Coat Color Enhancers

Starlets, super models and high school prom queens aren’t the only ones savvy to the proper application of make-up these days. Have you noticed the wide array of spray-on color enhancers for horses that are available at major tack stores? That’s right: If your horse is blessed with a set of white stockings, now you can make his legs sparkle with a dose of white powder spritzed from a spray can.

Roan western show horse

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But it doesn’t stop there. Colors include two shades of sorrel red, black and gray. While practical use dictates that a horse with a temporary blemish could benefit from a spot paint job before entering the show ring, some show horses are subjected to makeovers as part of their preparation. Paints, for example, sometimes have their contrasting patches of colors highlighted by, well, a temporary paint job.

Don’t worry, though. These spray-on colors are as harmless as kindergarten water colors. They are easily removed with a damp brush or a shower. (While most show organizations permit color enhancement, it’s always a good idea to check your show rules before using a product.)

20 years ago

Cindy Hale

Cindy Hale’s life with horses has been filled with variety. As a child she rode western and learned to barrel race. Then she worked as a groom for a show barn, and was taught to harness and drive Welsh ponies. But once she’d taken her first lessons aboard American Saddlebreds she was hooked on English riding. Hunters and hunt seat equitation came next, and she spent decades competing in those divisions on the West Coast. Always seeking to improve her horsemanship, she rode in clinics conducted by world-class riders like George Morris, Kathy Kusner and Anne Kursinski. During that time, her family began raising Thoroughbred and warmblood sport horses, and Cindy experienced the thrills and challenges of training and showing the homebred greenies. Now retired from active competition, she’s a popular judge at local and county-rated open and hunter/jumper shows. She rides recreationally both English and western. Her Paint gelding, Wally, lives at home with her and her non-horsey husband, Ron.

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View Comments

Kerri says:
January 11, 2007 at 5:03 pm
I found that it was a great idea to mention that the spray on colors won't hurt your horse and "are as harmless as kindergarten water colors."
Savannah says:
April 1, 2007 at 5:32 pm
I think that coat enhancers are a great idea as if horses are butiful enough as they are it is cool that you can make them that much more butiful.
Diamond says:
July 2, 2007 at 2:29 pm
I recently tried using a color enhancing shampoo called Quic Black for my dark bay mare and it didn't work at all but it did work on her tail. The only thing it did was make her bleached spots more noticable. I really don't recommend this produst because it didn't work.
melissa says:
July 25, 2007 at 8:19 pm
i have a paint who is mostly white and very hard to clean, i don't know what i would do with out white color enhancer!!! i love it it works great:)
KaYlA says:
October 7, 2008 at 5:48 pm
PaInTs ArE awWwWsOmE
Auriel says:
February 19, 2010 at 8:01 am
I am going to try some of these produces this show season.
Luke says:
December 1, 2010 at 5:50 pm
White color enhancers are part of both my horse's show ring prep. I don't know what I'd do without them, because whitening shampoos just don't cut it!
Kim says:
January 20, 2012 at 8:57 am
I have a very dark bay most of the time black. He is to do a commercial and need to fade out some brown spots. What is the name of some of these spray on products and can u order on line?
Thanks for any information
Awesome says:
March 6, 2013 at 5:52 pm
@ Kim,
Hobbyhorseinc.com
Sstack.com
Most of the time you can order on line.
Some of these products are called HORSE SPRAY PAINT, WORLD CHAMPION PEPI PRODUCTS, there are quite a few different ones so just google or bing it :-{ ) Hope that hopes
Casey says:
October 29, 2014 at 7:08 am
interesting article!