Hunter Clip - Saddle patch on or off?

[3Beasties]

I know it is correct to leave the patch where saddle sits un-clipped, but just wondering how many of you take it off?

 

[ladyt25]

I have done both ways TBH but now I do tend to leave the saddle patch on, not sure it makes much difference either way.

 

[Eaglestone]

I said 'ON' to save that just shaved bristly stage

 

[thedunthing]

i always take it off but i think if the horse is working harder it is kinder to leave it on but i prefer it off, they have got numnahs lol.

 

[3Beasties]

I left it on Charlie last year but he got really scabby (with puss - it was gross) around the lines of it, that's why I was thinking it may be better off.

Also under the saddle area is where they sweat the most so not really sure what the advantages of keeping it on are, please enlighten me!

 

[Damnation]

On.
Keeps their backs warm where the saddle goes. Have known a horse or two to go cold backed without the saddle patch left on.

 

[skewby]

I take it off - Dyl has sheepskin numnahs, plus someone told me that it's a hangover from the days when horses didn't wear numnahs, and what's the point of leaving it on as that's where they'll sweat most?

But, in truth, it was just so I didn't have to fiddle about with any more lines than I absolutely have to.

 

[Hollycat]

On

I think there are quite a few threads from last year where horses got sore under their saddle area without that little bit of extra hair!

 

[milliepops]

I leave it on, not a full saddle shape, just a 'lozenge' on the top. I think it offers a bit more protection especially at the end of the winter when their coat goes a bit brittle. I know several horses who get little scuff marks from the back of the saddle there (saddler confirms the saddles fit, but the hair is weak and begins to break off by Jan-Feb).

 

[Hanz]

When the hairs are short just after clipping, they stick vertically up and when you put a saddle on top of that it irritates them.

I leave a little square on the top of the back where the panels go and thats it.

 

[star]

i have always taken it off and not had a problem, but new horse has got rub marks despite well fitting saddle, so am going to leave it on next time i clip.

 

[pamandratty]

I take it off 1st clip then leave on for 2nd

 

[flowerlady]

[ QUOTE ]
On

I think there are quite a few threads from last year where horses got sore under their saddle area without that little bit of extra hair!

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree mine did when I took it off.

 

[Cop-Pop]

I take it off because I show in hand as well - plus I think it looks a bit silly with a wooly growth on top