Supporting the Coat Change
With the first warm days, horses begin their coat change. This process places significant demands on the organism, making optimal nutrient supply essential.
If your horse appears unusually tired during this time or seems less capable when riding, adjusting the feed may be beneficial. Increasing energy intake or targeted supplementation of nutrients can support the body and promote a shiny, healthy coat.
Particularly important during this time is sufficient zinc supply, which plays a central role in keratin formation and thus promotes hair growth. Copper, manganese, and selenium are also crucial for cell division and hair root regeneration. Folic acid and biotin belong to the B vitamins that accelerate the coat change and support skin health. Additionally, magnesium and vitamin E contribute to better skin circulation and promote nutrient supply to the hair follicles.
Another important point is feeding during the coat change. Horses that already have access to fresh grass take in a different nutrient composition compared to hay or haylage. This may require adjusting the feed ration or targeted mineral supplementation to avoid deficiencies. An intact gut flora is also essential as it supports vitamin B synthesis. However, this can be impaired by poor roughage quality or medication administration.
With the right care, a balanced diet, and targeted nutrient supply, you can optimally support your horse through the coat change and prepare it for the upcoming grazing season.
In our blog post Coat Change in Horses, we have summarized the most important information and tips for your horse’s coat change.
Targeted Grazing
Not only riders look forward to the first warm rays of spring sun, but horses also enjoy the longer days and rising temperatures. This is especially noticeable during the first rides in the countryside, on the outdoor arena, or the long-awaited turnout. However, this newly gained energy can sometimes turn into exuberance and pose risks for both rider and horse.
Therefore, the rule is: start slowly and increase gently.
The same applies to grazing time. After a long winter in the stable or on smaller paddocks, the joy over the fresh green is often great – shown by lively bucking and running. But this exuberance can quickly lead to injuries. To minimize the risk, it can help to let horses graze initially on a smaller area so they don’t immediately break into wild sprints. The timing of the first turnout also plays a role: putting your horse out after a training session ensures it has already used up some of its excess energy. Additional protection is provided by Brushing Boots or bell boots to prevent injuries to tendons and hooves.
After months of hay or haylage feeding, the horse’s digestion must also get used to fresh grass again. Comparable to a radical diet change for humans, the sudden switch places a huge strain on the horse’s gastrointestinal tract. The often still nutrient-poor grasses in spring contain high amounts of feed proteins and fructans, increasing the risk of digestive disorders and laminitis.
To gradually accustom the organism to the new feed source, grazing should be introduced step by step. Start with short sessions of about five minutes per day and increase the time to 30 minutes within two weeks. Only then can the horse be slowly accustomed to longer grazing times. This way, the transition from winter feeding to the grazing season proceeds gently and without unnecessary health risks. Even though it’s tempting to let your horse out on the pasture for longer periods immediately – a well-thought-out approach protects against digestive problems and long-term health damage.
Protection from Insects
As soon as temperatures rise, the first flies don’t take long to appear. Horses try to get rid of the annoying pests by shaking their heads, which often has little success – especially when tiny midges get into the sensitive horse ears. Some horses react so sensitively that they become restless and shake their heads just at the buzzing of the insects.
To provide relief for your horse, a fly bonnet is a simple but highly effective solution. It not only protects the sensitive ears but also improves concentration while riding, as your horse is less disturbed by insects. This helps it stay more responsive to aids and focus on the work. Fly bonnets come in many designs – matching your other equipment.
For additional protection of the eyes and nostrils, Fly Masks are recommended, which can also be worn under the Trense while riding. These lightweight masks, such as models from Waldhausen, help protect the horse’s field of vision from insects. It is important to gently accustom your horse to the mask, as some animals initially react a bit more skittishly due to the changed vision.
Even in the paddock, flies and horseflies can greatly affect your horse’s well-being. Instead of grazing calmly, many horses pace restlessly to escape the pests. Durable fly masks for turnout are suitable here. They are made of robust Material so they hold up well even when rolling. Don’t worry: although the masks appear dense from the outside, they hardly impair the horse’s vision.
Another effective protection is a Fly Rug, specially designed for use in the paddock or while riding. It prevents flies from settling on the horse’s back and can also protect against sunburn. Make sure the rug fits well and is not too large so your horse doesn’t get caught in it while rolling.
Additionally, fly sprays or gels can help keep insects away. However, there are big differences in effectiveness – not every product works equally well in every region. Therefore, it’s worth testing different products or getting recommendations from other horse owners. Feeding can also play a role: some horse owners use garlic in the feed, as it changes body odor and is supposed to repel flies. However, the correct dosage is not easy, as horses often don’t like larger amounts.
With the right combination of Insect Protection measures, you can provide your horse with a more relaxed and pleasant grazing season – completely free from annoying pests.
In our blog post Fully Protected – Effective Insect Protection for Horses, we go into more detail about the fly season.
