Horses shed their winter coats in order to prepare for the warmer months of the year. As the weather becomes warmer, horses no longer need the insulation provided by their thick winter coats, and shedding allows them to adjust to the new climate. The process of shedding is triggered by changes in daylight and temperature. As the days get longer and warmer, horses begin to shed their winter coats, which are replaced by a lighter, shorter summer coat. Shedding also allows horses to rid themselves of dead or damaged hair, which can cause discomfort and itching. By shedding their winter coats, horses can feel more comfortable and better regulate their body temperature in response to changing environmental conditions.

Shed that Winter Coat

GROOMING: Regular use of grooming tools can help to speed up the shedding process by removing loose hair and stimulating the skin. Use a rubber curry comb or shedding blade to remove loose hair, followed by a stiff brush to remove any remaining dirt and debris.

BATHING: A bath can also help to loosen the hair and speed up shedding. Use a gentle horse shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

DIET: A healthy diet can also contribute to a healthy coat and shedding. Ensure your horse is getting adequate nutrition, including plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals. You may also consider adding skin and coat supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can help promote healthy skin and coat.

EXERCISE: Regular exercise can help to stimulate blood flow and promote shedding.

It's important to note that shedding is a natural process and can vary depending on the individual horse and environmental factors. Be patient and allow your horse to shed at its own pace, and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your horse's coat or overall health.

Grooming Tools to Use

CURRY COMB: Using a curry comb on a horse is a simple process, but it's important to use the correct technique to avoid causing discomfort or injury to the horse. 

• Choose the right curry comb! Curry combs come in different shapes and sizes, and it's important to choose one that's appropriate for your horse's size and coat type. A rubber curry comb with short, stiff bristles is ideal for most horses.
• Place your horse in a comfortable position, such as tied up or in a stall. Stand on the same side as the area you're going to groom.
• Hold the curry comb firmly in your hand and apply moderate pressure in a circular motion. Start at the horse's shoulder and work your way back to the hindquarters, using small, circular motions. Avoid using the curry comb on bony areas, such as the spine or legs, as this can be uncomfortable for the horse.
• Keep an eye on your horse's behavior and body language while grooming. If your horse shows signs of discomfort or pain, such as flinching or swishing its tail, lighten the pressure or move to a different area.
• After grooming, clean the curry comb by tapping it against a hard surface to remove any dirt and hair.

Currying is an important part of horse grooming, as it helps to remove dirt, dead skin cells, and loose hair from the coat, and promotes circulation and skin health. It also helps to distribute natural oils throughout the coat, giving it a healthy shine.

COAT SLICKER: Also known as a shedding blade or shedding tool, is a grooming tool used to remove loose hair and dirt from a horse's coat.

• Choose the right slicker! There are different types of coat slickers, with varying shapes and sizes. Choose a slicker that's appropriate for both you and your horse, easy to manage and easy on the coat.
• You’ll want to be sure your horse is safely tied up in the ally or stalled.
• Hold the coat slicker with both hands, one on each end. Apply moderate pressure and drag the tool in a straight line over the horse's coat, from the neck to the tail. Repeat this motion, working in sections across the horse's body.
• Always watch for signs of discomfort or irritation, you’ll either want to lighten the pressure or move to a different section of the body.
• Clean your coat slicker by lightly tapping on a hard surface and rinse with water to remove any dirt and hair.

Using a coat slicker is an effective way to remove loose hair and dirt from a horse's coat, especially during shedding season. However, it's important to be gentle and avoid using too much pressure, as this can cause discomfort or injury to the horse. Additionally, it's important to avoid using a coat slicker on bony areas, such as the spine or legs, as this can be uncomfortable for the horse.

CLIPPERS: Clipping a horse's coat is a process that involves using clippers to remove hair from the horse's body.

• Before clipping, groom your horse thoroughly to remove any dirt and tangles from the coat. If your horse is nervous around clippers you’ll want to desensitize them with proper training leading up to a clipping session OR consult with your vet for the possible need of sedation if necessary. 
• Choose the right clippers! There are different types of clippers available, with varying sizes and blade lengths. Choose clippers that are appropriate for your horse's size and coat type.
• There are different types of clips, including full body clips, trace clips, and blanket clips. Decide on the type of clip you want to do, and mark the areas you want to clip with chalk or tape.
• Begin at the neck or shoulder and work your way down the horse's body. Use long, smooth strokes with the clippers, and keep the blade flat against the skin to avoid nicking or cutting the horse. Work in sections, and take breaks to clean the blades and cool down the clippers if they become too hot.
• Once you've finished clipping, use scissors or a smaller clipper to touch up any areas you may have missed, such as the legs or face.
• After clipping, it's important to care for the horse's skin and coat. Wash the clipped areas with a gentle shampoo and warm water, and apply a coat conditioner or oil to keep the skin and coat healthy and shiny.

Clipping can be a time-consuming process, and it's important to take your time and be patient. It's also important to be mindful of the horse's comfort and safety throughout the process. If you're unsure about how to clip your horse's coat, consider seeking the advice of a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Top Clipper Picks

WAHL MINIACRO CLIPPER - Ideal for for trimming faces, ears, and paws on pets and muzzles and ears on horses. The Wahl MiniArco rechargeable trimmer provides users 45 minutes of cordless operation and comes equipped with a #30 fine cut blade.

ANDIS TACKMATE EQUINE CLIPPER - A high-speed, adjustable blade clipper for all-around horse grooming. Balanced, ergonomic, quiet, and cool operation means comfortable use for both horse and groomer. The adjustable precision blades offer a full range of grooming styles in cutting lengths of 30-15-10.

OSTER CLIPMASTER CLIPPERS - Perfect for detailed clipping on horses, lambs and cattle, this lightweight, cool-running, versatile clipper gets the job done quickly and efficiently at 3,000 strokes per minute. Complete with adjustable tension knob for easier blade adjustment and quiet, cool-running motor.

Shop All Clippers

Clipping Patterns

There are several different types of coat clips that can be used on horses, depending on the horse's needs, environment and their desired appearance. 

FULL BODY CLIP : As the name suggests, a full body clip involves removing all of the hair from the horse's body, including the head, neck, legs, and belly. This clip is usually done in the winter to help prevent the horse from overheating during exercise, and to make drying after exercise easier.

TRACE CLIP : A trace clip involves removing the hair from the areas of the horse's body where they tend to sweat the most, such as the neck, chest, and girth area. This clip leaves a pattern of hair on the horse's body that helps to wick away sweat and prevent overheating during exercise.

BLANKET CLIP : A blanket clip involves removing the hair from the horse's neck, shoulders, and back, leaving a blanket of hair over the hindquarters and legs. This clip is often used on horses that are in moderate work during the winter, and provides some protection from the cold while allowing the horse to cool down quickly after exercise.

HUNTER CLIP : A hunter clip involves removing the hair from the horse's head, neck, and body, leaving hair on the legs and belly. This clip is often used for horses that are in moderate work during the winter, and provides some protection from the cold while allowing the horse to cool down quickly after exercise.

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