Blanket Clip or Full Clip?

[Florrie]

Hi guys,

Getting my TB clipped next week before we go showing (he's a ball of fluff already) but currently having a bit of a dilemma, is it frowned upon to have a blanket clip in the show ring?

Personally I don't want to take it all off as he drops weight at the drop of a hat! But I've been told horses who go in the show ring with blanket clips get marked down, is this true?
I have many duvets and heavyweight rugs to keep my TB warm it's just he's put on a great amount of condition over the Summer and I don't want to lose that.
We only have 3 shows left this season but they're all Championships hence why I'm slightly iffy about this clipping scenario!
He was full clipped last year but struggled condition wise. I would appreciate other H&H members opinion

 

[lora3786]

Personally I would always say go with what is best for your horse - if you know he's going to be more comfortable & hold his weight better with a blanket clip, do a blanket clip. Appreciate that you want to do well in the showring, and a full clip would probably be easier to get really neat! But (without having a go at the showing world!) it will always depend slightly on the judges preferences on the day - so you can't guarantee that whichever way you choose would be 'right'. I know with showing my Shetland it always clearly states 'must not be shown clipped unless ridden or driven' (which he is, so in the spring we're always there with full clip and fluffy legs lol) - so welfare is always a consideration with that one (sort of on the flip side to what you're saying I know)... Sorry, not entirely helpful rambling response lol, but ultimately saying do what's best for your horse

 

[marley and danni]

do the blanket clip. i shown my TB with a blanket clip (just growing out from the winter) in april and may and the judges didnt mind. as long as they are still turned out correctly and look great gow ith whats best for you horse.

mines getting a blanket clip in 3 weeks

 

[Polos Mum]

I personally wouldn't compromise my horses welfare/ condition for a show, if he struggled last year better to give him the best chance and clip as little as his work load requires.

No idea if the type of clip effects results, perhaps call the organisers and ask if it's really important or look up the rules.

 

[zoelouisem]

Usually I'd say go with what suits the horse the most but as its only September and still very mild ( were forcast weather in the 20s this weekend). I would go for a full clip now and then the next clip a blanket. By the time the really cold weather kicks in he will have plenty of regrowrh also it won't be as thick so won't be as prone to sweating which can also cause weight loss.

 

[3Beasties]

Usually I'd say go with what suits the horse the most but as its only September and still very mild ( were forcast weather in the 20s this weekend). I would go for a full clip now and then the next clip a blanket. By the time the really cold weather kicks in he will have plenty of regrowrh also it won't be as thick so won't be as prone to sweating which can also cause weight loss.

That's what I was going to suggest too.