Clipping under saddle area

[happihorse]

I finally got round to clipping my horse yesterday. As usual, I did a hunter clip but left a mask and his legs on. I normally leave a saddle area on but he seems to get lumps under the saddle area over the winter (which we (including the vet) thinks are due to blocked pores and a build up of dirt) so I clipped the area completely so I can keep it cleaner and hopefully prevent the lumps from returning. (The lumps disappear over the summer when he is regularly bathed.)

So, my question is, is there any reason why you are supposed to leave an area unclipped under the saddle? Is there any disadvantages to clipping this area?

(I realise that I should have checked this before doing it but it was a spur of the moment thing and the clippers were playing up so I though I would just get it done!)

 

[Allover]

Some people do and some dont, the reason it is left on i beleive is for warmth, if you notice the horse is getting a bit "cold backed" when you put the saddle on then it can be usefull to get a sheepskin pad for a bit of added warmth.

 

[Theresa_F]

I believe it goes back to the days before we had the decent cloths and pads we use under saddles, ie to protect the back from the saddle.

Years ago I did leave a saddle area on my TBs, but now always remove the whole body, mine get very sweaty in this area as they have very thick coats (clydesdale and gypsy cob) and it is far easier to sponge down and dry off without any long hair left on. At this time of year, I put the saddle on and do the girth up very loose and wait a few minutes before tightening up and getting on to let their backs warm up. They don't have any problems and are not cold backed, but I think it is nice to give them a chance to get this area warm before my weight goes on.

 

[Bug2007]

Supposed to protect the back from the saddle, but like others have said with the cloths we have nowadays.
I always take it all off, leaving legs and mask.

 

[flyingfeet]

The only real reason not to clip the saddle patch is if you intend using a saddle with no form of pad, cloth or numnah underneath

The hunter clip was for horses going out for hours with no saddle cloth and needed the protection.

However I always clip the saddle patch as I don't want my washing machine full of hair and I always use clean saddle cloths!

 

[posie_honey]

i've always left an oval = more out of habit - but i may take it all off now lol!

 

[Maesfen]

I always left an oval over the withers too; it made me feel better!

 

[mcnaughty]

I leave a rectangle just to protect the withers and spine a bit.

 

[not_with_it]

I also take the lot off. My mare also gets lumps under the saddle if not, like a heat rash. I also have to take her legs off as her hair falls out in lumps. If she gets sweaty I always wash her off and its so much easier to do if she has no hair.

Saddle pads are so good these days I dont think it is really necessary to leave a saddle patch on.

 

[Show Girl]

i've always left an oval = more out of habit - but i may take it all off now lol!

Ditto this