Rise and Shine: How To Reveal a Healthy, Slick Coat for Summer

Does your horses's coat tend to look a little lackluster from time to time? There are two simple steps that cannot be replaced by any spray or gadget on the market: a consistent grooming regime and a healthy, balanced diet. Yeah-round grooming is important for a horse's general health and it also greatly improves the shine of the coat. There are many products and tools out there that claim to create a lustrous coat, but when it comes down to it, the very best (and least expensive) method is simply grooming, and grooming often. Frequent grooming also removes dirt and insects and circulates the natural oils found on the skin. Use a curry comb to stimulate the natural circulation of oils, and remember when you repeat twice per day your results will be even better. Always make sure your grooming tools are as clean as possible. A dirty grooming tool can, at times, cause more harm that good. Also, do not make the rookie mistake of bathing your horse too often. Frequent bathing can cause the coat to dry out taking away the shine. If you put in the time and groom often, your horse will look sleeker within a few days. Your arms might hurt from all the grooming, but your horse will look awesome! The second step to uncover a more lustrous coat is to pay close attention to your horses's diet. Ensure your horse is receiving enough fatty acids - taking into consideration your horse's level of activity - and proteins. It is common for horse owners to add a little oil to the feed for calories, but it's also a great way to improve the silkiness of your horse's coat. Check with an equine nutritionist to learn about adding Omega-3, Omega-6, or vegetable oil to your horse's diet. Again, there is no alternative to a consistent grooming routine and a healthy diet, so here's to beautiful horses everywhere. Oh, and lots of elbow grease!