Horse Hair, the Best Reflection of Its Care
The horse may be one of the animals representing the most elegance and beauty. That is why those who are lovers and owners want majestic animals. Horse hair is soft, shiny and a beautiful coat is necessary, including the mane and tail.
Dr. Adriana Valencia, Veterinary Doctor, equine specialist, tells us that nothing better reflects horse hair health and nutritional status than its coat. Whatever it is color: black, chestnut, bay, chestnut or Moorish, the hair must be short and shiny.
For Dr. Valencia, the horse hair shine depends both on the daily care given to it on the outside with brushing and bathing and on the care given with daily food. A short, shiny coat reflects the horse’s good condition and the quality of care it receives. The specialist explains that hair and mane are made up of epithelial tissue, which has various functions in the body, regulating body temperature and forming a protective barrier against the environment. The horse’s coat is made up of different types of hair: The temporary hairs that make up the majority of the coat, the tactile hairs on the noseband, ears and eyes, and the permanent hairs that make up the horse’s mane and tail. Some breeds such as the Friesian have pastern hairs or “feathers.”
The care of the horse hair must be carried out daily and focuses on the diet and the care that is taken with it:
Horse Hair
Daily brushing
Both the mane and the tail and the animal’s coat in its entirety must be brushed daily. In this way, we will eliminate the substances that dirty the hair, such as dust, mud and also parasites and we will allow your skin to sweat correctly while generating its oils and waxes that provide shine. A good brushing helps to reactivate blood circulation and helps the hair regenerate faster.
The main must be carefully brushed to prevent the hair from breaking. As you brush, you should watch the horse’s reaction to make sure you’re not pushing too hard and hurting the horse. If it stays still, the pressure is acceptable; otherwise, he will get nervous or start kicking.
After brushing, you can spray the animal with silicone sprays that will help the hair to acquire strength and consistency.
Bath
The frequency with which you bathe will depend on the activity and the horse’s climate. The specialist recommends that baths be reduced to a minimum since frequent baths dry out the skin.
Please include in your special bathroom shampoos for the care of the hair of these animals, which have biotin in their components. You have to make sure to remove as much excess soap and water as possible before you start brushing.
The first thing to do is remove all traces of mud and dust with a glove. Then, with the help of a hose, wet the animal starting with the legs; ideally, use lukewarm water.
Feeding
Use foods that help you in the production of fats and waxes. They will help you keep your skin in perfect condition. Another option is the application of calcium and phosphorus supplements, as long as it is in a balanced way and with the doses recommended by an expert.
Dr. Valencia explains that: “there are key elements in the horse’s diet that impact a deficiency or an excess of nutrients can produce dull, dry and dull coat. Proteins, minerals such as phosphorus, iodine, zinc, copper, cobalt, vitamins such as A, B, C, E are not important; Nor can we forget the role of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that, when supplied in the equine diet, improve the skin and hair body condition, among other benefits.”
Mane of hair
It is one of the most beautiful parts of the animal. It is recommended to cut the ends to stimulate the hair follicle and improve growth.
Additional products
There are many products and home remedies for hair care but consult with the specialist veterinarian before choosing which one to use with your equine. Not all equines have the exact needs or live in the same environment.
