Clipping in summer

[MrsMurs]

Morning everyone,
My gelding is a middleweight type and, like me, starts feeling a little lethargic in the warmer climes. We ride 5 times a week and event at low level. He’s clipped in winter apart from head and legs. What’s everyone’s thoughts on clipping this time of year?

He wears a fly rug day and night as he is a firm favourite with the little blighters.

never done it before so just interested in peoples views, experiences.
Many thanks

 

[Michen]

I clip all year round with no problems.

 

[Ownedby4horses]

I always clip as needed, throughout the year, also with no problems.

 

[L&M]

Ditto - my cob changes personality in the summer if not clipped and becomes narky and uncomfortable, take his coat off and he is back to his jolly self!

 

[MrsMozartleto]

I've clipped different ones of mine for a variety of reasons. Whatever makes the horse comfortable.

 

[Rowreach]

I clip if they need it. Mine has everything off all year round.

 

[Fransurrey]

I do a clip twice in the summer. I'm just waiting for the next warm day to bathe. My cob has such a hairy coat it's not fair otherwise.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Morning everyone,
My gelding is a middleweight type and, like me, starts feeling a little lethargic in the warmer climes. We ride 5 times a week and event at low level. He’s clipped in winter apart from head and legs. What’s everyone’s thoughts on clipping this time of year?

He wears a fly rug day and night as he is a firm favourite with the little blighters.

never done it before so just interested in peoples views, experiences.
Many thanks

I would never clip after end Jan. So it is a no from me. Unless Cushing's

 

[Leandy]

I've never clipped in the summer. A. I like the summer coat and B. I have never seen the need to. My horses aren't competing at top level where a marginal improvement in performance may be determinative. Summer coats dry quickly and in the UK I really don't see an overheating welfare problem with a typical summer coat. I don't own heavy cobs though which may be hairier. Certainly it is becoming the fashion to clip in the summer as well as winter but I've always thought it was just that, fashion, and people copying top riders with top performance horses. But if one thinks about appearance, unlike in the winter, in the summer I think they look better unclipped and I don't want the extra work of clipping all summer as well. Are they also at risk of sunburn if clipped in the summer?

 

[Lady Jane]

Its very common for people to clip whenever they need to these days for the comfort of the horse especially if competing. You will lose a nice summer coat but your horse will be fine. Dont't clip after mid Feb if you want a nice summer coat

 

[BaronSamedi]

Mine are both clipped year round for comfort

 

[Vodkagirly]

Depends on the horse. One of mine doesn't cope well with heat waves so if I see the temperature going high for an extended period, I clip. He also gets winter coat early so clipping starts beginning of September.
If your horse needs it, do it. But be prepared that will need extra fly/sun/rain protection.

 

[ihatework]

I’ve only ever clipped one of mine in the summer, he was an ID and had a fairly thick coat and would get hot and stinky quite easily, so everything came off. He did come into a stable during the day in intense sun, and wore a UV rug for much of the rest of the time.

I’d do it again for anything draft/cobby with a coarse coat in work. But much rather a nice fine summer coat!

 

[Kaylum]

Full clip all year round as in full work and gets hot.