Seven tips to keep your black horse black this summer

Many black and black-brown horses become significantly lighter in the summer, sometimes even turning truly brown. This is a natural process and the horse is not bothered by it at all. But as an owner, you might prefer your horse to stay black. For example, if you have a Friesian going to a show. If you prefer to keep your horse black without using paint, we have seven tips for you.

The brown color is caused by the sun. The hair of your horse fades under the influence of UV radiation. This process is accelerated if a lot of sweat salts remain on your horse's skin.

Tip 1: Rinse your horse after work

Ensure your horse goes into the sun clean, not covered in dried sweat. This will slow down the discoloration process. It is also more pleasant for your horse to cool off after working on a hot day. A win-win situation.

Tip 2: Use a UV-protective fly sheet

The less sun exposure, the better if you want to keep your horse black. A simple way to achieve this is by putting a breathable UV-protective fly sheet on your horse. It also helps against flies and horseflies, so again, a win-win!

Tip 3: Turn out at night

Perhaps a bit extreme, but some people put their horses in the stables when the sun is high and turn them out at night. If it is very hot, your horse might find this more comfortable, so maybe not such a bad idea after all.

Tip 4: Minerals

The minerals zinc and copper play a role in maintaining a black coat color. It is important that your horse receives enough minerals. This can be achieved by giving a balancer pellet or using a mineral supplement. Be careful not to mix multiple mineral supplements with the same minerals. Many minerals interact with each other, sometimes working against each other. The balance between them is crucial. Some minerals should not be overdosed to prevent kidney problems, for example.

Read more about supplementing minerals here.

Tip 5: Supplements

There are supplements that are claimed to darken your horse's coat color. Certain types of seaweed are known for this, but there are also specific supplements for a black coat. These are widely used in America, but since they do not adhere to European regulations regarding labeling, we should be cautious. Overloading the kidneys and liver is a risk.

Tip 6: Black shampoo

There are different types of shampoo that make your horse look blacker. They usually have a minor effect, but it is short-lived. Such a shampoo can be a good solution for a competition or show. However, do not expect a major color difference. At most, the underlying tone of your horse will be less reddish-brown and more blue-black.

Tip 7: Sunscreen for horses?

Yes, it exists, special sunscreen for horses. However, this is mainly intended for white noses and not to lather your entire black horse with. Also, pay attention to the ingredients, a natural cream with zinc oxide is often the best. It reflects sunlight because it is a bit white. Other products are often absorbed by the skin and end up in your horse's bloodstream. Therefore, it is advisable not to simply use any human sunscreen.

Whether you have a black, brown, chestnut, gray, piebald, or any other color horse... We wish you a great summer!