Shiny coat is a sign of a healthy and happy horse. Dull coat can occur due to lack of nutrients in horse feed, due to worms and parasites, and lack of regular care. Whether there's a show to prepare for or you just want a healthy, beautiful coat every day, this can be achieved by showing care and attention to the horse's needs.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Bathing and Grooming a Horse
Step 1. Use clean equipment
Before bathing your horse, soak all brushes (including the mane and tail brushes and combs) in warm water and a small amount of dishwashing detergent. Rinse and let dry in a sunny place.
Step 2. Treat regularly
The salt content of sweat can dull coat color and cause skin irritation if the horse is not cared for properly. Brushing your horse can remove dry skin and dead hair while spreading natural oils throughout its coat.
Give it a little effort. Nothing replaces hard work. Consistent and regular attention will lead to good results
Step 3. Limit the frequency of bathing
Bathing with soap too often can make the hair dry and dull, in addition to stripping away its natural oils. There's no fixed "rule" on how often to bathe your horse, but it's important to know that rinsing alone can help to get rid of sweat or dust. Consider bathing your horse before the show or if your horse is in good shape.
Observe the onset of dandruff as a way to establish a proper bathing schedule. Dandruff can be an indicator of whether your horse's bathing schedule is too frequent or infrequent. Without a regular and thorough bath, generally there will be a buildup of dandruff on the horse. Bathing too often can erode the natural oils on the hair and cause dandruff
Step 4. Rinse the bristles thoroughly
When bathing your horse, rinse as many times as needed until no soap runs off, as soap residue can cause the coat to become dull. Any deposits on the horse's skin can affect or even impair the formation of natural oils.
Part 2 of 4: Providing Adequate Nutrition
Step 1. Make sure the horse is eating a balanced diet
Provide good nutrition and adequate amounts of protein and fatty acids; depending on the horse's activity level and medical needs. Herding horses also need adequate nutrition. Talk to a horse nutritionist who can provide professional advice.
Step 2. Add supplements to horse feed
If used as directed, supplements can be a good way to provide additional nutrition. Discuss any deficiencies with your veterinarian and make a supplement plan. Common ingredients for skin supplements include vitamin A, vitamin B, biotin, methionine, lysine, zinc, fatty acids, vitamin E.
Step 3. Add oil to horse feed
Dull fur can be caused by a lack of fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. Most people choose to add vegetable oil to their feed. Use as directed.
Part 3 of 4: Assessing Horse Health
Step 1. Determine when the horse needs deworming
Worms can cause horses to have a rough and dull coat, lethargy, an enlarged belly, and slow growth in young horses. Watch for these symptoms and talk to your vet to avoid parasites.
- Observing the presence of parasitic eggs in horse manure is the best way to detect parasites and worms. Your veterinarian can help develop an effective deworming program for your horse's needs.
- Herding horses are less susceptible to parasites than stable horses because of their limited conditions. If you are holding a horse, make sure that it is kept clean.
Step 2. Assess underlying health conditions
If the condition of the horse's coat has changed, there may be a health problem that requires medical attention from a veterinarian.
- Fungal infections can be the cause of matted or clumped fur. Some common symptoms of yeast infection include weight loss, colic, diarrhea, and nasal drip (the sensation of excess mucus flowing from the nose into the throat).
- Some glandular conditions can cause the skin to become dry, resulting in dull and brittle coat. Talk to your vet about your concerns.
Step 3. Treat allergies
Allergies are uncomfortable for horses and can cause coat problems. Talk to your vet about managing your horse's allergies.
Part 4 of 4: Preparing the Horses for the Show
Step 1. Apply silicone after bathing
Silicone enhances the appearance of the horsehair. Carefully spray the silicone thoroughly, except for the saddle. The silicone coating on the paws and ponytail ensures that dust won't stick. Extra products are available to enhance the horse's hair shine.
Step 2. Use a tumble dryer to collect dust
The tumble dryer will collect the last bit of dust around the face. Carefully run the washcloth over the horse's face with your hands, not moving any hair. Do this right before entering the warm-up arena.
Step 3. Apply baby powder or flour to the horse's paws
Adding powder helps the legs stand out and can improve the overall appearance of the horse. Apply powder on the day of the show.
Warning
- Use supplements as directed and do not give supplements containing iodine or selenium in excess because these substances can be toxic at high doses.
- Do not use a polishing product near the saddle or around the harness as this can make it slippery.
- To prevent burns, do not apply oil near the horse's eye or mouth area on a hot day.
