MAD Q- Clipping an out of work shetland

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poiuytrewq

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Im not completely crazy, hear me out!

Pony is as hairy as a bear as most shetlands probably are right now and obviously id never normally even fleetingly consider clipping and rugging but...
the rain has been incredible and he is sore and itchy with rain scald scabs along his back. I do bring him in at night but tbh he's almost as wet the following morning than when he come in. Last winter he had the same problem and it took ages to get rid so I'm wondering if prevention is better than cure.
I'm talking bib type clip not all off just to enable him to wear a rug and keep the area dry? (pretty sure he'd sweat otherwise)
 
I have several old/retired/cushinoid hairy ponies, and I love clipping them! Do it, he will feel much better.

I'd take as much off as you need to - last year I clipped my two hairiest ponies completely in March. The joy on their faces as they rolled in the school was priceless, and they only needed full rugging for a few weeks as they grew enough to go out naked on mild days very quickly.
 
That's true! I suppose it really wont be for long and might help him through the awful itchy moulting a bit...maybe even keep a little spring weight off! He does actually own a few rugs so wouldn't have to buy anything (all unworn!)
When the wind dies down I will have a go. Currently id probably end up looking like a snowman its that rough here!
 
My friends horse is 25 and has cushings and we clipped him out & rug he's much happier.

My horse is 35 and clipped out, they are both still ridden usually but haven't been able to with this rain and wind.

They are both well rugged I dont' see the problem as long as they are warm enough. The legs and half head left on
 
My Shetland is clipped..a blanket...and unrugged as he was getting too hot!
I would have no qualms in rugging for the reason you give and I sympathise. My ponies are all sodden on the backs and their thick coats mean it takes forever to dry ...
 
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