How Much Do Horses Really Shed?
How Much Do Horses Really Shed?
by Josh Cobbe
Whether you’re a first-time horse owner or an experienced horse lover, you’re probably still wondering how much shedding from your horse is normal. After all, just like us, every horse is unique, and what’s normal for some horses may be totally different for another horse. However, there are still some common things to look out for when figuring out what’s normal versus what isn’t normal when it comes to a horse shedding their hair. We’ll look into the importance of routine grooming for your horse’s hair health and how to look out for Cushing’s Disease.
- Why Do Horses Shed More in the Spring? — According to Michigan State University, you need to help your horse shed their thick winter hair in the spring. Hair growth is typically associated with cold temperatures, but it’s actually the number of daylight hours, or lack thereof, that causes a horse to grow more hair. As soon as the daylight hours begin to increase, you’ll start to notice that your horse will shed more.
- A Horse’s Coat Is NOT Influenced by Temperature — If you think you misread that last paragraph, you didn’t. A warmer or colder temperature doesn’t directly affect a horse’s shedding pattern. As temperature increases in springtime, a horse does tend to shed their thicker and longer winter coat. However, your horse is shedding their coat because of their pituitary gland, which recognizes there are more daylight hours now. They will shed their winter coat and grow their lighter spring coat instead. To help them shed, use a horse-deshedding tool like a brush on them.
- Horses Shed in Patterns — Because horses shed in patterns, you can easily predict when horses will more or less shed. As the weather changes from summer to fall, they’ll begin shedding their warm spring and summer coats. They’ll start to grow their winter coat in the fall. Likewise, as spring approaches and the daylight hours increase, your horse will shed their winter coat and begin growing their spring coat.
- You Can Help Speed Up Your Horse’s Shedding — Your horse will shed anyway, but as their horse owner, you can do your part by helping your horse shed. One of the easiest ways to aid in their shedding is to use a horse shedding brush on your horse. Routine grooming is a great way to ensure your horse’s coat remains healthy. If you have a horse show coming up, vigorous grooming can actually help your horse get ready for show season. That direct impact on your horse’s coat will ensure any dirt, old hair and debris gets removed from your horse’s hair. Use the brush in a circular motion.
- The Importance of Grooming Your Horse — We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a routine for grooming your horse. Use the right kind of horse grooming tools for your horse. There are plenty of benefits that come with grooming your horse. You’re bonding with your horse. You’re helping keep their coat nice, shiny and healthy. When you groom your horse, you’re also ensuring that any excess horse hair is being combed out of their coat. That means less for you to clean up. It makes way for new and healthy hair on their coat as well.
- Looking Out for Cushing’s Disease — If you’re concerned about whether the amount of horse hair your horse is shedding is “normal,” be sure to speak with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help determine if it’s just routine shedding or if it’s actually Cushing’s disease. Signs of Cushing’s disease happen when a horse doesn’t shed as their normally would. You’ll also see hairs that look like cat hairs under their chins and bellies. Speak with your veterinarian just to be sure!
- Deworming Your Horse — In addition to possible Cushing’s disease, another issue behind why your horse’s shedding seems like it’s later than usual is due to a need for deworming. Speak with your vet to see if they can administer a dewormer, but only if needed. They’ll be able to best diagnose the issue and make any recommendations.
- Check Out Your Barn — If it’s not Cushing’s disease and it’s not parasites, the reason your horse isn’t shedding healthy is because of your barn! Why is that? Remember how a horse’s shedding pattern has to do with how much daylight they get? If they’re spending more time in a dark barn interior or under artificial lighting, they won’t be shedding in a timely fashion. To get them to shed faster, have them spend more time outside. Use full-spectrum light bulbs in your barn. They should be getting about 16 hours of natural and/or artificial light.
- How to Help Your Horse Shed Their Winter Coat — Consistent grooming is essential for your horse’s health. Maintaining that consistent schedule will ensure they follow a proper shedding schedule. They’ll have new and healthy hair growth. When you’re trying to get your horse ready for horse show season, a little elbow grease and vigorous yet consistent brushing go a long way.
- How to Help Your Horse Shed Their Winter Coat — Consistent grooming is essential for your horse’s health. Maintaining that consistent schedule will ensure they follow a proper shedding schedule. They’ll have new and healthy hair growth. When you’re trying to get your horse ready for horse show season, a little elbow grease and vigorous yet consistent brushing go a long way.
