Full clipping your opinions

[Orangehorse]

It is easier to deal with a clipped horse - stick a rug on then they are clean and dry and they don't have sweaty armpits after exercise. One year I didn't clip and one day to my consternation I saw a large soft swelling on the horse's chest, low down. On investigation I discovered that he had a cut on the inside of his leg, under the elbow, which was getting infected. I realised that he must have got hot and sweaty and I hadn't realised and hadn't dried him off, and his skin had got chapped and cracked. Since then I dry him off with a towel at this time of year, but he is getting clipped tomorrow.

 

[atropa]

I used to only ever give my WB an Irish, to suit her level of work....I now clip her fully year round as I've come to realise she has very sensitive skin and can develop rain scald, girth galls, reactions to insect bites at the drop of a hat. Since I've started this, her skin problems have calmed right down.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I don’t think it matters much to the horse as long as they’re rugged appropriately. Personally I leave half a face and legs but it’s hardly a welfare issue if it’s taken off.

Same. Mine is an exceptionally hairy cob. If I don’t clip, the grooming come Feb is horrific and he sweats just standing in his stable. I’m torn this year as he’s now retired, still sweating. Re the dirt, I couldn’t really ever have cared less. A rain sheet covers many evils.