If dealing with shedding were the worst problem we have to face with horses, we would be blessed indeed - but it's still a pain. Getting to that glorious new coat underneath will always be predominantly a matter of time, patience and elbow grease, but there are a few things you can do to hasten things along.
A horse with Cushing's disease
Other than exercise and investing in a horse vacuum (which makes a huge difference!) there's no way to influence the normal process in a shedding horse.
© 2018 by Cheval Ile de Batz
Horses in work shed out more quickly. This probably has to do with more blood flow to the skin, with more sebum and sweat production easing the hairs out. Exercise can also save grooming time. Give the horse a good curry before you lunge and watch the hair fly off as he works.
Other than exercise and investing in a good horse vacuum (which makes a huge difference!) there's no way to influence the normal process. However, there is a check list for skin and coat health that will help everything go as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Delayed shedding or failure to shed, especially if the coat is unusually long or curly, is a hallmark of Cushing's Disease (PPID). This will only respond to treatment that restores normal dopamine levels in the brain.
If your horse has held onto a coat that has turned a stark straw to rust color, that's not normal. A heavy parasite burden can do this, especially in foals and older horses.
Otherwise, look for areas where important aspects of nutrition may be subpar.
Vitamin A is a key nutrient for skin and coat. Hay begins to lose vitamin A activity 6 months after baling. By 1 year it is often too low to meet requirements. This starts to become an issue in late winter/early spring, before the grass has come in well or that year's hay has been baled.
The more faded from bright green the hay has become, the more vitamin A loss there has been. Target supplementation until the horse goes on pasture or that year's hay is available to 20,000 to 40,000 IU/day. If the horse is not already getting this much from supplements or grains, add it separately.
The amount of fat a horse requires in the diet to support life is considerably less than what will give you optimal skin and coat health. A shiny smooth coat, supple moist skin and good local immune defenses result from supplementation of as little as 4 to 6 oz/day.
Biotin is also extremely important for skin health and skin cell division. Dry, flaking skin can signal suboptimal biotin intake. No specific daily requirement has been established, but research into the effects of biotin on hoof quality have repeatedly demonstrated that an intake of 20 to 30 mg/day provides best results. [Note: The hoof wall, sole and frog are specialized forms of skin.]
Finally, inadequate intake of protein in general or specific amino acids will adversely affect hair growth. If your hay is of poor quality or cut at a very late growth stage, you may need more protein from high quality sources. Otherwise, it may only be lysine and methionine you need to supplement. Give 10 g/day of lysine and 5 of methionine.
Don't let shedding be a bigger pain than it needs to be. Plug any nutritional holes now for a smooth transition to that new coat.
Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya®, offers supplements to promote a healthy skin and coat.
Vitamin A 5000 provides 5000 IU of Vitamin A to promote skin and coat health, eye health, and night vision. Also important for bone formation, immunity, fetal development, gum health, and gene activity.
CocoSoya promotes healthy skin, a glossy coat and excellent body condition. Helps to keep hooves nourished and moisturized by supporting the waterproof barrier. Also provides a healthy fat and cool-calorie energy source to build and maintain healthy weight while supporting healthy blood sugar levels.
Tri-Amino promotes the synthesis of structural proteins, especially hooves and connective tissues, and hair and mane coat. Also helps maintain strong muscles, healthy weight, and supports a healthy topline with the three most essential amino acids.
CocoHoof is a high-potency hoof supplement gives weak, shelly hooves a boost of fatty acids, amino acids, essential vitamins and minerals to support normal hoof growth and strong, tough hooves.
Chasteberry supports the activity of dopamine. Since dopamine regulates LH and FSH secretion, this is believed to be how the plant works to maintain balance.
About Dr. Kellon
Dr. Eleanor Kellon, staff veterinary specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition, is an established authority in the field of equine nutrition for over 30 years, and a founding member and leader of the Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance (ECIR) group, whose mission is to improve the welfare of horses with metabolic disorders via integration of research and real-life clinical experience. Prevention of laminitis is the ultimate goal.
Press release provided by Uckele Health & Nutrition