SHEDDING SEASON

Learn the top shedding tips from the United States Pony Clubs.

- CONNIE JEHLIK

The weather is changing, and your horse or pony is leaving piles of hair everywhere! What is the best way to deal with shedding in the springtime as the weather begins to warm up?

It depends a little on the weather in your area and if your horse lives in a barn or outdoors in a pasture or paddock most of the time. It also depends on whether or not you blanket during the winter. But whatever your situation, all horses will shed their winter coats. Here's how you can help.

GET CURRYING

Begin with good grooming, as this is the best way to attack the wintertime shedding. By saying "good grooming," think consistent grooming-daily, or at least three to five times a week. If you can't groom as often, then the task of helping your horse shed his winter coat becomes a bit more challenging.

Good grooming starts with a curry comb. Some thin-skinned horses, such as Thoroughbreds, don't like a hard curry comb. There are many different types of curry combs. Some are made of hard rubber, and other styles feature soft, flexible rubber nubs. Sometimes you have to experiment to find what works best for your horse.

When used in a circular motion, the curry comb gets in deep and removes loose hair and dirt from the coat. When currying, you have to rub vigorously and put some energy into it. You can also use the curry comb to clean the hair that builds up on your brushes as you groom your horse. During shedding season, this can be a lot of hair!