Last Updated on March 13, 2022
When winter comes to a close, your fluffy and somewhat scruffy horse is sending hairs everywhere, so it is time for the best de-shedding tool for horses. Coat shedding is messy and frustrating for horse owners, and often itchy for the horse. However, you can make this time easier using the right grooming products, and before you know it, your horse will have a gleaming summer coat.
How To Choose The Best Horse Grooming Tool?
The market offers several types of de-shedding tools for horses, with new designs frequently becoming available. Some horses grow thicker, longer winter coats than others. For horses with very long winter hair, a tool with longer teeth is a better option.
Keep in mind that a horse actually sheds its coat twice a year. Once in the spring for its summer coat and again in the fall for its winter coat. Spring shedding is much more intense and messy, but using the appropriate tool during both seasons helps keep the coat shiny.
For the fall shed, the coat will change from short to long and thick. At this time of year, you will want a grooming tool with shorter teeth. There are many deshedding tools to pick from, which can get confusing.
Why Use A Deshedding Tool
When a horse sheds its winter coat the hair gets everywhere, on your clothes, in your hair, and on the floor. Even though the process always takes a few weeks, using this special tool help to speed it up. Shedding also can cause itchiness for the horse, so by removing this hair the horse gets some relief.
What Triggers Shedding
Contrary to common belief, it is not the change in the temperature that triggers a horse’s coat shedding. The real reason a horse starts to shed its coat is the amount of daylight. When daylight increases in the spring, it tells the horse’s body it’s time to grow its summer coat.
The reverse happens in the fall. When daylight hours decrease, it is a signal that cold weather is coming, and it is time to grow a winter coat.
It is not possible to reduce the thickness of a winter coat by starting to blanket your horse early. Each horse is genetically programmed to grow a certain type of winter coat. Every horse is different.
This is why you see some horses with extremely wooly coats in winter, while others don’t grow much at all. The growth of the winter coat is not affected by the temperature.
Types Of Deshedding Tools For Horses
Today’s tools for shedding horses come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and materials. The oldest type is the metal shedding blade and the metal curry comb. The most expensive tool is a vacuum made specifically for horses.
You will also see rubber tools, such as curry combs and gloves. Specially designed blocks are also a popular choice. Even some oils can help with removing hair from your horse.
Tips For Grooming A Shedding Horse
- If you use some of these tips it can help make your grooming during shedding season more efficient.
- Keep your horse’s skin in top condition. To do this a good diet is essential. It is also important to regularly groom your horse, no matter what time of year it is. Removing or preventing sweat by clipping in the winter will also help keep the skin healthy.
- Always incorporate currying into your grooming routine. This helps distribute the horse’s natural oils through the coat, lift up dirt, and loosen hairs. Most horses also love this!
- Keep your grooming tools clean. This will help keep the coat cleaner and reduce the risk of any skin issues spreading from horse to horse.
- Omega 3 in the diet, such as linseed oil and biotin both improve the skin’s condition. Avoid vegetable oils, as they are too high in omega 6.
- If your horse does not look like it is shedding its coat properly, it can indicate that there is another health issue, such as Cushing’s. It is a good idea to consult a vet if shedding isn’t going as it should.
The Best Deshedding Tool For Horses – Our Favorites
The following are a variety of deshedding tools that we think do a great job in the Spring or Fall.
SleekEZ
The SleekEZ is one of the newer designs available to help with shedding out your horse. This brand markets its product with some impressive videos that make it look like it is the champion of all shedding tools. It is a nice looking tool with a wooden handle, made from poplar wood.
The company claims that it is the best deshedding tool for horses and nothing works better to remove hair, dirt, and even dander. Attached to the wooden handle is a uniquely shaped wave blade that you stroke the animal with. The tool comes in three sizes for different animals.
For horses, you want to get the 10-inch version. However, the 5-inch version is a good option for children who have smaller hands.
Pros
- Great for long winter coats
- You can use this tool on other animals, such as your dog, so you get good value. It even helps remove hair from saddle pads and furniture.
- Easy to clean
- Some fun color options
Cons
- If the horse is very dirty, the dirt can quickly diminish the efficiency of the tool.
- It is expensive for a de-shedding tool.
- It is too hard to use on a horse’s lower legs and face.
- Does not work as well if the coat is shorter, so it best to use it for winter coat shedding.
- The blade teeth are a bit too sharp.
Reversible Stainless Steel Curry Comb
If you want a reliable, traditional shedding tool, a metal curry comb is something to always have in your grooming kit. This product is one of the oldest types available. It is similar to another traditional tool, the shedding blade.
The difference between the metal curry comb and a shedding blade is the shape. Both use a piece of metal about two inches wide small teeth along the edge. The curry comb is basically the blade wrapped into a circle, giving a wider surface area.
One great thing about this tool is you can use it to remove hair from your grooming brushes. Simply pull the tool over your brush, and it will take out the hair.
Pros
- Works well on any coat type.
- Reasonably priced.
- It will last for a very long time if rust is prevented.
- Easy to hold and use.
- Easy to clean.
- It also works on dogs with thick double coats.
Cons
- It is too harsh to use on the lower legs and the face.
HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves
The design of this product is in the name. Simply put on the gloves and rub your hands over your horse. The palm side of the gloves is full of rubber bristles that grab the loose hair. This option is more comfortable for your horse since it is rubber and softer.
In addition to excellent hair removal, these gloves can double as bath scrubbers. To get your horse really clean, scrub it with these gloves. They will help remove deep dirt and work better than just using a sponge.
Pros
- Soft on the horse’s skin.
- You can use them on the legs and face. Just use gentler strokes than you do for the body.
- Rinse off after easy use, making them easy to keep clean.
- They come in five sizes, so fit all hand sizes, even childrens’
Cons
- If you use these heavily, they might not last as long as some other tools.
Magic Brush
The magic brush is not the first tool that many look at and think shedding tool. However, this little brush is a fantastic all-around grooming tool. It is a plastic brush, with plastic teeth. The brush is has a curve, so it fits comfortably into your hand.
It is lightweight and is great a removing hair and dirt from your horse. If your horse gets mud on it from rolling in the paddock, wait for it to dry and use this brush. The brush is softer than a metal tool, but a bit stiffer than rubber.
The magic brush is a good choice for both spring and winter shedding. It works at any time of the year to remove loose hair.
Pros
- Very versatile.
- Comes in a choice of colors.
- Great for year-round hair removal.
- Removes dried-on mud.
- Soft enough to use on the lower legs, so long as you use lighter strokes.
Cons
- It is a bit difficult to clean. You will need to pick out the hair as you groom your horse.
- It does last a couple of seasons, but the plastic teeth tend to get slightly bent out of shape.
Farnam Slick ‘N Easy Horse Grooming Block
For fall shedding, this grooming block is a great choice. The block looks like a sponge, but it is made from fiberglass. It is firm and keeps its shape. This tool will work on thicker coats at spring shedding, but it is best for use in the fall.
The block not only removes loose hair, but it also removes dirt and helps shine up your horse’s coat. You can use it to remove hair from saddle pads before putting them in the washing machine.
Pros
- Easy to use and hold.
- Removes dust and adds shine.
- You can use it on a horse’s lower legs.
Cons
- It does not last as long as other tools, and you will only get 10 to 12 uses out of each block.
- Not great for spring shedding, but will help.
Conclusion For The Best Deshedding Tool For Horses
We hope this helps you navigate the multitude of the best de-shedding tool for horses. We have used each type covered here and know that they will all help with hair removal. Picking an overall winner is tough because each tool is the best in one way or another.
However, our overall winner is the Magic Brush. This brush has it all. It works on both long and short hair, and you can use it during all seasons. In addition to removing hair, it does a really good job of removing dirt, such as dried mud.
For a thick winter coat, we would use the metal curry comb. It does a great job of pulling large clumps of hair off the horse that occur during one stage of the spring shedding process. Overall, we recommend you have both a Magic Brush and a metal curry comb in your grooming box.
How can I speed up my horses shedding?
To speed up the shedding of your horse’s coat, you need to provide him with a nutritionally balanced diet, plenty of water and adequate exercise. In this way its overall circulation will improve and the shedding will go more quickly. You can also help with grooming by using a brush on a circular motion and a comb in an upward motion, but be careful not to hurt your horse.
What month do horses start shedding?
It is a well known fact that horses shed their coats after the winter, once days start getting longer and it begins to get warmer outside. There are no hard and fast rules about when the shedding is supposed to start, but it usually begins around the last few days of December or the first days of January. At first there are no obvious signs and it’s difficult to tell, when exactly the process really started. Shedding schedule also vary from horse to horse although each individual horse normally shed at the same time every year.
How long does it take for horses to lose their winter coats? In most cases horses shed their coats in several weeks, but it can take a little longer than that. The length of time depends on a lot of factors, like breed, age, body weight, health and level of activity.
How do you remove horse hair?
Grooming is one of the best things you can do for your horse. When you groom them regularly, you help keep them clean, healthy, and happy. Using a rubber curry comb in a large circular motion can help remove dead skin, loosen up the dirt and loose hair. At the same time grooming is a good massage for a horse and horses normally enjoy it. With regular grooming your horse will look healthier and happier. It’s a great way to spend time and bond with your horse.
How do you use a horse shedder?
To use a grooming tool such as a shedding blade, you need to grip it with both hands or wrap the blade in a loop that you can use one-handed. Then you gently run it through the horse’s coat and remove loose hair. The most common mistake people make when using a horse shedder is trying to cut too deeply. This can cause damage to the horse’s skin and hair follicles. If you accidentally cut a horse, stop immediately and take the blade out of the horse’s hair. Another important thing to remember when using a shedding blade is to avoid hitting any bony parts as this could cause serious injury.
How do horses know when to shed?
The winter coat is a natural insulation that protects the horse’s body from the cold and helps regulate the horse’s temperature. But when the spring comes, horses will start to shed their thick winter coats. The actual process of shedding is triggered by the amount of light. The horse’s pituitary gland will recognize that days are longer and it’s time to shed.
The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain. When the horse’s pituitary gland is stimulated by light, it will produce hormones that cause the hair follicles to open up. The hair follicles are glands that secrete the hair shaft. Once the hair follicles open up, the hair shafts will start to come out of the skin. The hair follicles will continue to open up and shed hair for about six months until the summer.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.
