The Ultimate Guide to Managing the Spring Shed
Is your grooming kit (and your clothing) covered in hair? If you’re finding more horse hair on yourself than on your actual horse, congratulations—you’re officially in the thick of the spring shed! While a hairy mess might seem like a nuisance, it’s a completely natural and essential process for your horse to transition from their thick winter coat to a sleek, lighter summer one.
But the spring shed isn’t just about losing hair; it’s about growing a new, healthy coat. And that requires a significant nutritional effort from your horse’s body. Understanding why and how this happens, along with providing the right support, can make the process smoother for both of you and ensure that beautiful new coat emerges gleaming.
Why Do Horses Shed? The Science Behind the Scruff
Horse coats are primarily influenced by photoperiod (the length of daylight hours) and, to a lesser extent, temperature. As the days lengthen in spring, a hormone called melatonin (which is produced in darkness) decreases, signalling the horse’s body to stop growing the winter coat and start shedding it. Simultaneously, the body begins to prepare for the growth of the new, finer summer coat.
This process is energy-intensive. Hair is made up almost entirely of protein (keratin), and its growth requires a steady supply of specific amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. If your horse’s diet is lacking in these essential nutrients, the shedding process can be prolonged, and the new coat might appear dull, brittle, or slow to come in.
Strategies for a Smooth Shed & a Superb Summer Coat
Here’s how you can proactively support your horse through the spring shed and encourage the growth of a healthy, radiant summer coat:
1. Support from the Outside In:
- Daily Brushing: More than just aesthetics, daily grooming with curry combs and shedding blades stimulates circulation, distributes natural oils, and helps physically remove dead hair. This makes your horse more comfortable and speeds up the shedding process.
- A Deep-Cleaning Bath: A good bath is one of the best ways to loosen the last of that stubborn winter fluff and deep-clean the skin, creating the perfect foundation for a new coat. Using the right shampoo is critical. Our Balius Multicare Shampoo is specifically formulated to be gentle yet effective. It’s pH-balanced for equine skin and infused with tea tree oil and chamomile to soothe any itchiness associated with shedding and help manage common skin conditions that can be hidden under a thick winter coat. It cleanses thoroughly without stripping natural oils, leaving the skin healthy and ready for new growth.
2. Optimize Nutrition (The Inside Job): This is where you can make the biggest difference in coat quality and shedding efficiency.
- High-Quality Protein: As mentioned, hair is protein. Ensure your horse is receiving adequate amounts of digestible, high-quality protein in their diet. If your horse is in work or older, their protein requirements might be higher. Pea Protein Isolate is an excellent source of essential amino acids crucial for hair growth and overall muscle health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are vital for skin health, coat shine, and reducing inflammation. A healthy skin barrier is key to a healthy coat. Salmon Oil is an incredibly rich source of EPA and DHA Omega-3s, which contribute significantly to a soft, supple skin and a lustrous, gleaming coat.
- B Vitamins: Brewers Yeast is a powerhouse of B-vitamins, particularly Biotin, which is renowned for its role in hoof health but also plays a significant part in healthy skin and hair growth.
- Trace Minerals: Zinc, Copper, and Selenium are crucial. Zinc is essential for skin integrity, while copper is necessary for pigment formation and hair strength. Ensure your horse’s diet provides these in bioavailable forms.
3. Hydration is Key: Ensure your horse has constant access to fresh, clean water. Dehydration can affect every bodily process, including skin and coat health.
The Balius Difference for a Show-Stopping Coat
At Balius Equine Nutrition, we understand that a brilliant coat is a reflection of health, both inside and out. Our scientifically-backed products provide the precise support your horse needs to shed efficiently and grow a summer coat that turns heads:
- From the Inside: Pea Protein Isolate, Salmon Oil, and Brewers Yeast provide the internal building blocks for strong hair, healthy skin, and a dazzling shine.
- From the Outside: Multicare Horse Shampoo cleanses, soothes, and prepares the skin, ensuring the new coat emerges from a healthy, clean foundation.
Don’t let the spring shed be a battle! By supporting your horse with targeted nutrition and premium care, you can help them emerge with a coat that’s not just hair-free, but truly magnificent.
