Black Horses: Color, Care, and Show-Ring Strategy | Draw It Out®
Black Horses: Color, Care, and Show-Ring Strategy
By Jon Conklin • Updated • 6–8 min read
When they’re on, they look like polished obsidian. Here’s how to tell true vs. fading black, manage sun and sweat, and run a simple, show-safe routine that keeps the coat even and the mind quiet.
True Black vs. Fading Black
True black: Stays very dark year-round with minimal bronzing; mane/tail remain jet.
Fading black: Can bronze or “rust” along topline and points in summer from sun + sweat.
Either way, steady care makes the difference—protect oils, rinse sweat, and keep routines predictable.
“Pitch black is a habit, not a happenstance.”
Seasonal Shifts & Sun-Fade
Expect some seasonal movement in shade. Summer sun and salt can bronze coats; winter hair can read dull if over-washed.
The play: protect natural oils, clean sweat promptly, and groom consistently rather than scrubbing hard.
Grooming Tactics (Sweat Lines, Gloss)
Beat sweat lines
Rinse or wipe down promptly after work—dried salt makes streaks on black and dulls shine.
Shine follows skin
Skip harsh detergents that strip oils. Curry daily, then soft brush to lay hair and deepen the mirror look.
Skin & Coat Health
Dark coats hide heat but show dust and streaks. Keep legs clean and dry, support the skin barrier on cannons/pasterns,
and use sensation-free, show-safe care so recovery doesn’t amp your horse before the next class.
Show-Ring & Photo-Day Tips
Deep-clean the night prior; morning = quick spot work (elbows, hocks, tailhead) to avoid water marks.
Short, targeted warm-up to minimize sweat lines before you show or shoot.
Polish the outline: crisp mane, clean face, legs free of dust lines—let the black read glassy.
I will never stop talking about how great and convenient this spray is and is our saving grace. I prefer to use this spray before a workout and when we are hauled out in the trailer, the best to spray after a run.
Jenna, this is exactly why we made the spray. Quick, easy, and there when you need it—before the ride to keep them loose, after the run to keep them fresh, and even on the road when the trailer miles stack up. We’re so glad it’s become your “saving grace.” Thanks for letting us ride along with you and your horses.
