Managing the Coat Transition Properly

Shedding season is one of the most physically demanding periods for a horse’s skin and coat. As daylight hours increase in late winter and early spring, hormonal changes trigger the release of the thick winter coat. The process can last several weeks and places significant demand on the skin.

Handled correctly, shedding season supports healthy coat transition. Handled poorly, it can lead to irritation, patchy coat loss, skin sensitivity and behavioural tension.

This guide explains how to manage shedding season effectively in UK conditions.

Why Horses Shed When They Do

Shedding is controlled primarily by daylight, not temperature.

As days lengthen:

Melatonin levels adjust
Hair follicles shift into growth phase
Winter coat loosens
Summer coat begins development

This means shedding may begin while temperatures are still cold.

Owners often underestimate the metabolic effort required to grow a new coat.

Why Shedding Can Be Uncomfortable

As hair follicles release the winter coat:

Skin becomes sensitive
Itching increases
Static electricity may build
Horses may rub against stable walls

If not managed properly, shedding can cause:

Dandruff
Greasy patches
Irritation along topline
Uneven coat texture

Grooming during shedding should stimulate — not irritate.

1. Increase Grooming Frequency

During shedding season, grooming frequency should increase to:

Daily if possible
At least 4–5 times weekly

Regular removal of loose hair:

Reduces itching
Improves circulation
Supports healthy regrowth

Consistency prevents heavy build-up of dead coat.

2. Use the Right Tools

Not all grooming tools are suitable during shedding.

Recommended tools:

Flexible rubber curry comb
Shedding blade (used gently)
Grooming block
Medium dandy brush

Avoid overly stiff brushes on sensitive areas.

Work in small sections to avoid skin overstimulation.

3. Groom With Purpose

Use circular motions with a curry comb to:

Lift dead hair
Stimulate blood flow
Encourage new coat growth

Follow with flicking motions of a dandy brush to remove loosened hair.

Finish with a soft brush to smooth the coat.

The goal is circulation and removal — not aggressive scrubbing.

4. Monitor Skin Condition Closely

During shedding, check for:

Bald patches
Flaky skin
Thickened areas
Sensitivity when touched

Not all patchy shedding is normal.

Uneven or delayed shedding may indicate:

Hormonal imbalance
Cushing’s disease (PPID) in older horses
Nutritional deficiency

If the coat does not shed evenly by late spring, consult your vet.

5. Adjust Nutrition for Coat Support

Growing a new coat requires nutrients.

Ensure the diet provides:

Adequate protein
Zinc
Copper
Omega fatty acids
Vitamin E

Poor coat quality often reflects internal imbalance.

Coat health begins with nutrition.

6. Clipping Considerations During Shedding

Some owners clip partially during transition.

Clipping can:

Speed up coat transition
Reduce sweating
Improve comfort

However:

Only clip if necessary
Adjust rugging accordingly
Monitor temperature carefully

Clipping too early may expose the horse to late cold snaps.

7. Bathing During Shedding

Light bathing can assist removal of loose hair.

If weather permits:

Use mild shampoo
Rinse thoroughly
Dry completely

Do not over-bathe.

Excess washing strips oils needed for new coat health.

8. Increase Turnout Where Possible

Movement supports circulation.

Turnout:

Encourages natural shedding
Reduces stable rubbing
Improves skin oxygenation

Even limited turnout helps during the transition period.

9. Manage Rugging Carefully

As horses shed:

They regulate temperature differently
Over-rugging may cause sweating
Under-rugging may cause chills

Adjust rugs gradually.

Feel under the rug daily to assess body temperature.

Shedding horses often require lighter layers sooner than expected.

10. Expect Behaviour Changes

Some horses become:

Irritable
Sensitive to touch
Restless

This is often due to skin sensitivity — not defiance.

Adjust grooming pressure accordingly.

The Core Principle

Shedding season is a physiological transition.

Support it with:

Increased grooming
Proper tools
Nutritional balance
Careful rug management
Close skin observation

Healthy shedding results in:

Even summer coat
Improved shine
Comfortable skin
Better overall condition

The coat tells a story.

Shedding season is when that story resets.

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Category: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/category/grooming-skin/

Shedding Season Grooming Tips