Spring Shedding Strategies: Helping Your Horse Transition Smoothly

Oh hey, it’s me, the rogue horse hair that somehow found its way into your coffee… again, Lindsay LaBella. And today, we’re talking about spring shedding season—because nothing says "welcome to warmer weather" like looking like a human Chia Pet covered in horse fuzz.

Spring is here, and if your horse currently resembles a shaggy yak, congratulations! You’ve made it through another winter. But now it’s time to help them ditch the excess fluff and get them sleek, comfortable, and ready for the warmer months ahead.

Today we will discuss:
✅ Why horses shed
✅ The best tools and techniques to speed up the process.
✅ How grooming helps more than just shedding—we’re talking skin health, circulation, and even bonding time with your horse.

So grab a curry comb, a shedding blade, and maybe a lint roller for yourself—let’s get into it!

Understanding the Shedding Process: Why It’s More Than Just Temperature

First, let’s clear up a common myth: horses don’t shed because of the temperature. Nope, it’s all about photoperiod—a fancy word for the amount of daylight in a 24-hour period. As the days get longer, their body receives a biological signal: "Hey, time to lose the fluff!"

This natural shedding cycle is controlled by the pineal gland, which responds to changes in daylight and influences the horse’s hormone production. As daylight increases, the gland signals the production of melatonin, which in turn triggers the shedding process.

That’s why even if you get hit with random cold snaps in April (which, let’s be honest, happens every year in New York), your horse is still going to shed. Their body isn’t basing its decision on temperature—it’s following its internal clock.

How Long Does Shedding Take?

Horses don’t just drop their entire winter coat overnight. Shedding happens in cycles, and it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for their sleek summer coat to fully come in. Some horses start shedding as early as late January or February, while others don’t hit their peak until March or April.

Factors that can affect how quickly or slowly a horse sheds include:

✔️ Breed & Coat Type: Some horses, like Icelandics or ponies, have incredibly thick coats that take longer to shed out, while Thoroughbreds or Arabians often shed faster.
 ✔️ Age: Senior horses sometimes shed slower due to changes in metabolism or pituitary function. Horses with Cushing’s disease (PPID) may even struggle to shed at all.
 ✔️ Health & Nutrition: A horse that’s lacking key nutrients—especially omega-3s, biotin, and protein—might have a dull or patchy coat that takes longer to transition.
 ✔️ Artificial Lighting: Horses kept in well-lit barns during the winter (especially show horses) may shed earlier than pasture-kept horses exposed to natural light cycles.

How Owners Can Support a Healthy Shedding Process

While shedding is a natural process, we can help speed it up and make it more comfortable for our horses.

💡 Maximize Natural Light Exposure – If your horse is stalled for long periods, consider turning them out more often so their body can sync up with natural daylight cycles.

💪 Support with Nutrition – A healthy coat starts from the inside out. Essential nutrients that support coat growth include:
 ✔ Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in flaxseed, DAC oil, or chia seeds, these improve coat shine and skin health.
 ✔ Protein – A horse’s coat is made of keratin, which requires a good protein source to grow strong and healthy. Have your hay tested so you know what you’re feeding.
 ✔ Zinc & Copper – These trace minerals are essential for coat and skin health. Horses with deficiencies may have patchy shedding or dull coats. A good quality ration balancer feed is what most horses need and feed it per the directions from the manufacturer. 
 🛠 Groom Regularly – Using the right shedding tools (like curry combs and shedding blades) helps loosen dead hair and promotes better circulation for a healthier coat.

🚨 Watch for Uneven Shedding – If your horse isn’t shedding properly—especially if they’re holding onto long tufts of hair or have a rough, dull coat—it might be a sign of an underlying health issue, like Cushing’s disease, ulcers or a nutritional imbalance and it’s a good idea to talk to your vet. 

The Best Tools for Spring Shedding

Alright, let’s talk tools! You’ve got options, and depending on your horse (and how much horse hair you’re willing to wear for the day), some might work better than others. No one tool works for every horse, so having a few options in your grooming kit is the best way to tackle shedding season efficiently.

🌀 Curry Combs – Your first line of defense against shedding. A good rubber curry loosens up that winter coat, bringing all the dead hair to the surface so you can easily remove it with other tools. Bonus: It stimulates circulation and spreads natural oils, which help bring out that sleek summer shine. Try circular motions for the best results, and don’t forget to go over the muscles and larger areas before switching to a finer tool.

🌀 Shedding Blades – The MVP of spring grooming. These metal-looped tools pull out loose hair fast, making them a must-have for those heavy-duty shedders. But a word of caution—these are not for sensitive areas like the face and legs. Use light pressure and short strokes to avoid irritating the skin.

🌀 Grooming Gloves – If your horse is extra sensitive or if your hands get sore from all that brushing, gloves with rubber nubs are a great alternative. They let you massage while shedding, making it a relaxing experience for your horse (and a bit of an arm workout for you). Some horses who dislike shedding blades or hard curry combs will tolerate these much better.

🌀 Vacuum or Blower – Yes, some people go high-tech! If your barn buddy has a shop vac, give it a try—some horses love it, and it can suck up loose hair before it covers you from head to toe. On the flip side, a leaf blower can also work wonders if your horse is comfortable with the noise and airflow. If you’ve got a horse that spooks easily, maybe ease them into it first before firing up the full blast.

🌀 Sweat Scrapers (for Wet Grooming) – Pro tip: Lightly misting your horse with water before using a curry comb can help cut down on floating hair clouds that stick to literally everything. This is especially useful on warm days when you can hose them off after a grooming session—it keeps the hair contained and makes for a cleaner experience overall.

What About Clipping?

If you’re dealing with a super fuzzy horse or one who takes forever to shed out, you might be thinking, "Should I just clip them?" The short answer? Maybe. But clipping is a whole other topic with its own set of pros and cons, and it’s definitely not for every horse. Some owners prefer to body clip their horses early in the season to speed up the transition, especially if their horse is working regularly and overheating. Others avoid it entirely, since it can affect how the coat naturally adjusts to temperature changes.

Since clipping is a big decision, we’ll save that deep dive for another episode! But if you’re considering it, think about your horse’s workload, turnout situation, and how much you’re willing to manage blanketing afterward.

Beyond Shedding: Why Grooming Matters

[00:08:00]

Shedding season isn’t just about removing extra hair—it’s your best chance to check in on your horse’s overall health. While brushing away those mountains of loose fur, take the time to assess their skin, muscle condition, and overall well-being.

💡 Skin Health: More Than Just Shedding Hair

Regular grooming allows you to spot potential skin issues early before they become a bigger problem. Once their thick winter coat starts coming out, it reveals the skin underneath—and what’s hiding beneath all that hair might surprise you.

Here’s what to watch for:
✔ Fungal infections & Rain Rot – Patchy bald spots, scabby areas, or flaky skin? These could be early signs of fungal or bacterial infections like rain rot or ringworm, which thrive in damp, sweaty winter coats.
 ✔ Dry Skin & Dandruff – If your horse’s skin is flaky or feels rough, they might need extra moisture in their diet or topical treatments. Adding omega-3s like flaxseed or fish oil can help improve coat and skin health from the inside out.
 ✔ External Parasites – Lice, mites, or ticks are sneaky little critters that love hiding in thick coats. Pay close attention to the base of the mane, the tail dock, and under the belly. If your horse is rubbing or itching excessively, it might be time for a closer look.

💪 Muscle & Body Condition: The Shedding Season Reality Check

As your horse sheds, their true body condition is revealed. A thick winter coat can sometimes hide weight loss or weight gain, making spring the perfect time to evaluate their fitness and adjust their care.

✔ Too Ribby? – If your horse looks leaner than expected, it might be time to increase their forage intake or adjust their grain ration. Some horses burn extra calories in the cold months, especially if they don’t have enough hay or shelter.
 ✔ Too Round? – On the flip side, if they’re too fluffy around the edges, now is a great time to increase exercise and manage diet before the summer heat makes conditioning rides harder.
 ✔ Muscle Tone Check – Shedding season is also a good time to run your hands over their muscles. Do they feel even and well-developed? Any areas of tension, atrophy, or soreness? Grooming is the first step in early injury detection.

🐎 Bonding Time: More Than Just a Routine

Horses thrive on routine, and daily grooming isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about connection. Spending that extra time currying and brushing helps reinforce trust and relaxation, which is especially important for new horses, green horses, or those who get antsy after winter downtime.

✔ Grooming builds positive associations – A thorough grooming session isn’t just about getting rid of hair—it’s an opportunity for your horse to relax and enjoy human interaction.
 ✔ It’s a mental reset – Especially for horses coming out of a long winter break, daily grooming eases them back into work and reminds them that handling is part of their routine.
 ✔ And let’s be real… – There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching piles of loose hair collect on the barn floor. It’s like a horse-owner rite of passage.

Pro Tips for a Smoother Shedding Season

[00:12:00]

Before we wrap up, here are a few final tips to make shedding season less of a hairy nightmare (for both you and your horse):

✔ Groom in a breezy spot –Groom outside where the breeze can carry the excess away—bonus points the birds love all that loose hair for their spring nests.

✔ Dress appropriately – Avoid fleece at all costs. That stuff attracts horse hair like a magnet, and you’ll be picking it off for days. Instead, opt for smooth fabrics like nylon or windbreakers that repel hair more easily. If you really want to go pro, grab a lightweight grooming apron to keep the hair from sticking to your clothes.

✔ Feed for coat health – Great coats start from the inside out. Make sure your horse is getting enough:

✔ Keep up with deworming & vet checks – If your horse is:

• Shedding unevenly
• Holding on to patches of winter coat
• Looking dull and scruffy despite good grooming

It might be time for a vet check-up. There could be many reasons from Cushings, ulcers, nutrition to parasites.  Your vet is there to help figure out how to proceed. 

If you found today’s episode helpful, make sure to like, share, and leave a 5-star review! It helps more trail riders find us.

And as always—respect the trail, wear a helmet, and keepthe horse hair out of your mouth!

🎤 Happy trails!