Clip & Rug or Au natural & No Rug

[Lucky788]

My very very good doer has such a think coat it’s doing an amazing job or keeping him warm and cosy even in the worst weather.... but I think his heating system may be to good and he hasn’t dropped as much as I’d like by now.

I am wondering if he’d be better clipped with a lightweight rug or should I leave him as nature intended?

shared field with 3 others which I can’t reduce and we only put out a small about of hay when horrible weather

 

[PapaverFollis]

Mine is clipped and naked! I put a lightweight on when it is windy and rainy and cold together. He's been fine. Still pretty fat but losing a bit now. I'm in the far north of Scotland and it's still been mostly too warm to rug a normal horse.

 

[pansymouse]

Leave him; healthier and much less faff.

 

[MuddyMonster]

There is a third option - clip and leave rugless Something like a bib or an Irish clip will leave plenty of cover on his back for protection against the worst of the elements. Mine is clipped and lives out 24/7 naked. Planning to stay that way until/if it gets really, really vile.

 

[Lucky788]

Good point perhaps a low trace or shone thing would work

 

[MuddyMonster]

Good point perhaps a low trace or shone thing would work

If it helps, I'm in the South England and mine has half a head, all his neck off and then follows the line of an Irish clip. He's totally fine living out amongst his rugged friend and ridden/exercised numerous times a week. It's a great compromise for me rather than fully clipping

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

Mine has a teeny tiny bib clip and is out rugless. I took off under her neck (the floppy bit and stopped at the muscle line if that makes sense) and her chest. Stopped her sweating as much when ridden but not enough came off to warrant rugs. She's now the best weight I've ever had her in winter. Looking forward to a sleek svelte figure come spring when her winter coat sheds.