Clipping / Rugging????

flying solo

flying solo

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I'm going to break my 4 yr old (well try my hardest! :eek: ) But he's loosing his summer coat and has lived out his entire life without rugs so he will become one hairy beastie! I was going to have him clipped just neck and belly so he doesn't need hours to cool down (hosing isn't an option at the momment - he goes crazy when its on)

My question is how early can I have him clipped and is it cruel to rug up this early?

I have bought 8 horseware rugs in total. Lites, mediums and a heavy. The rugs have various fillings etc and all have detachable hoods to keep his neck warm. He'll hopefully live out over winter too as he gets really stressed in the stable and rears.

(I'm working on all his little 'traits' so hopefully he'll be a lot better in a few months)

Any help is much appreciated! :D
 
Well, I have to clip mine about 3 times a year - one of these being in July (I clipped him a couple of weeks back) as he starts to grow a thickish coat by end of June and it's too hot and he gets uncomfortable doing any hard work.

If you are only going to clip neck and belly then, depending on type of pony and how well he does normally then you will probably only need a light rug/rain sheet to keep the worst of the weather off him or in really cold weather a medium ish rug. But, to be honest if he's been out previously through all weathers with no rugs he won't really notice much difference so i would suggest a light sheet for wet or horrid days and then he would probably be able to be naked on the nicer winter days.
 
Thanks horsecrazy, I'm going to need it! He's a Welsh x Cob and probably medium weight(ish) I think I will ask the girl on the yard to do it in the next week or so, That way it can always get done again later in the year :)

None of my previous horses have needed done hence my severe lack of knowledge :(
 
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