| For months, your horse has been fat, furry, and | | | | with a stiff grooming brush to remove as much loose |
| protected from the elements with the appropriate | | | | hair as possible. Since their entire coat is being shed, |
| clothing. Suddenly, in spite of the cold temperatures, | | | | you will want to be sure to groom under the belly and |
| you notice that shedding has begun. It's too soon, you | | | | between their legs. |
| think to yourself, but this is not the case. Shedding is a | | | | Body clipping is one option that can remove a |
| natural process that occurs in several stages each | | | | significant amount of hair all at one time. It does not, |
| year. Unfortunately, it also means that everyone will be | | | | however, eliminate the need for frequent currying and |
| covered with loose hair that itches, irritates, and sets | | | | brushing. Allowing them time to be outside and |
| off allergies. | | | | unblanketed is another way to get rid of much of the |
| Shedding season begins long before it appears that | | | | loose hair. If they have an especially thick winter coat, |
| temperatures are warm enough, and then it stops | | | | you can simply grab the hair and pull it out with your |
| without apparent cause. This a natural part of the | | | | hands as they graze. |
| cycle that has evolved to regulate their body | | | | Removing Excess Hair From Clothes And Equestrian |
| temperature. A few weeks after the initial shed ends, | | | | Riding Equipment |
| the real shedding season begins, making your horse | | | | As your horse sheds, it will feel as though the hair is |
| look raggedy and unkempt. Frequent and thorough | | | | getting into everything, and you'd be right. Horse tack |
| grooming with the proper equipment can minimize the | | | | and other equestrian riding equipment can deteriorate |
| negative aspects of this natural cycle. | | | | quickly if too much loose hair, mud, and moisture collect |
| Choose The Correct Horse Riding Apparel | | | | and go untreated. Horse tack, riding apparel, and other |
| You can minimize the irritation to your skin and your | | | | equestrian riding equipment can be wiped down with a |
| temper that occurs during shedding season by | | | | damp cloth, a lint roller, or even patted with duct tape |
| avoiding materials that enable the hairs to weave in. | | | | to remove the hair. Your equestrian riding equipment |
| Nylon is, by far, the best fabric to wear during this | | | | will last much longer if it is kept clean and oiled. |
| season. Long sleeves, high collars, and even nylon | | | | Your horse tack can cause skin irritations to your |
| slacks can keep the loose hair where it belongs: on the | | | | horse, and you, if it is full of loose hair. Blankets, saddle |
| ground and not on you. While the hair will still cling to | | | | pads, and stable sheets can be kept free of loose hair |
| nylon, it can easily be wiped off with a damp towel. | | | | by being shaken out and cleaned off with a stiff brush. |
| Knit sweaters, plush velour clothing, and woven fabrics | | | | Your equestrian riding equipment is an important tool in |
| may feel wonderful on chilly spring days, but they will | | | | your training arsenal. It must be kept in the best |
| attract and hold all that loose hair. A nylon windbreaker | | | | possible condition. |
| on top of that sweater can save you hours of | | | | While spring shedding season can be irritating and |
| exasperation. Also, if you need to use lip balm or | | | | uncomfortable, you can employ frequent and proper |
| moisturizer, it will help to apply it long before you arrive | | | | grooming techniques to ease the process and minimize |
| at the barn. | | | | its effects. Using this time to keep your horse tack and |
| Horse Grooming Goes The Distance | | | | other equestrian riding equipment clean and well oiled |
| Grooming them frequently and thoroughly is the best | | | | can transform the experience from messy and |
| method for getting through spring shedding season. If | | | | annoying into a period of bonding, pampering, and loving |
| at all possible, it is a good idea to groom them outside, | | | | your horse that will result in a sleek and elegant |
| where the hair can fall away and down instead of | | | | summer coat and a collection of high quality, well cared |
| swirling around until it attaches itself to your riding | | | | for equestrian riding equipment. All your efforts at |
| apparel and equestrian riding equipment. The serrated | | | | keeping their coat and your horse tack clean and well |
| edge of a shedding blade and a long-toothed curry | | | | groomed will add extra points in your favor in this |
| comb are the best tools to use. Follow up their use | | | | year's show season. |