Spring can mean many different things for horses depending on their environment and situation. In general, spring brings warmer weather, gradually emerging blades of grass, and longer days. It also means shedding hair everywhere, hormones in full swing, the possible start of the competition season—or the anticipation of foals being born.
COAT SHEDDING:
Spring and changing conditions can also affect the well-being and behavior of some horses. Spring is typically the time when horses go through coat shedding. Shedding is a normal part of the horse’s yearly cycle and can vary depending on breed, age, and individual characteristics. Shedding helps the horse adapt to warmer weather: the thick winter coat begins to loosen and make room for a shorter, thinner summer coat. However, shedding can also cause concerns—especially if the horse does not receive enough of the right nutrients. It’s important for owners to ensure horses get sufficient nutrition to support shedding.
Make sure the horse receives enough nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals that are important for healthy coat growth and maintenance. Regular grooming also helps remove loose hair, stimulate circulation, and promote healthy coat growth.
Fatty acids: Increase fatty acid intake in the diet. High-quality oils such as flaxseed oil or hemp oil can help improve coat quality and shine.
High-quality protein: Protein is an essential building block for a healthy coat. Ensure the diet includes sufficient high-quality protein.
Minerals and vitamins: Check that the horse receives enough minerals—especially zinc and copper—which are important for healthy coat growth and shine. During shedding season, it’s also worth ensuring adequate B vitamin intake (brewer’s yeast).
Shedding can reveal skin issues such as irritation, dryness, flaking, or even infections. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on skin well-being during the shedding season.
DIGESTION & GUT FUNCTION:
Spring can also affect gut function and cause disturbances in the digestive system. Symptoms may include increased gas formation or diarrhea. This can be due, for example, to dietary changes or stress—such as the start of the competition season or, a bit later, the transition to pasture. Wet, thawing ground can also contribute to digestive imbalance and loose manure, and it may increase susceptibility to bacterial infections. As the ground thaws, many horses eagerly pull up sprouting plant shoots or roots, which can increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues such as colic or diarrhea. Warmer spring weather can increase parasite activity, which may also cause stomach upset. Regular deworming is therefore important for maintaining overall well-being.
Wet ground and moisture can also cause other issues such as scratches (mud fever) and various skin inflammations, especially on the legs. To help prevent these problems, aim to keep the horses’ legs clean and dry.
HORMONES & HEAT CYCLES:
Spring can increase overall activity and energy levels in horses. Increasing daylight and warmer temperatures can particularly affect mares’ hormonal balance and trigger heat-related behavior. Some horses may respond to heat cycles with noticeably unusual behavior. For many mares, heat can cause irritability and restlessness, or difficulty concentrating during training or work. Some mares may also experience changes in appetite. Heat-related symptoms can be supported through appropriate feeding choices and sufficient exercise.
Fatty acids: Increase fatty acid intake in the diet. High-quality oils such as flaxseed oil or hemp oil can help support hormonal balance and may ease heat-related symptoms.
Water: Make sure the mare always has enough fresh water to drink. Good hydration is important for well-being and can help manage heat-related symptoms.
Supplements if needed: Some mares may have specific nutritional needs. For example, magnesium supplements and chaste tree berry can support mares’ nutritional requirements. Other herbs that can be beneficial for mares include raspberry leaf, lady’s mantle, chamomile, and valerian. For breeding mares, adequate vitamin E intake is important, as it supports fertility and fetal development.
THE COMPETITION SEASON BEGINS:
Spring marks the start of the competition season for many horses, which may mean some adjustments are needed in feeding. Here are a few spring feeding tips, especially for competing horses:
Energy needs: During the competition season, horses may need more energy to support performance. Increase energy intake if necessary by choosing feeds that provide sufficient carbohydrates and fatty acids.
Protein: Protein is an important building block for muscles, and competing horses may need more protein to support muscle development and recovery. Choose high-quality, highly digestible protein sources.
Minerals: Minerals such as zinc, copper, and selenium are important for health and performance. Ensure the diet contains adequate amounts, and consider mineral supplementation if needed. Adequate magnesium intake is also important for recovery in sport horses.
Vitamins: Competing horses may need additional vitamins to support immune function, muscle performance, and general well-being. Vitamin E is particularly essential for a sport horse’s performance capacity. Horses in heavy work may also benefit from B vitamin supplementation (brewer’s yeast).
Water intake: Make sure your horse drinks enough, especially during competitions. Proper hydration is important for performance and health. Horses that sweat heavily should be given electrolytes to support recovery.
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