A clipping question

[HaffiesRock]

My pony is a Haflinger and stays out all winter unrugged. He grows a mammoth winter coat!

Last year he was turned away when the clocks changed due to not having any lights and I left him be until March. This year we have a beach trip planned in October, some indoor jumping, jump cross and hopefully some floodlights coming for the outdoor school. I hacked him yesterday and he was really struggling with the heat. Thing is I am due an operation on my foot just before Christmas which will put me out of action until Spring so therefore pony will be turned away.

My numpty question is, if I give him a trace clip now, to make him more comfortable for the beach/jumping/hacking, will his winter coat grow the clip out enough for when the real winter starts and he's turned away? I'd obviously rug him if necessary, but prefer not to if I can get away with it.

Any thoughts gratefully received as I do not usually clip.

Thanks

 

[be positive]

It will grow back to some extent, if you want to leave him without a rug consider just doing a bib plus under tummy or a very low chaser clip, that way his back legs will stay covered and he really should be fine with no rug, you will be surprised how much difference just having a small amount off will make to his sweating.

 

[Rhodders]

My haffy is already really fluffy, normally I full clip now and again in November, by February last year he was out naked with a full set of his own hair. I don't think people understand how hairy, thick and greasy a hafffy grows in winter. I would say after 2 months he'll have your average horses winter coat on the clipped parts.