A shiny coat: how to tackle it practically

Nutrition as the foundation for a beautiful coat

A shiny coat starts with feed. Omega-3 fatty acids — found in linseed, linseed oil and fish oil — support the sebaceous glands in the skin and give the coat a natural shine. Add 50 to 100 ml of linseed oil to the concentrate feed daily for visible results within four to six weeks. Zinc and copper are also essential: a copper deficiency often leads to a dull, reddish coat, even in black or bay horses. If in doubt, have a blood test done and tailor supplementation to the results. Do not overlook forage either: a horse receiving at least 1.5 kg of roughage per 100 kg of body weight has better gut function, and that shows in the skin.

The right brushing routine makes a difference

Regular brushing stimulates blood circulation in the skin and distributes natural sebum evenly across the coat. Use a stiff dandy brush for loose dirt particles and finish with a soft body brush or a grooming mitt to polish the coat. Five to ten minutes a day is already sufficient. Avoid excessive use of chemical coat conditioners: they provide a short-lived shine but can dry out the skin with daily use. Reserve them for competition days or special occasions.

Tackling parasites and skin problems

External parasites such as lice and mange mites directly damage the coat and lead to a dull, rough appearance. Check the neck, mane and tail base weekly for itching, flaking or hair loss. A good deworming approach also reduces the internal burden: horses with a high worm burden divert more nutrients to the parasites, at the expense of skin condition. Use coprological examination (faecal testing) as a guide for deworming rather than a fixed schedule — this is more effective and more responsible.

Supplements that really work

• Linseed or linseed oil (50–100 ml/day): rich source of omega-3 fatty acids
• Biotin (15–20 mg/day): supports skin, hooves and coat, effect after 3–6 months
• Zinc and copper: essential for pigment production and skin health, always check blood values
• Vitamin E (1,000–2,000 IU/day during intensive work): antioxidant that reduces cell damage
• Methionine and lysine: amino acids that support hair growth, useful during coat change

Bathing and washing: less is more

Washing with shampoo removes not only dirt but also the skin's natural protective layer. Wash your horse a maximum of once or twice a month with a mild, pH-neutral horse shampoo. Always rinse thoroughly — shampoo residue is a common cause of flaking and itching. After washing, you can apply a small amount of conditioner to the tail and mane to prevent tangles. During daily training, rinsing with lukewarm water and towelling dry is sufficient.

Recognising signs of an unhealthy coat

Watch out for these signs that may indicate a nutritional or health problem:

• Dull or reddish colour in a dark horse: possible copper deficiency
• Rough, thick coat that is slow to shed: may indicate PPID (Cushing's syndrome)
• Dry, flaky skin with itching: possible fungus, lice or allergy
• Hair loss in circular patches: ringworm (fungal infection), treatment required
• Coat that never really shines despite good care: consider a blood test and horse profile check

Tracking and recognising patterns with EquiSight

Coat problems are sometimes seasonal or linked to changes in feed or management. By recording observations in the EquiSight horse profile, you can quickly see whether an adjustment in nutrition or supplements is having an effect. You can also call on EquiCoach to ask targeted questions or make suggestions based on your notes — handy when you cannot immediately pinpoint the cause of a dull coat. Set reminders in the calendar for monthly thorough flea checks or the next supplementation round.