Many horse owners worry about their horse's coat losing its natural look over time. This guide should help you darken his/her coat in no time at all, and keep their coat that way.
Step 1
Buy a bottle of Canola oil and a bag of horse gum nuts(feed)- a bag of econ-o-mix horse feed should do just as well.
Step 2
Pour a couple of medium sized scoops gum nuts into a feed bucket. You can feed your horse as much as you like within reason.
Step 3
Pour a cup of Canola oil over feed, and mix thoroughly.
Step 4
Feed this mixture to your horse a few times a week, but see what you feel comfortable with.
Step 5
Once the coat has darkened to your liking, you may stop feeding the mixture if you wish.
Step 6
Buy a UV repellent fly mesh rug. You can buy one brand new or pick one up second hand. As it is UV repellent it will repel UV rays that may bleach your horse's coat.
Step 7
Make sure to include salt in your horse's diet. You can incorporate the salt in the gum nut mixture or placing a salt lick in an accessible area. Contact an expert in your area for their recommendations (e.g., if you live in a very rainy area, a salt lick may not last or be practical, etc).
Tips
- You may add some sunflower seeds to your feed.
- If your horse is also underweight, these feed procedures can help your horse put on weight. If these feeds don't work you may opt for buying extra feed on top of your normal feed eg: alfalfa plus bran mash, molasses mash, apples, biscuits and other treats can interest your horse and perk up his appetite.
- Contact your local feed distributor before buying gum nuts if you don't know what they are. You don't want to be giving them the gum nuts off trees!
Warnings
- Never over-feed your horse as he may get colic.
- For the same reason, don't put feed on the ground if it's dirt (on turf is okay).
- Remember to check with a knowledgeable horse person first as these feeds may not work for your horse.
- Watch your horse's reactions; you know your horse best. If the new feed seems to cause indigestion, excessive flatulence, or your horse doesn't seem interested in it, stop.
- Remember that as your horse ages, s/he will develop graying hair - just like a person, particularly around the muzzle. While this feed mixture may help with darkening a shade or two, nothing will stave off the effects of aging.
Things You'll Need
- feed bucket
- horse gum nuts or econ-o-mix
- Canola oil
- salt or salt lick
- wooden spoon to mix the feed
- UV repellent fly mesh rug
- sunflower seeds(optional)
- medium sized scooper
