Spring is an exciting time for any horse owner, rider, etc. because it means nice weather, open trails, and the warm sun. However, as any knowledgeable horse owner knows, the spring weather also brings the shedding of their horse’s winter coat. To learn some tips on transforming your horse from a hairy beast to a sleek beauty, please read on!

There are typically three approaches to help your horse shed his natural coat; traditional, natural, and high-tech.

Traditional

The traditional way is cost-effective but requires extra effort and special grooming tools. If your horse has sensitive or thin skin, you might want to consider a different approach.  If you want to do spring grooming the traditional way, you will want to first use a curry comb to loosen any hair. After you’re done, you will want to take a body brush to remove the hair. For any longer hair that won’t be easily removed with the brush, you can use a shedding blade. This process usually will take you several weeks to completely remove all the hair. The time it takes is also another factor to consider for your horse and the climate in the area you live in. If you live in an area that experiences hotter weather in the spring, you might want a faster approach. The higher temperatures can be fatal to your horse if he still has his thick winter coat.

Natural

The natural way is another way to approach your horse’s grooming regime and it involves waiting for the hair to fall off. If you do this approach, you will want to make sure your horse can relax in the sun since the shedding is tied to the length of sunlight in the day. An important thing to note is that this process takes a long time. As a result, you will want to monitor your horse’s electrolyte levels and make sure he has access to a lot of water. You might also want to hold off on any rigorous workouts or work during this period.

High Tech

With the rise in modern technology, horse care has never been faster or more efficient. You can use full-body clippers or precision trimmers to completely shave off your horse’s winter coat in a matter of hours. After you’ve removed the hair, you will want to do bathe, brush, comb, and dry your horse. If the weather is still a little cool, you can place a blanket on your horse during the night.

Any of these grooming approaches can work and it all depends on your personal preference. No matter which one you choose, you should always just make sure your horse is healthy and happy!

If you are in need of a high quality horse insurance plan to protect your precious beast, please trust in the professionals at Ark Agency. For any questions, please give us a call today at (320) 243-7250 or (800) 328-8894.