As the UK clocks are getting closer to leaping forward an hour and the days are beginning to brighten, every horse owner knows the signs: hair on your clothes, hair in your drinks, basically hair everywhere! Did you know that the rise in temperature isn’t the primary trigger for your horse or pony to start moulting? It’s actually the increase in daylight hours that signals your horse’s brain to start shedding their winter coat.
Why Is My Horse Moulting Now?
While a sudden warm spell helps shedding begin, it is actually governed by the pineal gland. As days lengthen, hormones are released and this kick starts the moulting, to make room for a sleek summer coat. This transition can be itchy and a bit uncomfortable for your horse, making a dedicated grooming routine pretty essential. We think it is a really rewarding job seeing how much hair you can get out in a grooming session!
The Best Tools for the Job – Forelock and Load Moulting Bundle!
To keep your horse (and your washing machine) happy, you need the right kit. Based on what our team have used so far this year, here are our top picks:
- Ezi-Groom Metal Shedding Blade: The essential first step. Use the coarse side to shift the bulk of the winter undercoat and the fine side for sensitive areas. This handy piece of kit is brilliant for horses and ponies with a full coat.
- Ezi-Groom Flick Dandy Brush: Once the loose hair has been swept away, this long bristled dandy brush helps lifts out the dust and dander.
- LeMieux Flexi Curry Comb: Ergonomically designed to follow the horse’s contours, this is perfect for massaging the skin and stimulating natural oils during the itchier phases of moulting. It is also very comfy in your hand!
- Wahl Dirty Beastie Shampoo 31:1 Concentrate When it is warm enough, a good bath! This natural animal shampoo effectively cleanses even the thickest of coats! It smells divine and helps promote a healthy and glossy coat. Be warned, a little goes a long way!
- Carr & Day & Martin Canter Mane & Tail Conditioner: As the weather warms, this keeps the tail tangle-free and silky soft.
- LeMieux Hands On Grooming Gloves: Wear these to de-hair your horse while you bond—it feels like a massage to them, but it’s a powerhouse shedding tool for you.
A Helping Hand for Our Feathered Friends
You’ve likely seen plenty of wild garden birds in and around your yard and fields, especially Blue Tits, Great Tits and Robins darting around. Birds absolutely love horse hair for lining their nests! It provides incredible insulation and a soft layer for their eggs to sit on.
Top Tip for Bird Safety: If you want to help your local birds, leave a few handfuls of clean, brushed hair in a suet feeder or tucked into a hedge. However, please don’t put out any hair which has been sprayed with fly repellent prior to a grooming session as this may harm the birds.
