The Secret to a Shiny Coat

There's something truly mesmerizing about a horse with a sleek and shiny coat. It's a sign of health and vitality, and it's one of the most beautiful sights in the equine world. However, achieving and maintaining that glossy coat requires understanding and care.

The Importance of a Healthy Coat

A healthy horse boasts a smooth, glossy coat, with its shine varying based on the season, diet, and grooming practices. When a horse's coat loses its lustre, becoming dull, harsh, or coarse, it's a clear indication that something is amiss.

Common Causes of a Dull Coat

Several factors can lead to a lacklustre coat, including:

·       Sun bleaching
·       Fungal infections
·       Parasites and insect bites
·       Allergies
·       Chemical exposure (shampoos and medications)
·       Worms
·       Cushing's disease (PPID)
·       Thyroid imbalances
·       Nutritional deficiencies

Identifying the exact cause can be challenging, but with some proactive measures, you can minimize the risks and address issues promptly.

Diet and Allergies

Diet plays a crucial role in coat health. Severe nutritional deficiencies can dull a horse's coat, though even prolonged poor nutrition often has a surprisingly minimal impact on skin and hair. However, underfed horses are more susceptible to skin infections.

Allergies, particularly from insect bites, can cause hives and itchiness. Food allergies are rare, but insect control is essential. Effective strategies include:

·       Moving horses away from water sources, manure piles, and cattle
·       Stabling horses during peak insect activity times
·       Using fly sheets or masks with permethrin repellent
·       Installing fans in stables
·       Utilising time-release insecticide sprays
·       Introducing fly wasps in compost and manure areas, and fish in ponds

The most common insects are the biting culicoides midges, which often attack the back and ears. In a midsummer survey, 1,500 midges were caught between 6 PM and 10 PM, with very few caught between 7 AM and 4 PM.

Seasonal allergies may also be due to pollen, insects, house and dust mites in the summer, and stable and mould dust in winter. Some horses improve when moved to a different area, kept inside rather than outside – or outside rather than inside – depending on the cause. Those allergic to mould spores and dust may do better on pasture, while those allergic to summer pasture, pollen, and insects may be better kept indoors during the season.

Grooming and Sun Exposure

Insufficient grooming and sun exposure can also lead to a dull coat. Sweat can be irritating, and harsh shampoos can strip natural oils, disrupting the skin's acid balance and increasing the risk of bacteria and parasites. Opt for pH-balanced horse shampoos to soothe allergies and dull coats. Bathing with cool water can rehydrate the skin, improve its barrier function, and prevent secondary infections.

Beneficial Products

Consider using:

·       Colloidal oatmeal products for reducing itchiness
·       Sulphur/salicylic acid shampoos for reducing scaliness
·       Antimicrobial shampoos (benzoyl peroxide, chlorhexidine, or imidazoles) for bacterial conditions
·       Lime sulphur for its multi-tasking properties (anti-parasitic, anti-itching, anti-seborrhoea, and antibacterial)

Dietary Supplements

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vital for coat and skin health. Include:

·       Omega-3, 6, and 9 from linseed, canola (flaxseed), and cold-water marine fish oils
·       Omega-6 from sunflower, corn, evening primrose, and safflower oils
·       Omega-9 from olive oil

Crushed flaxseed is particularly beneficial, providing minerals and amino acids, and Jenquine all-4-feet provides essential vitamins and minerals often deficient in diets and manufactured feeds.

Comprehensive Care

Horses can suffer from multiple allergies (environmental, insect, food, drugs, etc.), so treatment must address all potential causes. If a horse's coat shows significant changes, fails to shed properly, or becomes rough, it's essential to seek veterinary advice.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your horse's coat remains healthy and shiny, a delight to look at and a reflection of your care and their overall well-being.

Dr Jennifer Stewart
BVSc BSc PhD Equine Veterinarian and Consultant Nutritionist