Winter coat preparation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some horses thrive unclipped and lightly rugged; others work better clipped and carefully layered.
The constant? Respecting the horse’s skin barrier with pH-balanced products and nourishing, equine-specific ingredients.
1. Start Clean
Before winter sets in, give your horse a proper deep clean.
A gentle wash removes sweat, dust, and summer oils that can get trapped beneath a growing coat or rugs. Always choose cleansers formulated for the unique pH of a horse’s skin — this helps maintain the natural protective layer and prevents irritation and essential for pre clipping preparation.
Avoid harsh human shampoos or those loaded with detergent, as they can strip away essential oils and disrupt the skin’s balance.
🧴 Tip: Our Equitanicals shampoos are sulphate-free, plant-based, and pH balanced specifically for horses, so they cleanse without drying.
2. Rug Smart. Layer for the Horse in Front of You
Rugging is not about following a chart — it’s about understanding the individual horse.
Some horses need minimal rugging; others, especially those that are clipped, elderly, or finer-skinned, need consistent warmth and protection.
The key is layering and flexibility.
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Native or unclipped horses: wait until they truly need the extra layer; they’re designed to regulate naturally.
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Clipped or in-work horses: rug promptly after exercise to prevent chills.
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Young or sensitive horses: monitor daily for rubbing at the shoulders and withers.
The goal is comfort, not fashion — and regular grooming keeps skin healthy under rugs.
3. Clip Where Necessary — Then Replenish
Clipping is practical for horses in regular work. It helps regulate temperature, reduces sweat buildup, and makes grooming easier.
But clipping also exposes the skin to the elements, so follow up with moisture and protection.
After clipping:
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Apply a light, nourishing coat oil or conditioning spray.
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Focus on ingredients like apricot kernel, avocado, or sea buckthorn oil, which replenish lost lipids and add shine without greasiness.
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Avoid heavy silicones that mask dryness instead of improving it.
🌿 Equitanicals coat oils are designed to support the skin barrier naturally, no synthetic shine, just genuine nourishment.
4. Feed the Coat From Within
The best shine starts on the inside.
A balanced diet rich in Omega-3s, amino acids, and trace minerals promotes a glossy, strong coat and resilient skin.
Good-quality linseed, chia, or micronised flax are great additions through the winter months.
Pair this with consistent grooming — stimulating blood flow and distributing natural oils — and your horse’s coat will glow all season long.
5. The Takeaway — Balance Over Perfection
Preparing your horse’s coat for winter is about balance:
clip if you need to, rug when it’s right, and support the skin barrier from both inside and out.
By choosing horse-specific pH products, nourishing ingredients, and a thoughtful routine, you’ll keep your horse comfortable, healthy, and gleaming, all winter long.
Check out my Youtube for more tutorials and my favourite products here.
With love and muddy boots,
Sally x
