Why doesn't my horse's coat shine?

Why doesn't my horse's coat shine?
A shiny coat in horses is something that many owners dream of – but what exactly makes some horses look shiny and healthy, while others look dull and dull, at certain times? There are many factors at play, and not all of them are easy to influence.

Ceramide – the key to shiny fur
The substance that makes a horse's coat shiny is called ceramide. Ceramide is a waxy fatty acid compound that the body produces itself, primarily from saturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are found in smaller quantities in the horse's feed, but can also be formed by the breakdown or conversion of carbohydrates and oils found in, for example, grass.

Some horses naturally produce more ceramide than others, which may be genetically determined. Therefore, a shiny coat may be innate and not necessarily the result of good nutrition or optimal care. It is important to remember that a shiny coat is not always a sign of health – the body may prioritize the coat at the expense of other functions, such as healing injuries, building muscle or strengthening the immune system, especially if essential nutrition to support these processes is lacking.

The oil content of grass – a hidden challenge
For the body to form ceramide, oil, carbohydrate and nutritional cofactors such as amino acids and vitamins are required. In Denmark, grass rarely has the recommended oil content of 2-3%. Often it is only around 1%, and when it is dried into hay, a large part of the oil disappears completely.

For a 500 kg horse eating 10 kg of dry matter daily, which is equivalent to approximately 50 kg of fresh grass, fresh grass with 3% oil could provide 300 grams of oil. If the grass only contains 1%, the horse only gets 100 grams – and the oil content in the wrap is typically significantly reduced, while in pure hay it almost disappears completely. This can result in a deficiency situation where the body does not have enough building blocks to form ceramide.

Can oil make fur shiny?
Yes, adding oil to your horse's feed can help. A cup of rapeseed oil a day can provide a supplement of the necessary fatty acids.

What can you do?
If your horse's coat is dull, consider the following:

• Roughage : Make sure your horse gets high-quality grass, wrap or hay. If the roughage is low in oil, you can supplement with oil-containing supplements.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements : Make sure the horse gets a balanced diet that ensures the body can prioritize all functions – not just the coat.
• Genetics : Remember that some horses will always shine more than others, no matter what you do.

Shiny fur isn't everything
A shiny coat can be beautiful, but it is not always a sign of health. Remember, horses from harsh environments can have shiny coats even if they are underweight and malnourished.

Conclusion
If your horse's coat is dull, it's likely due to a combination of feed quality, genetics and weather conditions. Adding oil can help, but the most important thing is to focus on the horse's overall health. A healthy, thriving horse is more important than a shiny coat – and with a balanced diet and good care you will go a long way. 😊

Please share your experiences in the comments section – what has worked for your horse?