Conditions and Diseases —
16 September 2025
Schedding made easier, less itch
Every horse sheds its coat, and does so twice a year. Even when you hardly notice it, even when it wears a rug, and even in warmer regions where winters are never truly cold. Shedding is not so much about temperature differences, but about changes in daylight. As days shorten in autumn, your horse starts to grow a winter coat. And when the days begin to lengthen again in early spring? The thick winter coat loosens and is replaced by shorter summer hair.
Why do horses shed?
Every horse needs a “new jacket” from time to time. This ensures lasting protection against all kinds of weather conditions. In summer, the coat is shorter and finer than in winter. Unless a horse is always kept in a warm environment, in that case, the winter coat remains relatively short and shedding is barely noticeable. Still, a full coat change takes about 2 to 3 weeks in the best-case scenario. The transition from winter to summer coat is the most striking, and the itchiest. For both horse and owner, since those loose hairs seem to end up everywhere.
Supportng shedding, reducing itch
How can you help your horse shed smoothly and comfortably? Here are some practical tips:
- Groom more frequently
Daily grooming with a stiff brush or special grooming glove helps remove loose hair, speeding up the process of getting rid of the old, itchy coat. A rubber sweat scraper, rough grooming blocks, or shedding tools also work well to loosen and remove old hair.
- Maintain good overall condition
Horses in poor condition, older horses, sick horses, and pony breeds with very thick coats often shed more slowly. Shedding requires a lot of energy, which must be readily available in the body. During shedding season, make sure your horse gets high-quality feed, plenty of exercise, daylight, fresh air, and the opportunity to roll in sand.
- Provide extra nutrients
Shedding is energy-consuming because producing a new coat is a big job for your horse. Even healthy horses in good condition benefit from additional nutrients to support their immune system and nutrient absorption. Supplementing with protein, copper, zinc, and manganese contributes to faster shedding. Adding plant oils, linseed, or vitamins can further support overall condition and promote shine in the new coat.
Maintain optimal coat condition
How do you best support your horse’s health and coat condition? And how do you prevent unnecessary itching and discomfort during shedding? Provide extra, targeted nutrition designed specifically for skin and coat. Tailored feed prevents loss of condition, reduces the risk of rubbing due to stubborn old hair, and helps prevent itchiness. Optimal gut health, and the stronger immunity that comes with it, also makes the “coat change” much easier.
Huid Vitaal: for the very best coat condition
Voermeesters stands for horse feed with a natural composition, made from healthy and pure ingredients. All traceable, certified, and backed by externally approved guarantees and quality marks.
Huid vitaal is an innovative product for optimal skin care from the inside out, a pellet specially formulated for horses with sensitive skin. Huid vitaal supports your horse during shedding or other periods of itching and coat problems. The special formula, with elevated levels of vitamins, minerals, fibres, essential fatty acids, and biotin, ensures the best possible condition of your horse’s skin and coat.
Check the Huid Vitaal product page for the full nutritional values. Huid Vitaal is created by the feed experts at Voermeesters according to the three core principles of Pure Feed, guaranteeing natural ingredients and processing methods.
For a detailed and personalised feeding advice for your horse, feel free to contact our customer service and discover what Skin Vital can do for each of your horses and ponies, especially during shedding season.