Clipping - peoples views

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laura_nash

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Hi Everyone

My previous horse was a TB and never needed clipping. I've now got a hairy cob, and I'm not sure what to do for the best.

Everyone on the yard I keep him at has their horse fully clipped out and I keep getting comments and hints that I should get him clipped. The YO does the clipping and I expect he'll be fine about it, so there's no issue there, I'm just not sure if it's really necessary. Also, I like him sensible and with restrictions on turnout etc he's already much sharper than he was when I got him so I don't want to add to that unless it's necessary.

He lives in at night (no choice about this due to facilities) and is rugged during the day (mostly for my convenience). He's exercised three or four times during the week (long-lining or schooling) and hacks out at the weekend. He does get quite sweaty after his hacks, but I just rub him down and use a breathable rug.

I always thought clipping was mostly for the humans convenience, but people have been talking like it's bad for the horse to sweat too much. Is this correct? He's overweight if anything (was absolutely obese when I got him and I'm still getting it off) so loss of condition isn't an issue.

What does everyone think?

Laura
 
I'd clip personally. It's not just about human convenience, it's about ensureing that the horse doesn't get chilled etc. after it's cooled down (its coat remains wet, and the horse chills).

Why not have a trace clip only - which will probably be perfect?
 
I would go with AmyMay. A trace clip will make the horse alot more comfortable with the hacks since he won't sweat up as much, and as AmyMay has said they can get a chill from a sweaty coat that hasn't quite dried yet.
 
I always blanket clip mine. I had a hairy cob who used to sweat up but it took 2hrs for him to dry one day even after rubbing down, putting straw under his rug and using a fleece etc etc. So after that I decided clipping was easier and better for the horse too. But thats just my opinion!
 
If he is getting even slightly sweaty, I'd be clipping if he were mine. Just a trace/chaser to start with and see how you go.
 
I tend to clip all out, more for my convenience, takes less time to cliean and dry, less sweat. I have done this with my TB X Friesian and she lived out all year with snuggly warm rugs. I just think its more convenient for me and comfier for the horse
 
My native pony lives out and is clipped as he was getting hot and sweaty just standing around as his armpits were so hairy.

He was just too hot when I rode him as well. He has a bit of a breathing problem at the moment and the vet said this would also help him. He just has a low chaser and lives out and is still warm in just a 100gr LW turnout. It is mild though 15C during the day.

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How much work does he actually do and how sweaty does he get?

We have a big warmblood that is just coming back into work - he has quite a thick coat but is not clipped as hardly gets sweaty enough ... and if he does it takes about 1/2 hour with a fleece on and some hay to dry him.

The other one is a very hairy little sect. D who is also a little sweaty - however, he doesn't work that much so neck & belly clip for him (plus fleece and hay of course
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I haven't clipped yet, but mainly coz I've been too lazy but am planning to attack them this weekend. I clip everything right out for the first time, except their legs, then when they need a second clip (and not sure if they will this year cos i'm so late) I do a blanket. I even clip our section b who although not working, sweats slightly in her stable at night (unrugged!) - she just gets a bib though.
 
Thanks everyone, I think maybe I'll get him trace or blanket clipped and go on from there.

He doesn't work really hard (I've yet to canter him) but because he was so unfit when I got him it is hard work for him. Also, schooling is new to him so he's discovering new muscles and gets quite tired and breathes hard. He does get pretty sweaty after hacks if he's got excited over something, especially around his elbows and girth.
 
I found the girth and armpit area was the worst when sweating. You could try a chaser and then if you need more off you can take more off later. Easier to take more off than if you take too much off!
 
If I were you I would consider doing a chaser type clip on him.

I clip, but I tend to exercise in the evening about 8 pm so need them dry and ready to go back in the stable quickly.

My gypsy cob was really sweating up - soaked with 20 mins schooling as it is still so warm so he is full clipped. I do this anyway in late January for the show season so decided to full clip and have done this year instead of a chaser clip. He is now very comfortable and dry within a few minutes of exercise.

Farra is in light work and is our very very hairy clydesdale. We have recently starting a bit more trot and canter with her so it is now time to clip her. Going to give her a chaser with weekend and see how she goes.

Clipping is not a problem with a horse that is kept as yours is and you just put a thicker rug on to replace the lost coat. Do be aware, that your chap may not need as warm rugs as others. Chancer is in a 150 fill rug and plenty warm enough apart from a couple of nights when I have stuck a fleece on underneath. My HW rugs are still packed away.
 
I'd certainly clip.
You need to look at the area's he sweats the most to decide what type of clip would best suit him.
Both my horses (ID & TB) sweat mostly on their necks, so I have to take the whole neck off at the very least!
You will probably find he will be more willing to work and work for longer as he will feel more confortable once clipped, but this will help with the weight loss he probably needs.
 
I whack all my TB's coat off. He is quite hot blooded & never feels the cold. I have trouble with blanket/tracer clips that he will sweat under rugs on unclipped bits & feel chilly on naked bits - rugging becomes so much more complicated!
At least with no hair I knwo he needs heavyweight rugs & he is snugs from top to toe!
 
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