Shedding Season: Helping Your Horse Transition Smoothly

Horses undergo a coat change twice a year, a process that places significant strain on their bodies. Their metabolism works at full speed to generate new hair, while the shedding process can cause intense itching, leaving them restless and irritable. Discover how you can support your horse through this challenging period in our guide.

The coat change in horses begins around the winter and summer solstices. From December 21, as daylight hours increase, and from June 21, as they decrease, the horse’s body starts preparing for the transition. The pineal gland, which regulates the release of melatonin, acts as a natural sensor for daylight length. As the days shift, hormonal signals from the pineal gland trigger the production of a new coat.

However, it can take two to three months before this process becomes visible. Only once the new coat has fully developed does the old hair begin to shed extensively. The quality of the new coat depends on factors such as breed, living conditions, and weather. Since coat change depletes nutrients and places significant stress on the body, this period can be particularly demanding for older horses or those recovering from illness.

Horses thrive on routine—unlike humans, who often seek variety, they do best with a consistent daily diet. As a result, detox treatments in horses have a much milder effect compared to those in people. A successful detox period is built on three key principles:

1. Increase fibre intake and provide pre - and probiotics - If unsure of which supplements may help your horse, you can always give us a call where we would be more than happy to assist you.
2. Support liver and kidney function - a liver flush would massively help at this time of year.
3. Encourage ample movement and activity - Horses need to move about. So it is important to keep your horse moving during a detox period. 

Do you provide your horse with regular rest and additional support through detox regimens? This helps them recover quickly, regain their strength, and perform at their best.

Remember - Optimal health starts from within.