Clipping legs in winter

[Sail_away]

Does anyone? How much care do they need/what do you do to keep on top of mud fever etc?
I’ve left legs on for the last couple of years but last year he had mud rash on all four legs. The only way I could deal with it was washing (with dilute hibiscrub when the mud rash was there) and then towel drying thoroughly. I know it’s better to leave the mud on and then brush off - but it just didn’t dry! I’d be at the yard for over two hours in the afternoon and the mud was still wet when I’d leave. I could use turnout boots but ideally I only go up once a day and the grooms who turn out prefer not to change rugs/boots etc.
So I’m wondering if it’d be better to just clip them and then (hopefully) the mud will dry quicker than on his fluffy legs or at least if I had to wash I could dry them more thoroughly. And he is doing a fair amount of work so cooler legs would be no bad thing. Or am I just opening myself up for a whole winter of mud rash/fever...

 

[ihatework]

Yes would often clip legs off horses doing proper work, especially if they were of the hairier variety! But those horses were often only turned out a few hours max a day and not turned out into a bog.

For most it was just for a combination of cosmetic and convenience. For one horse it solved her mud fever issues

 

[Michen]

Yes always fully clip legs out. Prefer it aestetically and also to check legs after hunting. Find they are less prone to mud fever too.

 

[Upthecreek]

Yes always fully clip legs out. Prefer it aestetically and also to check legs after hunting. Find they are less prone to mud fever too.

One of mine used to get mud fever every winter when he had hairy legs (not feather, but tufty hair), but has never had it since I have kept them clipped, touch wood.

 

[Sealine]

My horse has alot of feather and white legs. I let the feather grow in the winter and apply pig oil once a week. His legs are only washed in the winter to get them clean before hunting and after hunting. As soon as the ground dries up in the spring I clip the feather off. It works for me and my horse but I know lots of people who swear that clipping and washing works for them.

 

[Goldenstar]

Yes I clip all my horses legs in winter .
It’s easier to get them dry
Its easier to feel the legs of horses in hard work to monitor them .
its easier to treat any mud fever you get .
And Blue the new horse has full feathers to the ground if left to his own devices we will be having none of that .
I start about now depending on the horse , the hairiest will get done every three weeks but some I do every other clip so every six weeks .

 

[Sail_away]

Thanks everyone - think that’s confirmed my thoughts! That’s if we can manage to clip his legs... he’s terrible to clip so is always done under sedation with a vet on hand to dose him up at regular intervals. He’s generally very polite and respectful so hopefully will cooperate.

 

[MuddyMonster]

I've never clipped legs, but do clip fairly low at the armpit of the legs to prevent too much sweatiness. But, mine has always had good turn out and now lives out so feel it's fairer to keep on for extra protection.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I'm on the other side, I don't clip legs. I find they dry out overnight, easily brushed out in the morning.
Mind you, mine is a hairy legged native, as was the last one
By late January I get the last clip done, usually full clip, with blending to tops of legs.