Springtime Grooming

Good grooming practices are especially important in the spring. Most horses develop a long, shaggy winter hair coat to protect against cold temperatures and constant winter precipitation. Once the weather warms, however, longer coats can be dangerous for work, field, show, and pleasure horses. In fact, horses across the country succumb to heat exhaustion every spring. Longer hair causes your horse to heat up faster during exercise or work and take longer to cool down. In addition, long hair also hinders the drying process, which may promote bacteria growth and skin infections during the wet spring weather. Never brush wet hair on your horse; this can lead to a skin problem. Either wash off the wet mud or wait until the mud and hair dry, then brush off any loose particles.

 

The most cost-effective way to assist with shedding is with select grooming tools and a lot of elbow grease. Use a curry comb to loosen dead hair. Once a section of your horse's coat is loose, use a body brush to remove the loosened hair. A shedding blade can also be helpful in removing longer hair along the back and flanks. Repeated full body grooming sessions over a few weeks will completely remove your horse's winter coat. Since this method requires vigorous brushing, however, care needs to be taken with thin-skinned breeds around sensitive areas of you horse's body. Also, monitor horse's electrolyte levels and, if necessary, use an electrolyte supplement until his winter coat is fully removed.

 

There is a spring grooming method to suit any horse, personal preference, and budget, including clipping and leaving a horse to have it happen "au naturelle." Regardless of the method you choose, however, ensure your horse is safe at all times during the grooming process. A quality halter and lead or quick-release cross tie helps maintain control of your horse and keeps him - and you - safe while you groom. In addition, remember that one of the most important ways you can influence your horse's coat health is with proper nutrition. Protein, vitamins, and minerals all contribute to healthy hair coats and help keep your horse beautiful and in top condition no matter the season.


Photo courtesy of Blue Rock Farm, "Princess and Skye"


Photo courtesy of Blue Rock Farm, "Blue"

 

Your local Co-op Country Stores carry all you need in grooming supplies, and don't forget to keep a bottle of Fiske's Hoof & Hide Balm on hand for the treatment or prevention of any hoof or skin issues.

Show season will be here before we know it, so get a head start on your horse's coat.

 

Don’t forget to collect Air Miles® reward miles at Co-op Country!