Coat Change in Horses: Causes, Duration & the Best Tips for Support
At a glance: Dull coat, tiredness, hair everywhere – the coat change in horses is a real high-performance phase for your four-legged friend. We’ll show you what happens in the horse’s body, which nutrients are crucial now, and how to optimally coordinate feeding, care, and management – so your horse comes through the transition period shining.
Spring is approaching, and suddenly you find horse hairs everywhere: in the saddle room, on riding clothes, even in your coffee cup. Welcome to the time of the coat change – a twice-yearly phase that is a huge effort for your horse. With the right knowledge and targeted support, you can make this time much easier for your four-legged friend. We’ll show you how.
What happens in the horse's body during the coat change?
The coat change is much more than just "a bit of shedding." It is a highly active restructuring process of the entire organism, during which the horse's body adjusts to new climatic conditions:
- In spring, the dense, long winter coat is replaced by a light, short summer coat.
- In autumn, the opposite process takes place: the protective undercoat is rebuilt.
During the coat change, metabolism runs at full speed. The body must grow new hair, shed old coat, and at the same time provide energy for movement, digestion, and the immune system. No wonder many horses seem tired, irritable, or less willing to perform during this time.
When does the coat change start in horses?
A widespread assumption: Temperature triggers the coat change. Wrong! The decisive factor is daylight.
In the pineal gland of the horse – a small hormone gland in the brain – the hormone melatonin is produced. This not only regulates the sleep-wake cycle but also the coat change. As soon as the days get shorter or longer, the pineal gland sends a signal to the body.
The Spring Coat Change
Already shortly after the winter solstice (end of December), the horse's body internally starts the transition. From January/February, the first visible signs appear: the coat becomes rougher, individual hairs loosen, and dandruff may occur. As temperatures rise, the horse often sheds its winter coat "all at once."
The Autumn Coat Change
Shortly after the summer solstice (end of June), the body begins to grow its winter coat. The change usually becomes visible in September/October.
Important: Temperature can delay the process. A cold snap in spring keeps the winter coat longer – a mild autumn delays the growth of the undercoat. Both are natural protective mechanisms.
How long does the coat change last?
The coat change is not a short episode but lasts 6 to 8 weeks. For some horses – especially seniors or those with health issues – it can take significantly longer. Since the outer hair has a lifespan of about three months, horses actually shed hair all year round. But in spring and autumn, this happens much more concentrated.
Typical signs that your horse feels the coat change
Not every horse gets through the coat change without problems. You should keep an eye on these symptoms:
| Symptom | Possible cause | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Fatigue, lack of training motivation | High energy demand | Training break or lighter training |
| Dull, lackluster coat | Nutrient deficiency | Adjust feeding |
| Scaly skin, itching | Skin metabolism overwhelmed | Intensify care and skin support |
| Weight loss | Nutrient and energy deficit | Increase energy and protein intake |
| Susceptibility to infections | Weakened immune system | Strengthen immune system, reduce stress |
| Bad mood, irritability | General stress | Patience and targeted support |
The 3 pillars of optimal coat change support
To make the coat change as easy as possible for your horse, you need a well-thought-out concept of feeding, care, and management.
Pillar 1: Needs-based feeding
Since hair consists of about 90% protein (keratin), protein supply is central. But other nutrients are also essential.
Pillar 2: Intensive care
Daily brushing and currying not only removes loose hair but also promotes blood circulation in the skin – the summer coat grows back faster and healthier.
Pillar 3: Smart management
Stress, overtraining, worm treatments, or vaccinations during the coat change are counterproductive. Plan these measures outside the peak phase.
The most important nutrients during the coat change
To ensure your horse goes through the coat change without deficiencies, you need a supply tailored to the following nutrients:
Protein and essential amino acids
Hair consists mostly of keratin – a protein. Especially important are the essential amino acids methionine, lysine, and cysteine. If the hay has fluctuating protein levels, you can supplement with alfalfa, flaxseed, hemp seed, or soybean meal.
Zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium
- Zinc is a main component of keratin and crucial for healthy hair growth
- Copper ensures coat color and structure (copper deficiency = pale, dull coat)
- Manganese supports the elasticity of skin and hair
- Selenium strengthens the immune system and protects cells from oxidative stress
Vitamins
- Biotin (Vitamin H) promotes cell health and new hair growth
- Vitamin E protects the hair-forming cells
- Vitamin A supports skin health
- Vitamin B12 is essential for hair growth
Omega-3 fatty acids
They make the coat supple and shiny. High-quality sources are linseed oil, hemp oil, and black cumin oil.
Bitter substances for the liver
Since the coat change heavily stresses the liver, support with milk thistle, dandelion, or artichoke is advisable.
NURA Haarmonie: Our top recommendation for the coat change
For this phase, we developed our own premium line with NURA HORSE SUPPLEMENTS – functional liquids with high bioavailability, made in Germany according to strict quality standards.
NURA Haarmonie – Skin & Coat Liquid is exactly what your horse needs now
Specifically developed for horses during coat change and for all four-legged friends with increased needs for skin and coat nutrients. The liquid formula ensures particularly high bioavailability – the active ingredients reach quickly and efficiently where they are needed.
Advantages:
- Specially formulated for skin, coat & hooves
- Liquid formula with high bioavailability
- Easy to dose, high acceptance
- Made in Germany, ADMR-compliant
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- 1 liter for about one month of use
Ideal for: horses in acute coat change, seniors, horses with dull coat or skin problems
Additionally useful: These NURA Liquids further support the coat change
Since the coat change is a holistic metabolic process, many horses benefit from a combination:
- NURA Vitalquelle – Metabolism Liquid supports the demanding metabolism and relieves the liver during detoxification.
- NURA Fresh Air – Respiratory Liquid is useful if your horse struggles with hay dust and increased horse hair in the air due to the stable environment.
- NURA Kopfklar – Nerve Liquid helps sensitive horses that react with irritability and reluctance to train during the coat change.
Money-saving tip: Those who want to support several areas benefit more with the NURA Advantage Pack – five liquids for joints, skin & coat, respiratory tract, metabolism, and nerves with a 20% discount in the set.
Optimal coat care during the coat change
Besides feeding, daily coat care is the most important lever to support the coat change. Regular brushing:
- Removes loose hair and dandruff
- Stimulates blood circulation in the skin – new coat grows back faster
- Acts like a massage and relieves tension
- Helps keep mites and fungi away through clean skin
- Strengthens the bond between you and your horse
Coat care from the outside: Sprays & Lotions
For the final touch and a truly shiny summer coat, we recommend the care line of our own brand whinny X bay. The products are specially tailored to the needs of horses, with high acceptance, pleasant scents, and high-quality ingredients.
whinny X bay Spray Shampoo "Time for a Wash" Coconut Paradise
The foaming spray shampoo cleans thoroughly without destroying the skin's natural protective film. With a pleasant coconut scent – ideal for the first spring shower when the weather allows. Suitable for all coat colors.
whinny X bay Mane Spray "Chic Mane" Peach & Water Lily
Provides silky shine and makes the long hair easier to comb – even stubborn tangles can be easily detangled with the mane spray. With an exotic scent of peach and water lily.
whinny X bay Mineral Paste Magic Mineral
A versatile cooling and care paste with arnica and chamomile – ideal for stressed skin areas, tired legs, or as a soothing treatment after training.
Care tip: During coat change, horses lose a lot of sweat and skin flakes. Therefore, wash the grooming brushes and curry combs regularly – and also clean saddle pads, Schabracken, and blankets thoroughly so that mites and fungi have no chance.
The right brushes for coat change
Not every brush is suitable for coat change. These three tools should not be missing in any grooming kit:
1. Rubber curry comb
The classic for coat change. Loosens loose hairs and massages the skin. Especially recommended: the Animalon CareFlex rubber curry comb with ergonomic design.
2. Magic Brush or coat change brush
Special coat change brushes like the Haas FURminator coat change brush remove loose undercoat particularly effectively.
3. Soft curry comb
To finish, a soft curry comb like the Grooming Deluxe Body Brush Middle Soft brings shine to the coat and evenly distributes natural skin oils.
Seniors during coat change: What you should especially watch out for
For older horses, the coat change is often particularly exhausting. Their metabolism works slower, the immune system is less efficient, and they lose weight more easily. You should keep these points in mind:
- More protein: High-quality protein sources like alfalfa or flaxseed
- More energy: Additional oil (flaxseed or hemp oil) or hay cubes as needed
- Mash 2-3x per week: Provides protein, is easily digestible, and often contains flaxseed
- Targeted supplements: NURA Haarmonie specifically supports skin and coat nutrients
- Liver support: milk thistle or bitter herbs during the coat change period
- Patience in training: seniors need longer to recover
Coat change management tips
To help your horse get through the coat change well, you should also adjust the surroundings:
- Postpone deworming and vaccinations – both additionally burden the metabolism
- Reduce training intensity – no high-performance sports during the coat change
- Avoid stress – avoid stable changes or competitions if possible
- Use blankets wisely – not too warm, otherwise the coat change is delayed
- Watch for skin problems – mites, fungi, and summer eczema are favored during this phase
- Regularly check water – sufficient hydration is essential for metabolism
- Exercise in fresh air – sunlight and movement promote the natural hormone balance
FAQ: The most common questions about the horse’s coat change
When does the coat change start in horses?
The horse’s body internally starts adjusting shortly after the winter solstice (end of December). The spring coat change is usually visible from January/February. In autumn, the adjustment begins after the summer solstice (end of June), visible in September/October.
How long does the coat change last in horses?
Usually 6 to 8 weeks. For seniors, sick, or stressed horses, the coat change can last up to 12 weeks.
What should I feed my horse during the coat change?
A needs-based supply of protein (e.g., alfalfa, flaxseed), zinc, copper, selenium, biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids is crucial. A liquid special supplement like NURA Haarmonie provides all important nutrients with high bioavailability.
Which brush is best for the coat change?
A combination of rubber curry comb, coat change brush (e.g., FURminator), and soft carding brush is optimal. The rubber curry comb loosens, the special brush removes the undercoat, and the carding brush adds shine.
My horse is tired during the coat change – is that normal?
Yes. The coat change is a high-performance phase for the metabolism. Fatigue, lack of training motivation, and a subdued mood are normal. Reduce training intensity and support your four-legged friend with adjusted feeding.
Should I clip my horse during the coat change?
In most cases, no. Clipping only makes sense if your horse is trained intensively and sweats heavily so that the winter coat doesn’t dry. Discuss this with your stable manager or trainer.
Can worming treatments and vaccinations be done during shedding?
Better not. Both put extra strain on the already stressed metabolism. Plan these measures during the "quiet" times outside of shedding.
My senior horse loses weight during shedding – what to do?
Increase energy intake with additional oil, hay cubes, or Mash. Focus on high-quality protein sources like alfalfa. A vet check is advisable to rule out other causes like dental problems.
Does brewer’s yeast help with shedding?
Yes. Brewer’s yeast contains vitamins B and E and promotes mineral absorption in the gut. It’s an affordable and natural supplement – though not as targeted as a special supplement like NURA Haarmonie.
Can I speed up shedding?
Limited. You can support the process with good feeding, intensive brushing, and fresh air exercise, but the length of daylight is the decisive factor – and you can’t influence that.
Conclusion: Shine through shedding with the right support
Shedding is a natural but demanding phase in the horse’s year. With a clear concept of tailored feeding, intensive grooming, and smart management, you can make this time much easier for your horse. Pay special attention to targeted supply of protein, zinc, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids – and take time for daily brushing. Your horse will thank you with a shiny summer coat and renewed energy.
Are you looking for the right products for the shedding season? In the kavalio online shop you’ll find everything your horse needs now – from our own premium line NURA HORSE SUPPLEMENTS to the high-quality Grooming Products from whinny X bay and the best brushes for shedding. Fast delivery, lovingly packaged, free shipping from €89.
