Why are my horses growing mustaches? *pics added - page 2

[sisu27]

20 yo and 7 yo OTTB. Moved 3 weeks ago to pasture. Had been on grass but it was pretty meager and were largely eating round bales.

Just noticed this past week both horses are growing mustaches. I noticed on the older guy first and thought this was a sign of getting old then I noticed the 7yo is also growing a stache.

They look good in every other way. Their coats otherwise look normal.

Is this a cause for concern? Has anyone seen an abrupt growth of hair like this? What on earth could cause this?

[tazycat]

Normal nothing to worry about.

[HicksteadFan]

Are they both geldings? I have seen several geldings grow moustaches before especially in the winter. But the ones that had them didn’t get them every winter. As for why it happened in the middle of the summer and suddenly I have no idea. But your horses aren’t the only ones. I wouldn’t be overly worried but it would be interesting to find out why it happens.

[sisu27]

@HicksteadFan

Are they both geldings? I have seen several geldings grow moustaches before especially in the winter. But the ones that had them didn’t get them every winter. As for why it happened in the middle of the summer and suddenly I have no idea. But your horses aren’t the only ones. I wouldn’t be overly worried but it would be interesting to find out why it happens.

Yes both geldings.

Well good to know it isn’t an indication of some sort of metabolic issue or something. I have never seen this before on any horse and to all of a sudden have 2 that live together and eat the same etc sprout mustaches…weird. It must be
from something but what I couldn’t guess.

Wait does this mean after having the worst summer ever we are in for some sort of epic winter from hell?!?

[GraceLikeRain]

Do you have a picture? I feel like it is a bit early in the year to be developing shaggy winter-time hairs.

[sisu27]

@GraceLikeRain

Do you have a picture? I feel like it is a bit early in the year to be developing shaggy winter-time hairs.

I don’t but will take some tonight.

[Simkie]

Mine are all shedding GOBS of hair, and have been for about a month–could totally believe that some horses out there are sprouting mustaches preparing for winter. :lol:

Has anything else changed in their diet?

[goodhors]

I have known a few horses over the years with mustaches. Actual curly, handlebar mustaches. All were geldings and they had the mustaches year around, all the time (years) I knew them. Owners trimmed off straight hair lip whiskers, but not the mustaches, for showing. None were related, not near each other in locations, not even similar breeding or breeds of horses. Owner’s did like the mustaches, said it makes them laugh each time they looked at their horse.

[sisu27]

@Simkie

Mine are all shedding GOBS of hair, and have been for about a month–could totally believe that some horses out there are sprouting mustaches preparing for winter. :lol:

Has anything else changed in their diet?

Their feed has not changed but they are now eating grass exclusively for forage. 11+ acres for 2 horses, no need for hay until late fall. They get soaked alfalfa pellets, sea salt, Optimal and Finishing Touch. Slight reduction in the younger guys Finishing Touch as he is packing on the pounds.

Their coats are slick, no shedding and no growth.

[Simkie]

@sisu27

Their feed has not changed but they are now eating grass exclusively for forage. 11+ acres for 2 horses, no need for hay until late fall. They get soaked alfalfa pellets, sea salt, Optimal and Finishing Touch. Slight reduction in the younger guys Finishing Touch as he is packing on the pounds.

Their coats are slick, no shedding and no growth.

Perhaps they’re healthier now, and showing their true colors, so to speak, coat wise? (I can’t believe they’re not shedding yet! Mine started around the solstice!)

[Training_Cupid]

Do you ![](ean they just have a lot of / long whiskers, or is it more like this:
[IMG]https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFHl9mhle_HX6Xw1o2PmdKbESbZUhLJiaFu7_qiAVBitX4Tu-b)

[sisu27]

Might be worthwhile to mention I have owned the 20yo since he was 8 and the 7yo since he was 3. They have been at home and boarded out at different places. Lived out 24/7 and been stalled at night. I have changed feed and supplements a few times over the years. Now, the only change is they are in this big pasture that is new to them. Perhaps none of it has anything to do with anything but it is very odd that all of a sudden they are gearing up for Movember, together.

[sisu27]

[quote=“Tra![](ning Cupid,post:11,topic:435495”]

Do you mean they just have a lot of / long whiskers, or is it more like this:
[IMG]https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFHl9mhle_HX6Xw1o2PmdKbESbZUhLJiaFu7_qiAVBitX4Tu-b)

[/quote]

Yup it is that. Not quite as pronounced yet but headed that way.

[sisu27]

@Simkie

Perhaps they’re healthier now, and showing their true colors, so to speak, coat wise? (I can’t believe they’re not shedding yet! Mine started around the solstice!)

If that is the cause then I am thrilled with this new development lol.

I can’t remember if this is late for them to shed or not?? Both have very little coat in the summer so maybe I haven’t noticed. Admittedly they aren’t in full work so I do not groom them daily.

[Training_Cupid]

I don’t know, I think it is unusual for a thoroughbred. Older guy I might have tested for cushings, but since they both have it maybe I’d run a blood test, could be something they’re eating?

[atr]

They were probably wearing them off before rooting around at ground level for the meager pickings, whereas no they are just eating with their noses off the ground.

[imaginique]

I have a gelding that grew a mustache for the first time about six years ago. He was 11. It was a big brushy thing. Since then he has one most of the time. Currently his 'stache is beginning to fill out a little, where before it was barely visible. First time I’ve ever had a horse with a 'stache and I’ve always had at least one gelding in the barn.

[JB]

@Training Cupid

I don’t know, I think it is unusual for a thoroughbred.

My TB mare has half a mustache.

[Simkie]

@atr

They were probably wearing them off before rooting around at ground level for the meager pickings, whereas no they are just eating with their noses off the ground.

Ah, this is brilliant. I bet is the answer!!

[Libby2563]

Did anyone else have no idea horses could even have mustaches?