With the arrival of autumn, every horse owner notices the change: our horses begin to grow a “fluffier” coat, as the short summer hair is gradually replaced by a dense, warm winter coat. Although from the outside this may seem like nothing more than hair loss and new hair growth, in reality a highly complex biological process is taking place in the background, requiring significant metabolic adaptation by the body.
What triggers coat shedding?
The primary regulator of coat shedding is light. As daylight hours shorten, horses’ eyes perceive less light. This change affects the pineal gland, which begins to produce increased levels of melatonin. This hormonal signal reaches the hair follicles in the skin, telling the body that it is time to prepare for winter.
As a result, the hair growth cycle shifts:
- the old summer coat enters the telogen phase and is shed,
- while the hairs of the new winter coat begin growing in the anagen phase.
This process lasts for several weeks and involves a significant increase in the horse’s energy and nutrient requirements.
What nutrients does a horse need during this period?
Coat formation is not merely a “basic” process; it has very specific nutritional demands:
- Proteins and amino acids: especially sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine, cystine), which provide the main building blocks of hair.
- Minerals: zinc and copper are essential for hair structure and pigmentation, while selenium provides antioxidant protection.
- Vitamins: biotin supports healthy hair and hooves, and vitamin E helps the immune system through its antioxidant effect.
- Essential fatty acids: such as omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
It is no coincidence that many owners notice their horses eating slightly more or struggling to maintain condition during coat shedding. This is completely natural, as the body is carrying out an enormous amount of rebuilding work.
The key role of the liver during coat shedding
During coat shedding, the liver becomes a true central player.
- It is where the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates takes place—essentially the preparation of all the raw materials needed to build the new coat.
- The breakdown of the old coat and the intensified metabolism generate more waste products, which the liver must also neutralize.
- If the liver is overloaded, coat shedding may be prolonged, the coat can become dull and lifeless, and the horse may appear more lethargic.
For this reason, it is especially important to pay attention to liver support during this time.
How can we help?
- Provide high-quality hay and concentrates that meet protein and mineral requirements.
- Check whether the feed supplies adequate trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium) and supplement them in a targeted way if necessary.
- Add a source of omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. flaxseed).
- Support the liver with herbal supplements.
Our autumn promotion focuses on Equi Detox, which contains 100% natural ground milk thistle. The main active compound of milk thistle, silymarin, is well known for its antioxidant and liver-protective properties:
- it supports the regeneration of liver cells,
- aids detoxification processes,
- and may help coat shedding proceed more smoothly and healthily.
Autumn coat shedding is not merely a visible change but a serious metabolic challenge for the horse’s body. Light changes trigger the process, nutrients provide the building materials for the new coat, and the liver does the “dirty work” of breakdown and detoxification. With proper feeding and targeted supplementation, we can help our horses get through this period more easily and in better health.
Accordingly, Equi Detox has been chosen as our Product of the Month for October and is available with a 10% discount throughout the entire month. Cheers to your health!
In our opening image, Dóra Barnák and Papillon van’t Janshof, the beautiful Meglio consumer pair, are flying in perfect harmony!
