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