Top 5 products to help you manage coat changes more effectively
Spring-like temperatures or temperature drop in late-summer mean that the shedding season is now in full swing. We’d like to introduce you to five products that will help you get this „hairy business“ under control and actively support your horse during
coat changes.
1. SHOWMASTER Shedding Brush Premium
In the wild, horses manage to shed their old coat during shedding season by increased rubbing and rolling; they also make use of mutual grooming within the herd to get rid of dead hair. With the SHOWMASTER Shedding Brush Premium, you can brush out the unwanted undercoat as part of your daily grooming routine. The shedding brush is available in three different sizes and fits comfortably in the hand. For sensitive areas, however, we recommend the product listed under point 4.
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2. Original Landmühle Linseed Oil
Our bestseller for healthy skin and a glossy coat is Original Landmühle Linseed Oil. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play a significant role in maintaining good health, not only in human nutrition but also for horses. This is because the body cannot produce these unsaturated fatty acids itself and they must therefore be supplied through the diet. Linseed oil is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This gently cold-pressed oil not only gives a glossy coat, but also helps to combat skin irritation and supports the immune system, which is working overtime, particularly during coat changes. It is very well accepted by horses – especially when mixed into their feed – and is very cost-effective at a daily dose of 30-45ml.
Shop Original Landmühle Linseed OilDid you know that dogs also benefit from a dash of linseed oil in their food when they are shedding?
3. SHOWMASTER Scratch and Massage Brush Deluxe
Shedding season puts a great deal of strain on the skin. The old coat gradually falls out and the new coat is already pushing through underneath. For many horses, this process is also accompanied by itching, which is very uncomfortable and causes stress. As well as daily grooming, you can provide your horse with a safe way to scratch itself in the paddock during shedding season. With the SHOWMASTER Scratch and Massage Brush Deluxe, your horse can relieve itself of that annoying itch. It can be mounted at popular „scratching spots“ like corners or posts.
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4. SHOWMASTER Grooming Glove Groomy
Our top tip for horse care during shedding season is the SHOWMASTER Grooming Glove Groomy. The palms are fitted with various nubs. Thanks to these soft nubs, you can brush your horse even in sensitive areas whilst wearing the gloves. Dead hair gets caught on the glove and can then be easily removed; at the same time, the glove massages the skin, stimulating blood circulation.
Shop the SHOWMASTER Grooming Glove Groomy5. SHOWMASTER Clipper Perfect-Cut Pro
If temperatures rise too quickly, or if your (vulnerable or older) horse is struggling to shed its coat and is becoming too uncomfortable as a result, it may be worth considering a partial or full clip using a clipper to ease the transition to warmer temperatures. With the powerful SHOWMASTER Clipper Perfect-Cut Pro, clipping can now be done without the hassle of a cable that you have to manoeuvre around the horse. The clipper has a long-lasting battery that allows for up to 1.5 hours of continuous clipping. Our tip for detailed clipping: With the added support of the SHOWMASTER Clipper Easy Clip, you’ll be able to clip even sensitive areas with ease.
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What else can you do during coat changes?
- During this time, choose riding clothing made from smooth fabrics. Rough-textured fabrics such as fleece trap flying hairs and are then very difficult to remove. If your favourite item does end up covered in hair, we recommend our SHOWMASTER Super Groomer or the Animal Hair Remover.
- Keep your horse’s grooming equipment clean, as the skin is particularly prone to skin infections or fungal diseases during the coat change.
- Start supplementing your horse’s diet with essential nutrients early on, ideally around the winter and/or summer solstice, when the change of coat begins.
- Coat changes are a real energy drain! Increase your horse’s concentrated feed intake.
- Adjust your horse’s training workload! Coat changes throws your horse’s energy balance out of kilter, and the itchy skin can also make them grumpy. So try to avoid additional stress as much as possible.