Fit through the change of coat: optimal support for horses

What is the change of coat in horses?

Changing a horse's coat is a natural but extremely energy-intensive process that takes place twice a year - in spring and fall. During this time, the horse's organism adapts to the changing environmental conditions and replaces the entire coat. What for us is often just annoying hair on our clothes is a physical feat for the horse.

But what triggers the change of coat in horses? Contrary to popular belief, it is not the temperature that is the decisive factor, but the length of daylight. This process is controlled by the pineal gland in the brain, which reacts to the light stimulus and sends hormonal signals to the body. If daylight levels fall in late summer, the body begins to produce winter fur - in spring, the increasing incidence of light causes the thick coat to shed.

Depending on the weather, husbandry and feeding, the change of coat can take several weeks. Especially in spring, the organism is under a lot of strain: The heavy, dense winter coat is shed and replaced by a lighter summer coat - this takes energy, puts a strain on the metabolism and immune system and requires an excellent supply of nutrients. In the fall, on the other hand, the body slowly builds up the protective winter coat - also energy-intensive, but usually somewhat less stressful than "shedding" in the spring.

Especially for older horses, foals or horses with metabolic diseases the change of coat can be a real challenge.

When does the change of coat in horses begin and end?

The change of coat in horses follows a natural rhythm that is primarily based on the length of daylight - not the temperature. The onset can therefore be predicted with astonishing accuracy, even if there are individual differences depending on breed, husbandry and state of health.

The spring coat change usually starts from the end of January to the beginning of March, as soon as the days become noticeably longer. During this time, the horse sheds its thick winter coat to make room for the shorter, breathable summer coat. This process usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, but can take considerably longer in older or sick horses.

The fall coat change, on the other hand, begins in mid-August and continues into October as soon as the daylight hours begin to decrease again. Here, the horse gradually develops the warming winter coat - this transition is often somewhat gentler, but is also an energy-intensive process.

Factors that influence the timing:

• Housing: Open stable horses change their coat earlier than box horses.
• Breed and genetics: Robust horses such as Fjord horses or Icelanders start earlier.
• Feeding and health: A weakened organism needs longer.
• Artificial light in stables can disturb the natural rhythm.

Monthly orientation

• January-March: Start of the spring coat change
• April-May: Last phase, summer coat emerges
• August-October: Start of the fall coat change
• November-December: Winter coat grows and stabilizes

Recognize coat change problems at an early stage

Changing a horse's coat is not just a visual feat, but above all a physiological one. While healthy horses usually cope well with this process, many animals show clear signs of stress during this time - especially if the organism is already weakened or the management is not optimally coordinated.

The most common symptoms of difficult shedding include

• Flaky skin: Small, dry flakes of skin are often a sign of a lack of nutrients, especially zinc, biotin or essential fatty acids.
• Sluggishness and listlessness: An energy-sapping metabolic process can visibly tire the horse.
• Itching and restlessness: Loose hair irritates the skin - the horse rubs itself more often or appears annoyed.
• Delayed shedding: If the winter coat does not shed or the summer coat only grows in gaps, caution is advised.
• Runny legs: A disturbed lymph flow, often due to high metabolic activity, can lead to slight edema - especially in older horses or with a lack of exercise.

Typical risk horses in the coat change:

• Seniors (from approx. 18 years)
• Horses with PPID (Cushing's disease) or EMS
• Young horses in their first winter
• Animals in poor feeding condition or with chronic diseases

How can I support my horse during the coat change?

Supporting a horse's coat change means more than just reaching for the brush every day. The horse's organism is undergoing an intensive period of change that challenges the metabolism, skin, immune system and psyche. This makes it all the more important to support your horse holistically - with a combination of care, feeding, exercise and targeted observation.

Here are the most important measures you can take to help your horse:

• Daily grooming: Regular brushing removes loose hair, stimulates blood circulation and supports healthy skin. Massage brushes or rubber currycombs in particular promote shedding.
• Sufficient exercise: Horses that can move freely - whether in the paddock or in an open stable - stimulate the lymphatic system and circulation. This facilitates the removal of waste products.
• Warmer management in changeable weather: A soaked horse without sufficient exercise cools down quickly - an additional stress factor. Blanket management must be considered individually, especially for clipped horses.
• Stress reduction: The change of coat is an exceptional time. Avoid additional stress during this time, such as rehousing, feed changes or intensive training.

Observing small changes is also crucial: Is your horse eating less well? Does it seem tired or does it rub more often? The earlier you recognize these signals, the more targeted help you can provide.

Coat care during the coat change

When the coat comes off in tufts and the stable looks like horse hair, the most intensive phase of shedding begins. Now it's time to keep at it, brush, massage and remove loose hair. With targeted coat care, you can not only remove the coat, but also support the entire shedding process in your horse - and even strengthen the bond with your animal.

Which brushes are particularly effective when changing coats?

Not every brush is suitable for every coat structure - you should use a combination when changing coats:

• Rubber curry comb and pimpled gloves remove loose hair particularly thoroughly and stimulate the skin at the same time.
• Spring currycombs or metal currycombs (used carefully) help with very thick winter coats, but should only be used to a limited extent on sensitive horses.
• Root brushes with firm bristles remove fine dust and hair from the top coat.
• Massage gloves or massage bars stimulate blood circulation, which provides the skin with more nutrients and accelerates the hair change process.

Care for flaky skin

If your horse shows flaky skin during the shedding period, you should be particularly gentle:

• Use moisturizing skin care products or natural skin oils (e.g. with black cumin or linseed oil).
• Avoid aggressive shampoos - they disrupt the skin barrier.
• A lukewarm microfiber cloth can help to gently loosen stuck dandruff.

Pay attention to the feed (e.g. zinc, biotin, omega-3 fatty acids), because skin problems almost always have an internal cause.

Coat care for open stable horses vs. box horses

• Open stable horses move around more, which promotes lymph flow and natural blood circulation in the skin - they usually get through the coat change better. Nevertheless, you should check regularly to see if knots form in the coat or sticky areas develop.
• Box horses often need more help - especially if they are less able to roll around or are in light conditions that disrupt their natural rhythm. Daily brushing is particularly important here.

Feeding and supplementary feed during the coat change

➡️ Video tip: Supporting the metabolism - especially important during the coat change!
‍‍The coat change periodis peak season for the metabolism - this is when the horse's body is running at peak performance. However, this is when problems such as tiredness, a dull coat or even diseases such as EMS or laminitis often start to appear. In this video, you will learn how you can support your horse's metabolism in a targeted way through feeding, especially during this sensitive transition period.

What does the horse really need now? The horse's metabolism runs at full speed during the shedding period. The replacement of the entire coat is an energy-intensive process during which the body needs large quantities of vital substances. Without an appropriate diet, this can lead to coat change problems, skin irritations or a drop in performance.

Which nutrients are particularly important now?

• Zinc is essential for skin and hair growth. A deficiency often manifests itself in flaky skin or a dull coat.
• Selenium supports cell protection and the immune system - which is particularly stressed during this phase.
• Biotin promotes the regeneration of skin and coat and helps with itching or hair breakage.
• Omega-3 fatty acids from linseed or hemp oil have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve the skin structure.
• Amino acids (especially methionine and lysine) are important building blocks for keratin formation in the coat.

A high-quality basic mineral feed supply is essential, especially if hay and concentrates do not cover all needs. During the coat change period, it is often worth supplementing with additional feed that is tailored to the change of coat - either with special dietary supplements or natural feed oils.

Herbs during coat change - useful or overrated?

Certain herbs can gently stimulate the metabolism, support elimination and have a positive effect on the skin and coat. They do not replace nutrients, but can be used as a supplement - especially for horses that are sensitive to synthetic additives.

Which herbs support the change of coat in horses?

• Milk thistle: supports the liver, gently detoxifies
• Nettle: Rich in minerals, stimulates the metabolism
• Dandelion: Promotes liver and kidney function
• Birch leaves: support excretion
• Black cumin: Strengthens the skin and immune system
• Rosehip: Provides vitamin C and antioxidants

Coat change in old horses, foals and sick horses

Not every horse copes equally well with the change of coat. Seniors, foals and animals with metabolic diseases place special demands on care and feeding. Their organism is often less resilient, reacts more sensitively and needs more support.

Old horses changing their coat

In older horses, the regulation of shedding often no longer functions smoothly. Typical is the so-called "coat retention " - the winter coat only falls out slowly or incompletely. Common causes are

• PPID (Cushing's syndrome): A hormonal imbalance that significantly delays the change of coat.
• Declining metabolic function: Detoxification slows down with age.
• Weaker immune defense: susceptibility to infections and fatigue increase during the change.

Targeted measures can help here:

• Feeding with easily digestible proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and adapted mineral feed
• More frequent grooming to remove the stuck fur
• Veterinary clarification for conspicuous, never-ending winter coat

Foals and young horses in the first coat change

Foals also experience their first coat change - usually in late spring, when the baby coat gives way to the first winter coat. This process is energetically challenging, as growth and the immune system are also running at full speed at the same time. A balanced feed with:

• high-quality proteins
• Trace elements such as zinc and selenium
• and an age-appropriate ration
  is now crucial.

Metabolically sensitive horses: EMS, laminitis horses & co.

For horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), laminitis or liver problems, caution is advised. Many of these animals react to feed that is too high in energy or unsuitable with metabolic imbalances.

What you should look out for:

• Only use herbs or supplementary feed after consultation
• Feed high-structure, low-sugar rations
• No blanket coat change products - but targeted, needs-based supplements

Mastering the coat change with knowledge and good care

Changing a horse's coat is much more than just an aesthetic issue. It is a real challenge for the entire organism - especially in times of changeable weather or for horses with special needs. Providing your horse with targeted support during this phase not only prevents coat change problems, but also strengthens the immune system, skin health and well-being in the long term.

With the right feed, a well-thought-out care routine and an eye for individual characteristics, you can make this transition period much easier for your horse. Watch out for signs of overwork, react to symptoms such as flaky skin or limpness in good time and use the power of selected herbs to gently support the metabolism.

A well-prepared coat change is the best way to start the new season - whether it's summer or winter.

Changing your horse's coat: the most important questions and answers

How can I support my horse during the coat change?

‍Througha combination of regular coat care, appropriate feeding and sufficient exercise. Zinc, biotin, omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality proteins are particularly important. Herbs can also stimulate the metabolism.

What helps the horse to change its coat?

‍Inaddition to daily brushing and exercise, a targeted supply of nutrients is particularly helpful. Many horses benefit from supplementary feed with amino acids, zinc, selenium and linseed oil. If necessary, the liver can also be supported with herbs.

When does a horse's coat change begin?

‍The spring coat change usually begins at the end of January to March, the fall coat change often starts in mid-August. The decisive factor is not the temperature, but the length of daylight.

When does the change of coat end in horses?

‍Thisdepends on the individual horse and how it is kept. As a rule, the shedding period lasts 6-8 weeks. It can be significantly longer in older or sick horses.

What triggers the change of coat in horses?

‍Themain trigger is the change in daylight length, which influences hormone production via the pineal gland. Temperature plays a subordinate role.

Why does my horse have flaky skin when its coat changes?

‍Thereis often a nutrient deficiency behind this - especially zinc or essential fatty acids. Dry stable air, lack of care or metabolic stress can also be causes.

Which herbs support the change of coat in horses?

‍Mary thistle, stinging nettle, dandelion and rose hips, for example, are useful. They promote detoxification and strengthen the skin and immune system.

What to feed horses when changing their coat?

‍Acombination of mineral feed, linseed oil, high-quality protein and, if necessary, special coat change supplements is recommended. It is important to provide zinc, biotin, omega-3 and selenium as required.

Why is my horse weak during the change of coat?

‍Thechange of coat puts a lot of strain on the body - especially the immune system and metabolism. Fatigue can indicate a lack of energy, protein or micronutrients.

When should you support a horse's coat change?

‍Itmakes sense to start with supportive measures before the start of the coat change, i.e. in late winter or late summer- especially for sensitive or older animals.