As the warm days of summer transition into the cooler months of fall, your horse begins preparing for winter by shedding their summer coat. This natural process can leave your horse looking a little scruffy, but it's important to maintain a solid grooming routine during this period to keep them clean and healthy. In Canada, where fall can mean unpredictable weather, here’s how you can best manage your horse’s hygiene as they shed their summer coat.
Daily Grooming to Remove Loose Hair
As your horse starts shedding, you’ll notice loose hairs all over their body, and daily grooming is essential to prevent matting and discomfort. A good-quality shedding blade or curry comb will help remove excess hair, dirt, and dander. Regular grooming also helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.
It’s best to groom your horse before and after exercise, especially if they've been sweating. Sweat can cause dirt and bacteria to stick to the coat, leading to potential skin issues. Use a stiff brush to lift off any mud or dirt, followed by a soft brush to smooth the coat.
Check for Skin Irritation and Infections
During the shedding process, your horse’s skin may be more sensitive. Pay attention to areas where dirt or sweat may build up, such as under the saddle, between the legs, and around the girth. These spots can become irritated if not properly cleaned. Keep an eye out for any signs of skin infections, such as rain rot or fungal infections, especially in wetter parts of Canada.
To help prevent skin conditions, regularly wash and sanitize your horse’s grooming tools and consider using a mild equine shampoo if your horse needs a wash. Ensure they are completely dry after bathing to avoid trapping moisture, which could lead to fungal growth.
Consider Using a Lightweight Blanket
As the days become chillier, you might want to start using a lightweight blanket to protect your horse from fluctuating temperatures, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Blanketing not only helps regulate their body temperature but also minimizes the amount of dirt and loose hair your horse will collect, making grooming easier.
Be mindful, however, not to over-blanket. Your horse will naturally grow a thicker coat as winter approaches, and overuse of blankets can interfere with this process. Choose breathable, moisture-wicking blankets to prevent sweat buildup.
Pay Attention to Muddy Paddocks
Fall is a notorious time for mud, especially in Canada’s wetter regions. Mud not only makes grooming more difficult but can also create ideal conditions for skin issues such as mud fever or pastern dermatitis. Try to keep your horse’s paddocks as dry as possible and ensure there is good drainage to avoid standing water.
When grooming, pay extra attention to your horse’s legs, which are most exposed to mud. Clean and dry them thoroughly to prevent the development of sores or skin infections.
Keep Tack Clean and Dry
Your horse’s hygiene extends beyond just their coat—keeping tack clean is equally important. After each ride, make sure your saddle, bridle, and any other tack are cleaned and stored in a dry place. Sweat and dirt can build up on these items, transferring back onto your horse’s freshly groomed coat.
Additionally, if your horse wears a saddle pad, wash it regularly to prevent bacteria from accumulating and causing skin irritation.
Nutrition for a Healthy Coat
While grooming is essential, don’t forget that your horse’s diet plays a role in their coat health as well. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in supplements like flaxseed, can help improve coat condition and make the shedding process smoother. Ensuring your horse has access to high-quality hay and balanced nutrients will support overall skin and coat health.
As your horse sheds their summer coat and grows a new winter one, a consistent grooming routine will ensure they stay clean, healthy, and comfortable during the seasonal shift. Whether you’re in rainy British Columbia or crisp Ontario, adapting your horse’s hygiene practices to the changing weather will keep them looking their best as fall settles in.
