Top tips to keep your horse's coat healthy all year
Feel like this season has stolen all of your horse’s shine and replaced it with dry skin and dull hair?
There’s actually a lot you can do to help your horse out with dry skin issues both internally and externally. I’ve put together a list of options that work especially well when used together. Test them out and see what combo is right for solving your horse’s dry skin issues.
The best approach to fixing your horse's dry skin issues
1. Focus on Circulation
Increase circulation and promote natural oil production by doing extra currying or using a cushion brush in areas prone to dander. Working up the dry areas also allows the skin to breath better.
2. The right products make all the difference
Use natural products that are able to be absorbed by the skin not just sit on the surface. We’ve all used that moisturizer that feels like it’s working until you wash your hands and realize they are just as dry as they were before. Well, that’s because it was justing sitting on top of the skin instead of actually healing and nourishing it. I’ve had great luck with Eqyss Rehydrant Spray.
3. The power of antioxidants
Increasing antioxidant intake can also be helpful for keeping skin healthy. Often times over winter horses have less access to fresh foods that are high in antioxidants so adding some can help boost the skin back to its usual summer glow.
4. Sweat it out
Work up a sweat. Help your horse have good circulation and boost its natural skin oils all winter long by keeping up with workouts that get their heart rate up and warm up their entire body. Just be sure they are cool and dry before turn out in cold temps.
5. The power of Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids help to increase oil in the skin. Supplementing with plant-sourced omega 3 oil can be very helpful for increasing the skin’s oil from the inside out. I would avoid the fished based omega three options as they tend to be filled with artificial flavorings (turns out horses don’t like eating fish).
6. Stop it at the source
Look for additional underlying causes. Be sure to watch out for health issues that may be causing excessive dry skin such as thyroid imbalances.
While many of these tips might seem pretty basic you will be amazed at how the benefits add up once you start putting even a couple of them into your routine.
