As the days increase in length horses begin the
process of shedding their winter coat to prepare for the warmer weather of spring
and summer. It is their form of spring cleaning. Winter coats provided warmth during
the bitter cold weather. This extra layer of hair that was so purposeful over
the winter no longer serves a purpose for coming summer. In fact if horses are
unable to shed their winter coats it will cause them to suffer from overheating
in the hot temperatures of the summer. This shedding process is necessary and
must take place for their benefit, health and comfort. They must adapt to their
changing environment. They must shed the old hair and be renewed. This is a
process that will happen over and over throughout the course of their life as
they transition every winter to spring.
How glorious they look when they have fully shed their winter coat and
have the glossy, slick, shine to their hide.
Where is there shedding necessary in your life? Letting
go of a habit, relationship, resource, belonging that served a purpose and was
needed for a season but if not shed will cause harm or discomfort? Who needs to
help in this process? As I groom my horses I am helping them shed their old
hair. I use different brushes to aid in this process: a shedding blade, curry comb, dandy brush, coarse brush. Each has a unique ability to accomplish a specific task. What tools do you need to assist you shed? My horses will not shed their winter coats in one grooming session, or in one day. This is a process that will take time, weeks and multiple groomings. They will do some of the work alone rolling in the dirt and rubbing against trees and I will help sometimes by grooming. I have already groomed them five times and the process is not complete. Will you allow yourself the time necessary to shed?
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