Feathers pros and cons

[Lucky788]

I normally keep my cobs feathers clipped out but she is living out this winter.

Field doesn’t get particularly muddy but I’m wondering if leaving feathers on would be better than keeping the Feathers short?

Anyone have any similar dilemma and what worked well?

 

[Leo Walker]

I keep mine clipped. Feather is such a pain for hiding things and i have never known a horse with feather who doesnt have mite issues. Clipped and oiled if necessary, would always be my preference. I find mud doesnt really stick to short clipped legs anyway though.

 

[throughtheforest]

I have tried having them clipped and leaving them alone. I had more problems with the horse who had them clipped than when I left them alone. The one I have now has the most feather I have known and I'm leaving these alone bar spraying with frontline and conditioner... I am thinking of trying pig oil.

 

[Coblover63]

I had to clip my mare's feather because she had mites and mallenders, but she then developed mud fever which cost me £150 with the vet!! So now she is clipped in the summer but I let them grow back for winter and that seems to be the best way to manage her. I do scissor off the feather in winter up to the top of her hooves - so she does look a bit of a sight but it means that her legs are protected but she doesn't get mud dreadlocks or bog burn and I can brush off her hooves easier to apply Kevin Bacons.

 

[Lucky788]

Thanks both, think I’ll stick with keeping them short. As you say easier to manage and see if there is any issues.

 

[SEL]

Feathers are a nightmare! In winter they get mud dreadlocks and I've even found them stuck solid to his hoof - must hurt.

If he wasn't so terrified of the clippers mine would be de-feathered all year round.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

I keep mine clipped. Feather is such a pain for hiding things and i have never known a horse with feather who doesnt have mite issues. Clipped and oiled if necessary, would always be my preference. I find mud doesnt really stick to short clipped legs anyway though.

Conversely, I've never had a problem not even with my hefty coloured cob a few years ago.
The Fells and other native ponies do well and have a good amount of feather in the winter which is never clipped off, not even bog burn to them.
In over 40 adult years of having feathered ones, only 1 livery ever had a problem and that brought mites with it. Once dealt with, they didnt get another bout whilst with me.
My neighbour has 3 traditionals, all have very full feathers and out 24/7 much of the year round, except just before national champs etc
My fields are mostly sand tho. In the 2 paddocks that can get muddy, I wont hose off but bring in to dry out if conditions are that bad.

 

[rabatsa]

Light natural feathers such as found on natives are good in winter but the over feathered cobs are a nightmare, especially here on clay.