Horse Winter Coat Change: Support Your Horse Through Shedding Season

Why do horses change their coat?

The coat change in horses is a natural yet highly energy-consuming process that occurs twice a year – in spring and autumn. During this time, a horse’s body adapts to changing environmental conditions by replacing its entire coat. While we may only notice the shedding as annoying horsehair on our clothes, for the horse, it’s a physically demanding transition.

But what causes a horse to grow a winter coat? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the temperature that triggers the coat change, but the length of daylight. This process is regulated by the pineal gland in the brain, which reacts to light stimuli and sends hormonal signals to the body. As daylight hours decrease in late summer, the horse begins to grow its winter coat. In spring, increased sunlight signals the body to shed the thick winter coat.

Depending on the weather, feeding, and management, the coat change can last several weeks. Spring is especially taxing: the heavy winter horse coat must be shed and replaced with a lighter summer coat – this puts strain on the metabolism, immune system, and demands optimal nutrient supply. In autumn, the horse gradually builds its winter coat – a process that is still energy-intensive, but typically less stressful than the shedding phase in spring.

The transition can be particularly challenging for senior horses, foals or those with metabolic conditions.

When Does a Horse Start and Finish Shedding Its Winter Coat?

‍The coat change in horses follows a natural rhythm that is primarily controlled by daylight – not by temperature. This makes the timing of the transition surprisingly predictable, even though individual factors such as breed, management, and health can cause some variation.

The spring coat change usually begins between late January and early March, when daylight noticeably increases. During this time, horses start shedding their winter coat to make way for a shorter, more breathable summer coat. This process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks but can take significantly longer in older or unwell horses.

The autumn coat change begins around mid-August and can extend into October, once daylight hours begin to decline. During this period, horses gradually start growing their winter coat – a slower but still energy-intensive process.

Factors that influence the timing include:

• Type of housing: Horses kept outdoors tend to enter the coat change earlier than stabled horses.
• Breed and genetics: Hardy breeds like Fjord horses or Icelandic horses often start earlier.
• Feeding and health: A weakened system slows down the process.
• Artificial lighting in stables can interfere with the horse's natural rhythm.

Seasonal Guide (Northern Hemisphere):

• January–March: Start of spring shedding
• April–May: Final phase; summer coat appears
• August–October: Start of winter coat growth
• November–December: Winter coat thickens and stabilizes

Seasonal Guide (Southern Hemisphere):

• August–October: Start of spring shedding
• November–December: Summer coat fully in
• February–April: Start of winter coat growth
• May–July: Winter coat develops fully

Recognizing Coat Change Problems Early

‍The coat change in horses is not just a visual transformation – it’s a major physiological effort. While healthy horses usually manage the transition without issue, many show clear signs of strain during this time, especially if their bodies are already under stress or if management isn’t properly adjusted.

Some of the most common symptoms of coat change problems include:

• Flaky skin: Small, dry flakes often indicate a nutritional deficiency, especially in zinc, biotin, or essential fatty acids.
• Lethargy and tiredness: The metabolic demands of shedding or growing a coat can leave horses visibly fatigued.
• Itching and restlessness: Loose hairs can irritate the skin – horses may rub themselves more frequently or seem agitated.
• Delayed shedding: If the horse’s winter coat is not shedding, or if the summer coat only grows in patchily, this is a warning sign.
• Swollen legs: Disrupted lymph flow due to increased metabolic activity can lead to mild swelling, especially in older horses or those with limited movement.

Horses at higher risk during coat change:

• Senior horses (around 18 years and older)
• Horses with PPID (Cushing's) or EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome)
• Young horses experiencing their first winter
• Horses in poor condition or with chronic illnesses

How Can I Support My Horse During Winter Coat Change?

‍Helping your horse through the winter coat transition involves more than just brushing every day. Your horse’s body is undergoing a demanding transformation that affects the metabolism, skin, immune system, and even the nervous system. That’s why a holistic approach is essential – combining grooming, feeding, exercise, and close observation.

Here’s how you can best support your horse during this time:

• Daily coat care: Regular grooming helps remove loose hairs, stimulates circulation, and supports healthy skin. Rubber curry combs and massage brushes are particularly effective in promoting coat shedding.
• Plenty of movement: Horses that can move freely – whether in a pasture or paddock – stimulate their lymphatic and circulatory systems, making it easier to eliminate metabolic waste.
• Smart management in changing weather: A wet, inactive horse chills quickly – adding unnecessary stress. Use blanketing carefully, especially for clipped horses, and adapt it to the individual’s needs.
• Minimize stress: Coat change is already a strain on the horse. Avoid adding further stress through sudden changes like moving stables, feed changes, or intense training.

Even small changes in behavior matter. Is your horse eating less? Does it seem tired or rub itself more often? The earlier you spot these signs, the better you can help – especially if your horse is not shedding its winter coat properly.

Coat Care During Shedding Season

‍When your horse’s coat starts coming out in clumps and the stable fills with hair, you're in the most intense phase of the shedding process. Now it’s time to stay consistent: brush, massage, and remove loose hair regularly. With proper coat care, you’re not only helping to remove the winter coat, but also actively supporting the entire horse winter coat transition – and even strengthening the bond with your horse.

What are the most effective grooming tools for shedding a horse's winter coat?

‍Not every brush works for every coat type, so during shedding season, it’s best to use a combination of tools:

• Rubber curry combs and grooming mitts are especially effective at removing loose hair and stimulating the skin.
• Shedding blades or metal curry combs (used gently) can help with very thick winter coats but should be used sparingly on sensitive horses.
• Stiff-bristled dandy brushes are great for removing dust and leftover hair from the topcoat.
• Massage mitts or massage brushes boost blood circulation, which improves skin health and speeds up winter coat shedding.

Caring for flaky skin during coat change

➡️ Must-Watch: Dealing with dry skin and coat issues during shedding season? Dr. Steve O’Grady shares how to spot and treat common skin problems like dermatitis, ringworm, and rain rot, and explains why daily grooming is key to keeping your horse’s skin healthy through seasonal transitions.

‍If your horse shows signs of dry or flaky skin during the coat change, proceed gently:

• Use nourishing grooming products or natural oils (such as black cumin seed oil or linseed oil).
• Avoid harsh shampoos – they can disrupt the skin barrier.
• A warm, damp microfiber cloth can help gently lift stuck-on flakes.
• Don’t forget: coat and skin health starts from within. Make sure your horse is getting enough zinc, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Coat care for pasture-kept vs. stabled horses
Horses kept outdoors tend to move more, which naturally supports lymphatic flow and circulation – giving them an advantage during the coat change. Still, check regularly for matted areas or dirt buildup.

Stabled horses often need more support, especially if they can’t roll freely or are exposed to artificial lighting that disrupts their natural rhythm. For these horses, daily brushing is essential to support effective horse winter coat removal.

Feeding Supplements During Winter Coat Change

➡️ Must-Watch: Shedding season is peak time for your horse’s metabolism, and that’s when support matters most! Learn how to use targeted nutrition to help your horse through this demanding transition and prevent issues like fatigue, dull coat, EMS, or laminitis.

What does your horse really need right now?
During the coat change, your horse’s metabolism is working at full capacity. Replacing the entire coat is a demanding process that requires a large amount of vital nutrients. Without a balanced diet tailored to this phase, horses can experience shedding problems, skin irritations, or reduced performance.

Which nutrients are especially important during the coat change?

• Zinc is essential for healthy skin and hair growth. A deficiency often shows up as flaky skin or dull coat.
• Selenium supports cellular protection and the immune system, both of which are heavily taxed during this time.
• Biotin promotes skin and coat regeneration and helps with itching or brittle hair.
• Omega-3 fatty acids from linseed or hemp oil have anti-inflammatory effects and improve skin quality.
• Amino acids, especially methionine and lysine, are key building blocks for keratin, which forms the coat.

A high-quality mineral feed is essential, especially if hay and concentrates don’t meet all nutritional needs. During shedding season, it’s often beneficial to provide additional support through supplements designed for coat change – either as short-term boost formulas or natural feed oils.

Are Herbs Helpful During the Coat Change Or Overrated?

‍Certain herbs can gently stimulate the metabolism, support detoxification, and positively affect skin and coat health. While they don’t replace key nutrients, they can be used alongside a good feeding strategy – especially for horses sensitive to synthetic additives.

Which herbs support a healthy horse coat transition?

• Milk thistle: Gently detoxifies and supports liver function
• Nettle: Rich in minerals and stimulates metabolism
• Dandelion: Promotes liver and kidney activity
• Birch leaves: Aid in eliminating waste products
• Black cumin seed: Strengthens skin and immune system
• Rosehip: Provides natural vitamin C and antioxidants

Coat Change in Senior Horses, Foals, and Horses with Health Issues

‍Not every horse copes with the coat change equally well. Senior horses, foals, and those with metabolic disorders have special needs when it comes to care and nutrition. Their systems are often more sensitive, less resilient, and require additional support.

Senior Horses and Shedding Problems

‍In older horses, the regulation of the coat cycle often becomes less efficient. A common issue is delayed shedding, where the winter coat doesn’t come off completely or at all. Common causes include:

• PPID (Cushing’s Syndrome): A hormonal imbalance that significantly delays the shedding process.
• Declining metabolic function: With age, detoxification slows down.
• Weakened immune system: Seniors are more prone to infections and fatigue during this phase.

How to help older horses with coat transition:

• Feed easily digestible proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and adjusted mineral supplements
• Increase grooming frequency to remove stuck coat manually
• Consult a vet if the horse won’t shed its winter coat or shows abnormal patterns

Foals and Young Horses in Their First Coat Change

‍Foals go through their first major coat change in late autumn, when their soft baby coat is replaced by the first winter coat. This is especially demanding, as their bodies are also growing and their immune systems are still developing.

What they need now:

• High-quality protein
• Trace elements such as zinc and selenium
• A balanced, age-appropriate diet to support both coat development and overall growth

Metabolically Sensitive Horses: EMS, Laminitis & Liver Issues

‍Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), laminitis, or liver dysfunction require careful feeding management during coat change. These horses are prone to metabolic imbalances if given too much energy or the wrong types of supplements.

Key considerations:

• Use herbs or supplements only after consulting a vet or equine nutritionist
• Feed high-fiber, low-sugar diets to reduce stress on the system
• Avoid generic "coat change boosters" – opt instead for targeted, individual support

Navigating Winter Coat Change with Knowledge and Proper Care

‍The coat change in horses is far more than a cosmetic concern - it’s a significant challenge for the entire body, especially during unstable weather or for horses with special needs. By providing the right support during this transition, you not only prevent winter coat shedding problems, but also strengthen your horse’s immune system, skin health, and overall well-being.

With proper nutrition, a thoughtful grooming routine, and an eye for your horse’s individual needs, you can make this seasonal shift much easier. Watch for signs of stress like flaky skin or fatigue, respond early to symptoms, and consider using gentle herbs to support the metabolism.

A well-managed coat change is the best way to start the new season – whether your horse is growing a winter coat or shedding it.

Horse Winter Coat Change: Frequently Asked Questions

How can I support my horse during the coat change?

‍By combining regular grooming, tailored nutrition, and plenty of movement. Key nutrients include zinc, biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and high-quality proteins. Certain herbs may also help stimulate the metabolism.

What helps a horse during coat change?

‍Daily brushing and movement are important, but the most crucial factor is targeted nutritional support. Many horses benefit from supplements containing amino acids, zinc, selenium, and linseed oil. The liver can also be supported with appropriate herbs if needed.

When does the coat change begin in horses?

‍The spring coat change usually starts between late January and March, while the autumn coat growth begins around mid-August. The primary trigger is not temperature, but changing daylight hours.

When does the coat change end?

‍That depends on the individual horse and its management. Typically, the coat change lasts 6–8 weeks, but it can take longer in older or unwell horses.

What causes a horse to grow or shed its winter coat?

‍The main trigger is daylight length, which affects hormonal activity via the pineal gland. Temperature plays only a minor role in comparison.

Why does my horse have flaky skin during coat change?

‍This often points to a nutritional deficiency, especially in zinc or essential fatty acids. It can also be caused by dry stable air, lack of grooming, or metabolic strain.

Which herbs support horses during coat change?

‍Helpful herbs include milk thistle, nettle, dandelion, and rosehip. They assist in detoxification and support skin and immune function.

What should I feed during the coat change?

‍A combination of mineral feed, linseed oil, high-quality protein, and, if needed, coat-change supplements is ideal. Key nutrients include zinc, biotin, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Why is my horse tired during coat change?

‍The coat change puts major strain on the body – particularly the immune system and metabolism. Fatigue can signal a lack of energy, protein, or micronutrients.

When should I start supporting my horse’s coat change?

‍It’s best to start before the coat change begins – in late winter or late summer – especially for sensitive or senior horses. Early support helps the body handle the transition more effectively.