How to Darken a Horse's Coat

With age and time spent grazing in the sun, your horse's coat may take on a lighter color. If you prefer that your horse remains a darker color, there are a number of natural solutions that can help. With a couple tricks and a few short months, your horse's coat will be more beautiful than ever.

Things You'll Need

  • Iron supplements
  • Canola oil
  • UV repellent fly mesh rug
  • Salt lick or salt supplements
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your horse iron supplements. Iron will help to keep your horse's coat a dark, shiny color and will also aid in general health and boost appetite. Consult a veterinarian for the type of iron supplements and the dose for your specific horse.

    • 2

      Add one cup of canola oil to your horse's regular feed two or three times a week to help darken the coat. Once the coat has darkened sufficiently, add one cup to feed just once a week for maintenance. Canola oil will also add healthy shine to the coat and aid digestion and elimination.

    • 3

      Purchase a UV repellent fly mesh rug to cover your horse when grazing outdoors in the sun. These lightweight mesh rugs are breathable and easy to use, and will help to protect your horse and it's coat from harmful UV rays, as well as pesky flies and other insects. As your horse's coat grows out, it will fill in a darker color, as it will not be bleached by the sun.

    • 4

      Supply your horse with a salt lick, as lack of iodine in the diet can lighten the color of the coat. If you live in a humid area, a standard salt lick may not be the best choice. Consult a veterinarian for options of salt supplements that can be added to regular feedings.