Horse Dull Coat

Equine herbal supplement blend to help condition dry skin and enhance shine in dull coats of horses.

    equine herbal supplement blend enhances shine in dull coats of horses

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    1. What is Horse Dull Coat?
    2. What Causes Horse Dull Coat?
    3. Help for Horse Dull Coat
    4. More Information on Horse Dull Coat

    What is Horse Dull Coat?

    A horse’s coat is usually regarded as the first sign of health and vitality. In itself, the dull coat says that vitality is lower than normal due to metabolic imbalance, digestive efficiency or a toxic load. Investigating the reasons for your horse’s dull coat as soon as you notice it is the correct preventative approach, rather than waiting for an illness to develop.

    What Causes Horse Dull Coat?

    A dull coat and dry skin in horses can have a number of causes. These include:

    • Metabolic imbalance
    • Digestive problems
    • Iron imbalances
    • Kidney problems
    • Circulatory problems
    • Parasitic infestation (mange, mites or rain rot)
    • Skin diseases and conditions (eczema, allergies, mange, dry skin, dandruff)
    • Poor diet

    Note: Some more serious conditions may be underlying a dull coat. It is important to consult with your vet if you notice drastic changes in your horse’s coat.

    Help for Horse Dull Coat

    Treatment for dull coats may include supplementing feeds, or topically applying medicated lotions. Keep in mind that medicated lotions may cause further discomfort (stinging) or may only make sensitive skin worse. Never apply human topical creams to your horse’s coat without consulting with your vet first.

    Natural Remedies

    There are many natural herbal and homeopathic remedies that can help to promote skin health which enables shiny hair. Borage is a well-known herb high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This herb has been studied for its conditioning effects on the skin and can help to support the production natural oils in the horse coat.

    Horsetail has also been approved as an aid to wound healing by the German Commission E expert panel, while herbs such as Dandelion, Rosemary and Kelp can help to strengthen the immune system while nourishing the skin from the inside out.

    Spirulina is a rich source of nutrients, containing up to 70% protein, B-complex vitamins, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and numerous minerals – helping to add nutrient value to a horse’s diet. The added bonus of natural remedies, of course, is a stunning shine without the risk of side effects!

    More Information on Horse Dull Coat

    Tips related to dull coat in horses
    • Speak to your vet about possible supplementation with olive oil in the feed
    • Try a block of iodine salt – your horse may be lacking in sodium
    • Provide outside rubbing posts, or let your horse graze near hedges and trees
    • Fiberglass Blocks can work well to help your horse shed (always purchase one’s made for horses).
    • Massaging is an essential part of horse skin care. Use a massage brush used in a circular motion can work well to bring dirt and loose hair to the surface.
    • Do not over-bathe your horse- this will strip the coat of healthy oils, and lead to dull coats or itchy skin.
    • Swim your horse in salt water where possible.
    • Appropriate rugging (not over-rugging) will help to lay the hair down so the coat looks sleek.
    • Poor coat condition can also be caused by a poor diet. Make sure your horse gets the proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, and especially fat in the diet – or it will likely show in the horse’s coat.

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