Tips For Making The Horse Shedding Season Tolerable
For months, your horse has been fat, furry, and protected from the elements with the appropriate clothing
. Suddenly, in spite of the cold temperatures, you notice that shedding has begun. It's too soon, you think to yourself, but this is not the case. Shedding is a natural process that occurs in several stages each year. Unfortunately, it also means that everyone will be covered with loose hair that itches, irritates, and sets off allergies.
Shedding season begins long before it appears that temperatures are warm enough, and then it stops without apparent cause. This a natural part of the cycle that has evolved to regulate their body temperature. A few weeks after the initial shed ends, the real shedding season begins, making your horse look raggedy and unkempt. Frequent and thorough grooming with the proper equipment can minimize the negative aspects of this natural cycle.
Choose The Correct Horse Riding Apparel
You can minimize the irritation to your skin and your temper that occurs during shedding season by avoiding materials that enable the hairs to weave in. Nylon is, by far, the best fabric to wear during this season. Long sleeves, high collars, and even nylon slacks can keep the loose hair where it belongs: on the ground and not on you. While the hair will still cling to nylon, it can easily be wiped off with a damp towel.
Knit sweaters, plush velour clothing, and woven fabrics may feel wonderful on chilly spring days, but they will attract and hold all that loose hair. A nylon windbreaker on top of that sweater can save you hours of exasperation. Also, if you need to use lip balm or moisturizer, it will help to apply it long before you arrive at the barn.
Horse Grooming Goes The Distance
Grooming them frequently and thoroughly is the best method for getting through spring shedding season. If at all possible, it is a good idea to groom them outside, where the hair can fall away and down instead of swirling around until it attaches itself to your riding apparel and equestrian riding equipment. The serrated edge of a shedding blade and a long-toothed curry comb are the best tools to use. Follow up their use with a stiff grooming brush to remove as much loose hair as possible. Since their entire coat is being shed, you will want to be sure to groom under the belly and between their legs.
Body clipping is one option that can remove a significant amount of hair all at one time. It does not, however, eliminate the need for frequent currying and brushing. Allowing them time to be outside and unblanketed is another way to get rid of much of the loose hair. If they have an especially thick winter coat, you can simply grab the hair and pull it out with your hands as they graze.
Removing Excess Hair From Clothes And Equestrian Riding Equipment
As your horse sheds, it will feel as though the hair is getting into everything, and you'd be right. Horse tack and other equestrian riding equipment can deteriorate quickly if too much loose hair, mud, and moisture collect and go untreated. Horse tack, riding apparel, and other equestrian riding equipment can be wiped down with a damp cloth, a lint roller, or even patted with duct tape to remove the hair. Your equestrian riding equipment will last much longer if it is kept clean and oiled.
Your horse tack can cause skin irritations to your horse, and you, if it is full of loose hair. Blankets, saddle pads, and stable sheets can be kept free of loose hair by being shaken out and cleaned off with a stiff brush. Your equestrian riding equipment is an important tool in your training arsenal. It must be kept in the best possible condition.
While spring shedding season can be irritating and uncomfortable, you can employ frequent and proper grooming techniques to ease the process and minimize its effects. Using this time to keep your horse tack and other equestrian riding equipment clean and well oiled can transform the experience from messy and annoying into a period of bonding, pampering, and loving your horse that will result in a sleek and elegant summer coat and a collection of high quality, well cared for equestrian riding equipment. All your efforts at keeping their coat and your horse tack clean and well groomed will add extra points in your favor in this year's show season.
by: Anne Coyle
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