Coat Change in Horses: When and How to Support Your Horse

The coat change in horses really takes a lot out of your four-legged friend. Twice a year, his body has to renew the entire coat. That's hard work for the body - and there are quite a few things you can do to support him.

When does the coat change happen?

Your horse doesn't shed according to a calendar, but according to daylight. Photoperiod controls the process via hormones. In autumn, when the days get shorter, the thick winter coat starts to grow. The switch to the summer coat begins as early as January, even if it's still below freezing outside.

The spring coat change usually takes longer and is more demanding. Your horse has to shed the heavy winter coat while producing the new, fine summer hair at the same time. That can take 6-8 weeks.

Older horses and horses with metabolic issues often need longer. For them, the coat change can drag on into May.

Why is the coat change so tiring?

During the coat change, your horse is running at full tilt. Metabolism works harder, energy needs increase by 10-15%. At the same time, the body has to provide large amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Many horses are:

• Tired and less willing to perform

• More sensitive during grooming

• More prone to infections

• More restless or cranky

That's completely normal. Your horse is simply investing its energy in the coat change instead of training.

Proper care during the coat change

Brushing is the be-all and end-all right now. But don't just start scrubbing away. That hurts and puts extra stress on your horse.

Here's how to do it right:

• Start with a soft brush or a rubber curry comb

• Work in circular motions; this gently loosens the loose hair

• Then use a body brush to remove the loosened hair

• Be especially careful on sensitive areas like the belly and legs

A metal shedding blade can be helpful, but only for robust horses. Test carefully whether your horse likes it.

Milo's Morning Briefing in the ManeMap app also takes the coat change into account, by the way. It combines the local weather data with your horse's profile and suggests when it's a good day for intensive grooming - and when you should take it a bit easier.

Adjust feeding for the coat change

Your horse now needs more energy and certain nutrients. High-quality protein is especially important, because hair is made up of 95% protein.

These nutrients support the coat change:

• Zinc: For healthy hair growth

• Copper: For coat pigmentation

• Biotin and B vitamins: For a strong hair structure

• Omega-3 fatty acids: For a shiny coat

Flaxseed, brewer's yeast, or special coat-change supplements can help (after consulting with your vet). Also make sure your horse drinks enough - dry skin hinders the coat change.

Training during the coat change

Less is more. Your horse has less energy available and sweats faster under the thick winter coat. Reduce training intensity and allow for longer warm-up and cool-down phases.

Especially important: After riding, rub them dry well and put on a cooler blanket. Otherwise, you risk catching a chill or muscle tension.

When you should be concerned

Normally, the coat change is finished by the end of May. Contact your vet if:

• The coat change drags on into summer

• The new coat looks dull or scruffy

• Bald patches or eczema develop

• Your horse loses a noticeable amount of weight

• It is persistently tired and off its feed

In older horses, a delayed coat change can indicate Equine Cushing's syndrome. Have it checked out.

Stop Guessing! Test ManeMap Pro free for 30 days. Milo analyzes weather, training, and health so you know every day what your horse needs during the demanding coat change.