Shedding Season: What You Need to Know
Winter brings fluffy ponies and cosy cuddles, but as the days get longer, that thick winter coat starts to drop and make way for a sleek summer one. And every horse person knows the struggle that follows — hair everywhere. Here’s how to manage shedding season effectively.
Grooming Tools: What Works and What to Watch For
There are many shedding tools available, but they all rely on one thing: elbow grease.
- A classic curry comb is always reliable.
- The Striphair groomer is excellent for the whole body, including legs, heads and faces where curry combs can be too harsh.
- Other combs, blocks and blades can work well, but be careful not to damage the new summer coat underneath.
Whatever tool you choose, the best advice is simple: stand upwind.
The Secret Weapon: Coat Oil
A highly effective way to speed up shedding is using a good coat oil designed specifically for horses. Human oils or supermarket oils don’t absorb the same way.
My go‑to is HSE Hot Oil Coat Conditioner. It helps drop coats fast and keeps skin healthy.
Why Coat Oil Helps Shedding
When horses begin shedding, their bodies produce more sebum — a natural oily wax that moisturises skin and hair. You’ll often feel this greasiness right before the coat starts to fall.
Here’s why coat oil works:
- Sebum becomes sticky around the hair follicle.
- Coat oil dissolves that sticky sebum more effectively than shampoo.
- This loosens dead hair so it sheds naturally.
- It lifts dirt and dead skin that can slow the process.
- Unlike shampoo, coat oil adds beneficial oils instead of stripping natural ones.
Grooming the oil into the coat also boosts blood circulation and helps release loose hairs.
Bonus: Better Coat Health
Applying coat oil while the new coat is growing nourishes the skin and hair, promoting:
- healthier regrowth
- deeper colour
- a softer, shinier finish
How to Apply Hot Oil
You can use it two ways:
1. Bucket Method Dilute the oil in a bucket of warm water and sponge it on. Ideal for thick coats or deep conditioning.
2. Spray Bottle Method Mix with warm water and spray on, then groom in. Great for cold days or when you want to stay dry.
About the “Hot” in Hot Oil
It doesn’t have to be used hot, but warm is ideal.
Warm water opens the pores so the oil absorbs better. If you don’t have hot water at the barn, bring a kettle or thermos.
If that’s not possible, apply it to a warm horse after work when their skin is naturally warm and pores are open.