Yucky greasy coat - linseed or just a weird horse? And any suggestions?

[anuvb]

I clipped my boy for the first time ever about two/three weeks ago, and despite the usual preparations I noticed his coat was really greasy underneath (not evidence prior to the clip). Since clipping him I used the warmer weekend to bath him and have given him a thorough deep groom. But the grease keeps on coming! It's disgusting!

The last couple of months he's been on micronised linseed (great stuff thoroughly recommend it - have finally managed to keep condition on him) and I wondered if this was likely to be the cause?

And what are your top tips for getting the grease out of the greasiest horse ever?
Thanks

 

[ThePony]

Has he been rugged? If not then he is just making his own! Do you wash him quite alot? More washing with drying detergents will just make him greasier (think spotty teenager trying to rid themselves of the prob with lots of drying soap!). Are the insides of his rug clean? I wouldn't have thought the linseed would be causing it (ours are both on it, it is really fab stuff!) unless you are really feeding tonnes? I would just stick with a groom each time you ride. I wouldn't worry about a totally grease free coat, it will be keeping his skin and hair protected from the elements.

 

[anuvb]

... he's rugged all the time with clean rugs (I use a summer sheet underneath them), groomed most days and bathed regularly, but not excessively - certainly not enough to cause dermatitis. In fact he's pretty kept like all my other horses have been and I've never had this problem... you pat his bottom and your hand comes out white! :s I've cleaned my brushes, I've cleaned my rugs and I've cleaned him and he still keeps producing the stuff!

 

[ThePony]

Sounds really silly, but I would groom and wash less. Grooming and washing more than the horse needs can result in them over producing grease. Rugging can also dry the skin out so it might be that he is a sensitive soul and just needs more moisturier so is sorting his own!

 

[anuvb]

Okay I'll give it a go... although the last time he was bathed was July when we managed to squeeze in a dressage comp. I only tend to do it on a needs must basis, although he does get a proper wash down after working each time as he's quite a sweaty horse so maybe something in the dilute shampoo is triggering it.??? I might cut back on the linseed a bit too now that he's fattened up again and see if that makes any difference.

Ta for the input!