A horse’s coat is made up of three layers - the medulla, cortex and cuticle - each contributing to strength, flexibility, and the way light reflects off the hair. Much like human skin and hair, a horse’s coat reveals a great deal about overall health. While grooming products can enhance appearance on the outside, the deepest and most lasting shine always comes from within.
Show horses often set the standard for that enviable glossy finish, but the principles behind a healthy coat apply to every horse, whether in the paddock or in the ring.
What a dull coat may be telling you
A soft, shining coat usually reflects good nutrition, balanced digestion, a healthy gut microbiome, and well-functioning organ systems. Conversely, certain coat changes can signal imbalance or underlying health concerns. Common signs include:
- Persistent itching, rubbing or thinning
- Patchy or worn areas from scratching
- A noticeable change in coat colour
- Failure to shed the winter coat, or developing a curly or “staring” coat
- Scaling, crusting or clumps of oily skin
- A dull or lifeless appearance
- A “staring” coat in particular - where individual hairs stand up - can suggest internal disharmony, digestive stress, or even chronic inflammation.
Why wholefoods and herbs matter
Herbs differ from isolated mineral or vitamin supplements in a meaningful way: they are whole, natural plant materials that horses have evolved to eat. Many herbal ingredients mirror the diversity of forages found in natural grazing environments.
One of the challenges we see in modern feeding is over-mineralisation. With so many fortified feeds and supplements on the market, it’s surprisingly easy for well-intentioned owners to exceed what a horse actually needs. Herbs and wholefoods provide a more balanced, gentle way to broaden nutritional diversity without overwhelming the system.
A thoughtful herbal approach supports digestion, skin health, detoxification pathways, and circulation—each essential to the quality and shine of a coat.
McDowells Herbal Support for Coat and Skin Health
Equisite
Equisite is formulated to support shine from mane to tail, using herbs traditionally known to nourish the skin and coat. This blend of natural plant powders adds diversity to the diet and is safe for long-term use. Herbs included are:
- Aloe vera powder
- Equisetum (horsetail)
- Fenugreek
- Kelp
- Linseed meal
- Nettle
- Rosemary
- Coconut meal
These ingredients work synergistically to support healthy hair growth, clear skin, and deep, natural lustre.
Equihemp
Equihemp offers a highly digestible source of protein, essential amino acids, and beneficial fatty acids. Hemp is naturally cooling, gluten-free, and gentle on the digestive system.
Its nutrient profile can help:
- Reduce inflammation
- Support joint comfort
- Promote cardiovascular health
- Improve the condition of the skin, coat, hooves and tail
- Assist digestion
Because hemp doesn’t contain trypsin inhibitors or oligosaccharides (found in soy and other legumes) it tends to be easier on sensitive horses.
Show Pony
Show Pony is designed to tune up overall metabolism while supporting general health. Working from the inside out, it helps encourage the deep, polished shine associated with peak vitality. Ingredients include:
- Borage
- Chamomile
- Nettle
- Dandelion leaf
- Kelp
- Vervain
When beginning, one cup is added to feed twice daily, replacing most other supplements. After about three weeks, this can often be reduced to once daily.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is a rich, plant-based source of essential fatty acids in an ideal Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio of 3:1. This makes it an excellent daily addition for promoting supple skin and a healthy coat. Many owners notice that hemp oil helps:
- Maintain moisture in skin and hair
- Reduce dryness or irritation
- Support healthy fur texture
- Minimise seasonal shedding
Its gentle nature and broad nutritional profile make it suitable for long-term use.
A truly lustrous coat reflects not just grooming but whole-body wellbeing - healthy digestion, balanced nutrition, and a calm, supported system. If you’re unsure which herbal approach might suit your horse best, we’re here to help.
McDowells offers free consultations to guide you in creating a natural program tailored to your horse’s individual needs.
