Does a glossy coat = a happy, healthy horse?

J

jojoebony

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Intentionally a vague question.
What are your thoughts?
If a horse has a lovely glossy coat does this mean the horse is happy and healthy?

J

I will explain why I ask but would really appreciate peoples thoughts without any context first.
 
A shiny coat is generally a sign of good physical health though they can get a very bright coat and eye when they have a fever!!!
 
My last horse before he passed on was ill for 6 months or so and he had a lovely glossy shinny coat. To look at him you would never had known there was anything wrong with the poor chap.
 
My veteran horse Sunny is very ill with a severe pollen allergy. His lungs are trashed and noone knows whether his quality of life this summer will mean he may have to be pts. But he's happy as Larry now, retired, free range round the yard, best of everything and his coat is so sleek and shiny you can see your face in it. I would be inclined to switch your question around. A glossy coat does not necessarily = a happy healthy horse but a happy healthy horse usually = a glossy coat.
 
For some reason they often seem to look their glossiest the day they are pts, especially if it has been a long, hard decision e,g for deteriorating arthritis. Luckily I was warned about this before Pickle was pts as it was true for her, seen it recently with another horse pts for the same reason.
 
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