Clips that don’t require rugging

[Norelle]

Hi! My horse needs to be on box rest because of an injury. Usually he’s working during the winter, so I’ve always used a full body clip, thus I don’t have any experience with any other types. Because of the box rest I wanted to let him keep his winter coat, as he is hairy as a mammoth hahah, but it seems it’s too much for this (around 8-13 degrees) autumn weather, as he sweats on his neck and behind the top of the front legs, even though he’s “just standing in the stall.”

I was wondering if there are any types of clips that don’t require rugging, as he’s inside all day. I came across an apron clip, but wasn’t sure if even this little clip means that I need to rug him.

Thanks a lot!

 

[JBM]

Honestly depends on the horse
I have a mare that gets a full clip and still doesn’t want a rug
Just start with the smallest clip (strip down the neck not sure what it’s called) and you can always take more off

 

[Carrottom]

A low chaser clip would probably suit. If it turns really cold you can put a rug on.

 

[honetpot]

Really you can adjust it to suit. Start with bib, just the chest and throat, or chest throat and half neck, everything from in front of the saddle, full neck,or low chase. It all depends how much coat they have and how hot they get when worked.
I find as long as the back and loins are covered most of the time they do not need a rugs. The more you leave on the more lines you have to neaten up.

 

[TinselPoos]

Another. One for a low chaser - it’s really no different from having a fully clipped horse with a no neck rug on.

 

[anglo]

Take off what needs removing , wherever it ends up it will grow out. It does not matter if it hasnt got a name but Irish , low chaser, strip clip all leave the bulk on .

 

[Polos Mum]

At this time of year you can experiment - lots will grow back quite quickly.

I would take off the bits that are getting sweaty - doesn't matter if it has a name (or looks traditional) and then see how he goes.

Mine is sporting circles currently as my straight lines are never straight so I tried the opposite - low down the inside of his legs to aid heat loss but protect from wind / rain. He has quite a lot off and is out 24 /7 in Yorkshire with no rug. Currently sideways rain and 39 mph wind and he's stood in middle of field (nowhere near shelter) eating.

 

[onemoretime]

Honestly depends on the horse
I have a mare that gets a full clip and still doesn’t want a rug
Just start with the smallest clip (strip down the neck not sure what it’s called) and you can always take more off

I always called that sort of clip "opening their jackets"

 

[2 Dragons]

I would also take off the sweaty bits. My older happy hacker mare has a wide strip from her hairy throat (where the mud gets stuck), down her chest to just behind her girth. She also has her the inside of her elbow trimmed. This keeps her more comfortable when ridden, but she only needs rugging when in really bad weather.

 

[AdorableAlice]

We don't seem to have the 4 seasons anymore and the horses are suffering from it. I clipped two today, working horses that are clipped all year round and both overdue. 16 degrees and both were clammy just stood still. I turned them out naked after clipping and judging by the way they exploded into a bucking frenzy they definitely felt better for being cooler. They are in summer sheets now and comfortable.

I would think most horses with a full coat would feel better with a low chaser clip and no rug at the moment. Far kinder to let them be a bit cool than over heated.

 

[little_critter]

A low chaser clip would probably suit. If it turns really cold you can put a rug on.

My retired girl has a low trace clip and at the moment is still too warm in her stable. She’s going out unrugged if only a little rain is forecast

 

[SEL]

Not the best photo (or clip!) but she's out 24.7 with this and I think too warm still. If she was on box rest or it stays this warm I'll have to take it all off