Quick take for busy barn days
Winter dries skin and hair. The fix is consistency: curry and brush to distribute natural oils, spot clean instead of full baths, condition mane, tail, and dry areas, and remove blankets daily to check for rubs.
Watch for: dandruff, itchy patches, new hair loss on shoulders or withers, scabs, heat, or swelling under blankets.
What winter does to a horse’s coat and skin
Cold air holds less moisture, barns run dry, turnout often drops, and blankets add friction. That combo can pull hydration out of the skin and leave a coat that looks dull and feels brittle. It also makes it easier to miss small issues under a thick winter coat.
Common winter coat problems
- Dry, flaky skin (dandruff) and itchiness
- Dull coat that feels rough or dusty
- Static that attracts dirt and makes grooming harder
- Mane and tail breakage from tangles and friction
Common winter skin problems
- Blanket rubs on shoulders, withers, chest, hips
- Hidden scabs under the coat that spread quietly
- Moisture trapped under blankets after sweat or weather changes
- Minor irritations that turn into bigger problems if ignored
Equine winter grooming routine that actually works
Your winter routine should protect the skin, keep the coat clean, and reduce friction. Think steady basics, not big resets.
1) Brush and curry regularly
Currying lifts dirt and dead hair and helps distribute natural oils. Oils are the coat’s built-in shine and protection. Even quick grooming sessions pay off when you repeat them.
2) Spot clean instead of full baths
Full baths are hard in freezing weather and can dry skin out further. Instead, towel-wipe sweat lines and grime, then dry thoroughly. Keep the coat clean where blankets and tack sit.
3) Condition the coat and reduce static
Static is a winter signal that the coat is too dry. A leave-in conditioner helps hair stay soft, reduces tangles, and cuts down breakage in mane and tail.
4) Groom before blanketing, every time
Dirt trapped under a blanket becomes sandpaper. A quick brush before blanketing reduces friction and helps prevent rubs.
5) Inspect blanket zones daily
Check shoulders, withers, chest, and hips. Look for heat, swelling, hair loss, redness, scabs, or a new sensitivity to touch.
Blanket rub prevention: the simple checklist
- Fit first. Blanket fit matters more than brand.
- Dry only. Do not trap sweat under a blanket.
- Clean coat. Brush off grit before re-blanketing.
- Daily checks. Early rubs are easier to stop.
- Condition high-friction areas. Softer hair breaks less and stays calmer.
Where ShowBarn Secret® Skin & Hair Enhancer fits in winter
Winter coat care needs moisture and consistency. ShowBarn Secret® Skin & Hair Enhancer is a naturally derived, leave-in formula designed to support healthy skin while conditioning manes and tails. It is built for daily grooming, problem areas, and show-safe routines.
Use it for dry skin and problem patches
- Apply a thin film at the skin, not just the hair.
- Focus on dry spots, flaky areas, and early rub zones.
- Stay consistent, then taper once the skin looks calm.
Use it for mane and tail conditioning
- Work into roots and comb through.
- Use a steady schedule to reduce breakage.
- Leave it in, no rinse needed.
Signs you should take winter skin issues seriously
Some winter issues are normal. These are the ones that deserve immediate attention.
- Spreading hair loss or circular patches
- Oozing sores or wet, crusty scabs
- Strong heat and swelling under a blanket zone
- Persistent rubbing that escalates day to day
- Pain to touch or sudden sensitivity during grooming
If you see these, loop in your veterinarian. Under a winter coat, small problems can look minor until they are not.
FAQ
Why does my horse get dandruff in winter?
Winter air is drier, barns can be dehydrating, and full-body grooming often drops. Less oil distribution plus more blanket time can make dandruff show up fast. A consistent curry and brush routine and targeted skin conditioning usually helps.
How do I prevent blanket rubs on shoulders and withers?
Start with correct blanket fit. Groom before blanketing, keep the coat clean and dry, and inspect pressure points daily. Conditioning high-friction zones helps hair stay softer and reduces breakage and irritation.
What is a good winter grooming routine for horses?
Brush and curry regularly. Spot clean instead of full baths. Condition mane, tail, and dry areas with a leave-in formula. Remove blankets daily to inspect skin and catch rubs early.
How do I use ShowBarn Secret® Skin & Hair Enhancer in winter?
Apply a thin film at the skin for dry or problem areas and leave it in. For mane and tail, work into the roots and comb through. Be consistent, then taper frequency once the skin looks calm and the hair feels soft.
When should I call a vet for winter skin issues?
If you see spreading hair loss, oozing sores, severe swelling, strong heat, or your horse seems uncomfortable despite basic grooming and management, contact your veterinarian.
