Shedding out! It’s that time of year!
Shedding season has arrived, and with it comes the annual ritual of pulling what feels like an entire second horse out of your own. I started on our Gypsy Vanner, The Pirate King, this weekend, and after about an hour, I looked down to find I had nearly created another one at my feet.
Time… not Temperature
When I first entered the horse world and experienced “grooming throughout the seasons,” I was amazed to learn that it’s time, not temperature, that triggers shedding. That is, as daylight stretches further into evening hours, horse biology says, “get rid of that winter coat!”
And, boy, do they ever!
There are some things that can speed up the shedding process, like keeping horses in work. Regular exercise can help move the process along, as increased circulation supports the skin and coat. But at its foundation, a healthy shed begins from within.
From the Inside Out
A good coat starts with good nutrition. Balanced oils and essential amino acids play a quiet but essential role in coat condition, shine, and overall health. When the inside is supported, the outside follows.
(Click on any photo to purchase!)
CocoSoya
CocoSoya is a great addition when you want to support coat condition from the inside out. It helps reduce dust in feed, improves palatability, and adds a steady source of calories that supports overall condition and shine.
Tri-Amino Supplement
I like including a Tri-Amino supplement when I want to support overall condition from within. It provides key amino acids that help maintain healthy hooves, a strong coat, and good muscle tone, and it’s one of those small additions that really shows up over time.
The Ritual of Grooming
There’s nothing quite like a proper spring grooming session.
This is the season for tools that can keep up. Whether it’s a well-designed shedding blade, a trusted brush, or a pair of gloves that actually make the process easier, the goal is the same: remove what’s ready to go while stimulating circulation and distributing natural oils.
And if you’ve ever found yourself covered head to toe in hair, you know the right tool makes all the difference.
HandsOn Gloves for Grooming
I’ve been using these grooming gloves for years, and they’ve made a noticeable difference. They work wet or dry, don’t hold onto hair, and make it much easier to reach tricky spots like legs and faces. The horses seem to enjoy them too. It feels more like a massage than a chore, and somehow my hands stay clean in the process.
WORLD’S #1 PATENTED GROOMING TOOL: SleekEZ
The SleekEZ has been another go-to this time of year. It’s incredibly effective at removing loose hair but still feels gentle on the coat. I also love that it doesn’t just stop at grooming. It works just as well on saddle pads, blankets, and even around the barn where hair seems to collect everywhere.
Electro Groom
For a more heavy-duty option, the Electro Groom is one of those tools that really earns its place in the barn. It’s powerful enough to handle serious dirt, dust, and shedding, but still versatile for different areas of the horse. The wheels make it easy to move around, and the attachments help switch between brushing and blowing out coats. It’s a bit of an investment, but if you’re grooming regularly, it can save a lot of time and effort.
Figura Clippers
The Figura clippers are a great all-around option to have on hand. They’re quiet, lightweight, and easy to use, which makes them especially nice for sensitive horses. The cordless design is a bonus and makes quick touch-ups much more convenient.
Haas Diva Exclusive Grooming Brush
The Haas Diva brush is one of those tools I always come back to. It’s soft, beautifully made, and gives the coat that final polished shine. It feels as good in your hand as it looks, and it’s easy to keep clean after use.
Bathing & Skin Care
With warmer days comes bath season… and the chance to truly reset the coat.
A good wash does more than clean. It brightens, lifts, and restores, especially for lighter coats that have endured a long winter. And as the rain rolls in, so do seasonal skin challenges.
Mane ‘N Tail Shampoo & Conditioner Combo Set (32 oz Each) For Horses & Humans!
Mane ‘n Tail is a true classic. Tried and trusted for decades, it’s one of those staples that always delivers a clean, soft, and manageable coat.
Vetrolin Bath
Vetrolin Bath is one I reach for when I want a coat to really come back to life. It brightens, lifts, and handles even the toughest stains, all while leaving the coat soft and well-conditioned.
Shapely’s M-T-G
Shapley’s M-T-G is one of those longtime staples I keep on hand this time of year. It’s especially helpful when dealing with seasonal skin issues like rain rot, supporting the skin while helping keep the coat in good condition.
ShowSheen
ShowSheen is one of those finishing touches that really makes a difference. It helps keep the coat clean longer, cuts down on grooming time, and leaves everything smooth and manageable. I can’t be without this for detangling Pirate’s long mane and feathers!
Don’t Forget the Hooves
Spring conditions can be just as hard on hooves as they are on coats. Moisture, mud, and fluctuating temperatures make consistent hoof care essential.
Conditioning and protection now go a long way in preventing cracks, dryness, and long-term damage.
Farnam’s Horseshoer’s Secret
I like keeping Horseshoer’s Secret on hand, especially in the spring when hooves need a little extra support. It helps maintain moisture and keeps everything looking and feeling healthy.
And Now For The Rest Of It!
Spring always feels like a reset for the horses… and for us. To make the transition into spring a little easier, I’ve put together a simple Tack to Tail Spring Cleaning Checklist. It covers everything from grooming and tack care to barn and seasonal prep, so nothing gets overlooked.
Download the checklist here:
Happy Spring!
- The Barngoddess
Turn 'em out to roll in the mud! Just don't plan on riding until later in June.