How to Get Horse Coats on Horses

A horse̵7;s coat is one of the first visible indicators of his overall health, so if you notice it is not growing well or evenly, or is dull and lifeless, take immediate steps to find the cause. Some common causes are nutrition, parasites (worms), a skin condition such as an allergy or fungus, an illness, or he just may need a good bath and brushing.

Things You'll Need

  • Paste dewormer
  • Horse hard brush and soft brush
  • Horse hair conditioner
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Instructions

  1. How to Promote Growth of a Healthy Horse Coat

    • 1
      Make sure your hay is high-quality for proper nutrition.

      Assess the horse̵7;s diet. If he is getting good quality pasture and other forage, such as horse-quality hay or alfalfa, or supplemental grain with adequate vitamins and minerals, then you can likely rule out diet. Send a sample of pasture grass and hay to the county extension agent for nutritional content, and look at the nutritional label on the grain. It could be that the horse is not getting enough grain to get the full nutritional value of the added vitamins and minerals; if so, you can supplement with a mineral block or top dress his grain with a vitamin supplement.

    • 2

      Assess the horse's deworming regimen. Parasites can interfere with a horse̵7;s ability to properly absorb necessary nutrients, which can lead to poor coat growth and quality. Make sure the horse is getting the adequate dose of dewormer for his size. You can discuss the deworming rotation and schedule with the veterinarian, and have him test a fecal sample to customize a deworming program best suited to the horse and to the area.

    • 3
      Grooming a horse is an essential health function.

      Groom the horse thoroughly. As you are grooming, closely examine his coat and skin. Look for matting, hair falling off in clumps, or rough or bare patches of skin. If the coat is dirty, wash with a mild shampoo and rinse thoroughly. If the coat and skin still do not look clean or there are clumps of hair loosening, contact the veterinarian; the horse could have rain rot or some other skin condition, such as ringworm. Follow the veterinarian̵7;s treatment advice.

    • 4

      Apply a hair conditioner. Tom Tower, owner of One Iron Horse Farm in Dripping Springs, Texas, uses a hair treatment and conditioner that is known to promote hair growth, as well as treat skin conditions, skin allergies and untangle difficult knots in tails. These products help create healthy hair follicles, which can promote growth. But Tower cautions on trying to substitute any topical product for proper care and nutrition. ̶0;Start with the inside of the horse, and work outward,̶1; advises Tower.

    • 5
      Groom your horse regularly whether you ride him or not.

      Consistently groom the horse. Not only does this keep his coat healthy, but it allows you to examine his skin to catch any problems early. Make sure you remove any sweat and dirt after riding or exercise; if weather permits, you should rinse with clear water. ̶0;You don̵7;t need to shampoo your horse every time you ride him,̶1; Tower says. ̶0;Soap and shampoo can remove some of his natural oils; rinsing with water is preferable to frequent shampooing.̶1;