Assistance for those horses that struggle to shed their thick winter coat
Although temperatures may still be fairly low, longer days signal that spring is on its way.
Day length is the main trigger for many seasonally related processes in the horse’s body, with changes in coat being one of these processes. An increased period of daylight triggers secretion of hormones within the horse’s body that induce moulting and cause what seems like the never-ending loose hairs, and need for grooming, we all associate with spring. This response to longer days is why our horses and ponies will often start moulting even when temperatures remain relatively low.
Unfortunately, some horses and ponies do not respond to this seasonal trigger and retain their long, thick winter coat. This thick coat can remain all over the body or be more evident on just the legs.
Such equids usually have hormone imbalances that also lead to a thicker winter coat being grown in the first place, making the slow moulting process even more frustrating as they can look scruffy compared to others who develop a sleek summer coat.
Such hormone imbalances can also make animals more susceptible to developing areas of fatty deposits known as fat pads, whilst also struggling to maintain overall body condition. Increased drinking, urination and susceptibility to skin conditions, respiratory issues, insulin resistance and bouts of laminitis, are also associated with these hormone imbalances.
Keeping these horses healthy…
Management is key to keeping these horses and ponies healthy. Feeding a low starch (less than 10% starch and sugar feeds), high fibre diet, and controlling grass intake, reduces the negative effects of insulin resistance and the potential for laminitis to develop.
Feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to provide essential nutrients will help to balance a predominantly forage based diet, and if additional energy is required to help maintain body condition then feeding oil will provide calories in a form suitable for those with insulin resistance.
Nutritional support…
Feedmark’s C-Plus™ is also a great addition to the diet and is formulated to help horses and ponies affected by such hormone imbalances. Chastetree berries encourage moulting and help the summer coat to shine through, whilst Cinnamon, Seaweed and Magnesium support normal metabolism. Brewer’s yeast supports hindgut function and is a source of Biotin, whilst Rosehips are high in Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant known for its immune function. Vitamin E, Selenium and Astragalus are also included due to their roles in immunity. All these ingredients combine with Linseed, a vegan source of essential fatty acids needed by the body to produce strong hooves, healthy skin and a shiny coat. Linseed is also extremely palatable so will encourage even the fussiest of feeders.
C-Plus™ can be fed alongside a vitamin and mineral supplement such as Feedmark’s Benevit or Original Balancer to provide essential and balanced nutrients to the diet.
Customer feedback…
Customer, Alison Martin, recently sent us some feedback, explaining how C-Plus™ has helped her opinionated pony, PJ…
“In December 2015, PJ was diagnosed with Cushing's after a bout of laminitis. I discovered C-Plus in December 2017 and thought it worth a try. How right I was! Three years on and PJ continues in excellent health with bright eyes and pricked ears, an enormous appetite and great interest in all that is going on. I believe that feeding him the C-Plus supplement is largely responsible for his good health and resilience. Fingers crossed that PJ continues to give us such pleasure for some time to come.”
Laura Allen has seen great results after feeding C-Plus™ to her two Shetlands:
"I started using C-Plus last summer when my two old, retired Shetland broodmares failed to shed their winter coats and after a tough winter had lost quite a bit of topline on their hindquarters. Improvements were seen as soon as a week after starting using C-Plus and they soon got their condition back along with lovely shiny coats. This winter they are looking better than ever, maintaining their condition and much more sprightly than they used to be. I will be feeding C-Plus long term now as they would not have thrived without it!"
