As temperatures change, horses develop thicker or thinner coats to adapt. This process, known as photoperiodism, is influenced by daylight length, not just temperature. During spring, horses shed their winter coats to make way for a lighter summer coat, which helps regulate their body temperature in warmer weather.
Regular grooming plays a crucial role in assisting horses with shedding, as it helps remove loose hair and promotes healthy skin. Monitoring a horse's shedding patterns can also provide insights into their general health and well-being, allowing owners to adjust care accordingly. If your horse’s coat is longer, thicker, or curlier than it has been in the past, and he’s having a hard time shedding it, it may be time to have a vet check to rule out PPID.
PPID, or Pituitary Pars Internedia Dysfunction, commonly known as Cushing's Disease, is a common endocrine disorder that affects a horse’s pituitary glands. This disease most commonly affects older horses. Many horses with Cushing’s disease have compromised immune systems. For those that also have EMS, high insulin concentrations predispose horses to laminitis. Grazing in the spring and early summer may result in laminitis more easily in PPID and EMS horses. Springtime tends to mean fast growing grass which can contain higher levels of carbohydrates and trigger a laminitic episode. Soft Ride Boots help support a horse’s hoof and increase circulation in the hoof capsule. Keeping horses with laminitis, PPID, and EMS comfortable and on their feet is critical for care and recovery.
