The best coat shine sprays for horses are usually multi-purpose and come under a range of names, including coat shine, coat gloss, grooming spray or even hair polish. They’re great for everyday use to prevent the build-up of dust and dirt, but they’re are also an essential on show day to give you horse that extra shine and tactfully highlight their best features.
Some coat shine sprays for horses can also be used as a mane and tail detangler, while others are handy to use before clipping or to help prevent rug rub. Most coat shine for horses will also contain conditioning ingredients to promote strong, soft and healthy hair. If your horse is lacking lustre and shine, it’s worth considering whether he would benefit from a skin and coat supplement, too.
Best coat shine sprays for horses
Absorbine ShowSheen Hair Polish & Detangler
Sizes: 950ml
RRP: £18.69
This formula from Absorbine works as both a coat spray and detangler. It contains pro-vitamins to condition the skin and coat, plus silk proteins to strengthen the hair and give it a healthy shine. Applying it to the coat helps to repel dust, keep him clean for longer and help reduce static. The sprayer head that allows targeted application with vertical or horizontal spray patterns and sprays upside down for those hard-to-reach areas.
Carr & Day & Martin Dreamcoat
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 2.5l
RRP: £12.50 for 500ml
This spray from Carr & Day & Martin provides what is described as the ultimate high-gloss finish. The unique non-slip formula highlights muscle definition and can be used on the saddle patch, leaving no grease or residue. It can also be sprayed onto manes and tails before plaiting for extra shine.
Supreme Products Coat Gloss
Sizes: 750ml, 1l, 5l
RRP: £15.05 for 750ml
This spray is formulated to achieve perfection on show coats. It’s light in texture so can be applied to either wet or dry coats and is incredibly shiny without being sticky, tacky, static or oily. It’s primarily used to lay the coat and seal the hairs, but it can also be used as an under-belly mud repellent and will hold quarter marks in place..
Cavalor Star Shine
Sizes: 500ml
RRP: £17.99 for 500ml
This long-lasting hair conditioner from Cavalor can be used to maintain a knot-free mane and tail, and give a brightening gleam to your horse’s coat.
Cowboy Magic Super Body Shine
Sizes: 16oz, 32oz, 1gal
RRP: £12.04 for 16oz
This concentrated formula by Cowboy Magic adds shine and repels dust. It’s ready to use, dries fast and reflects a full spectrum of light. It also contains aloe vera to strengthen and condition the hair and skin.
NAF Shine On
Sizes: 500ml
RRP: £12.99
Described as a grooming box musti-have, this fine-mist spray by NAF smells great and gives your horse that extra, last minute sparkle without getting your reins to slippery. It can also be used on manes and tails to give an overall finish.
Shapley’s Hi Gloss Finishing Spray
Sizes: 12oz
RRP: £18.99
This American-made light, fresh-smelling oil-based aerosol spray will keep your horses skin and hair supple and conditioned when used regularly. It can also be used to add definition to muscles and highlight features, adding shine and lustre in seconds. It accentuates all colours of horses and works as a leave-in conditioner. You can also spray it on horses’ shoulders to help prevent rug rubs.
Supreme Products Moisturise & Condition
Sizes: 500ml, 5l
RRP: £15.50 for 500ml
This spray by Supreme Products will help condition your horse’s coat, mane and tail, keeping it hydrated and healthy. It promotes a natural shine and leaves hair feeling soft. It can be used on manes that are regularly plaited, hooded, dry or liable to get damaged.
Lincoln Silky Shine Coat Enhancer Spray
Sizes: 400ml
RRP: £7.99
A “glossifying” spray that adds sparkle and shine to the coat – perfect for a variety of coats. You can spray it onto plaits and quarter marks for depth and definition. For bays and duns it enhances black points and for greys it illuminates the coat in all lights. Provides exceptional results indoors with artificial lighting, or natural sunlight.
Nettex Coat Shine
Sizes: 500ml
RRP: £11.10
This multi-purpose, long-lasting coat dressing from Nettex provides a high-shine finish. The non-oily formula seals and coats the hair, repelling dust and dirt and preventing staining. Regular use will help prevent stable and grass stains from becoming ingrained. It can also be used before clipping to reduce clipping lines on clean coats.
Science Supplements Coat Shine & Conditioner
Sizes: 750ml
RRP: £12.99
This spray from Science Supplements is an anti-static formula that also helps moisturises the skin, repel stains and provides a long-lasting sparkle. It makes the application of quarter markings easy and can also be applied to the chest and shoulders to help stop rugs and blankets from rubbing.
Leovet Silkcare Conditioner
Sizes: 550ml
RRP: £13.49
This conditioning spray from Leovet contains high quality silk proteins that give long-lasting support to the hair structure. It also helps to repel dust and dirt, and leaves a natural-looking shine.
Shires Ezi-Groom Shine Spray
Sizes: 400ml
RRP: £13.99
This all-over spray from Shires contains added protein serum to give a shiny and glossy look. It’s quick drying and also helps to remove stains.
Smart Grooming Coat Sheen
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 5l
RRP: £13.95 for 500ml
The Smart Grooming spray enhances the natural shine of the coat and can also be used prior to clipping making it easier for blades to glide through and give a smooth finish. It doesn’t leave an artificial shine or residue that can come from oil-based products, and does not attract dirt or dust. It’s best applied with a fleece mitt and then buffed into the coat for a dry, shiny finish. Also available as a refill making it a cost-effective option.
Botanica 6-in-1 Spray
Sizes: 750ml
RRP: £17.89
This multipurpose spray helps to dentangle manes and tails, deters flies and insects, removes dust and dirt from the coat and helps to prevent stains. It conditions and shines, helps to reduce dandruff and flaky skin, and can be sprayed directly onto open wounds.
Farnam Vetrolin Shine
Sizes: 591ml, 946ml, 1.89l
RRP: £18 for 946ml
This coat polish enhances shine and protects the coat from dust, but also contains sunscreen to help protect coat bleaching. It can also be used to help remove stains by applying the night before a show and sponging it off in the morning.
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How do I make my horse’s coat shiny?
It’s first important to ensure your horse is healthy, well-maintained and has a complete diet. Ensuring your horse has a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients – including protein, vitamins, and minerals – will help maintain a glossy coat. Skin and coat supplements that include biotin and omega-3 fatty acids can promote coat health, while regular grooming sessions will help remove dirt, debris, and loose hair. Grooming also helps to distribute natural oils and stimulating the skin for a healthy shine.
Incorporate bathing with one of the best horse shampoos periodically to keep the coat clean and remove excess oil and dirt. However, be mindful of over-bathing to prevent stripping the coat of its natural oils. Conditioning the coat with one of the best coat shine sprays can further enhance its lustre, while balanced turnout, regular exercise and adequate hydration also contribute to overall coat health.
Can you use olive oil on a horse’s coat?
Yes, olive oil can be used on a horse’s coat to promote shine and condition the hair. It’s a natural option that can provide moisture to the hair and promote shine, particularly for horses with dry or dull coats.
However, olive oil must be used sparingly to avoid making the coat greasy or attracting dirt. Coat shine sprays, on the other hand, are formulated specifically for enhancing coat shine and may contain ingredients that coat the hair shaft to reflect light and create a glossy appearance. Sprays are convenient and may provide quick results without making the coat greasy when used as directed.
You might also like:
The best mane and tail detanglers to keep your horse looking lustrous
Skin and coat supplements: what’s on the market?
15 dry shampoos and stain removers that will leave your horse gleaming
18 shampoos that will get your horse sparkling – because he’s worth it!
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