Horse Nutrition in Fall: From Sleek Summer Coat to Fluffy Teddy Bear

Fall is here! The leaves are dropping, the days are getting shorter… and your horse is turning into a fuzzy teddy bear. And sometimes, they might need a little extra support from us while shedding their coats.

Why do horses shed their coats? 

The rhythm of shedding is controlled by daylight. When the days get shorter, your horse’s body gets the signal: time to grow that cozy winter coat. 

Shedding is nature’s way of helping horses adapt to seasonal changes. Twice a year, they go through a complete coat transformation. In spring, they lose their thick, fluffy winter coat to make room for a sleeker, lighter summer version. In fall, the reverse happens, preparing them for colder months.

But this is not a surface-level change. Shedding is a huge job for the metabolism and immune system. It requires loads of energy and an increased need for key nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and trace elements. The process is exhausting for the body, and if nutritional support falls short, immunity can drop as well.

Grass running out? 

By late summer and fall, pasture quality starts to decline. Often so much that your horse can’t get enough nutrients from grass alone. That means it’s time to step in with extra forage and, depending on your horse’s needs, the right kind of balancer. 

The best forage depends on your horse’s type, age, workload, dental health, and sensitivities. A few examples: 

Why nutrition matters during shedding 

Growing a brand-new coat isn’t just about looks: it’s hard work for your horse’s body. Shedding increases the demand for nutrients, especially minerals like copper, zinc, and manganese. The fewer deficiencies your horse has, the smoother and faster the shedding process will be. Since the whole transformation drains energy, it can temporarily lower the immune system, making balanced nutrition even more important. 

High-quality forage, combined with a concentrate tailored to your horse, usually does the trick. Feeding forage only? Shedding may take longer. In that case, a coat-supporting supplement can give a helpful boost. 

Shop our coat favs here.

Key Takeaways 🍁 

🍂 Balanced fall nutrition helps horses transition smoothly from sleek summer coats to fluffy winter protection while staying healthy and energetic. 

With the right support, your horse will go through fall healthy, happy, and ready to rock that fluffy winter look.