Planning for winter...opinions greatly Appreciated!!!

[LizzyandToddy]

Hey guys
So. I know it seems a bit early to be thinking about winter but my horse is already beginning to lose his summer coat!!
And so, having recently moved yards due to a house move, I'm in a bit of a conunderum as to what to do this winter!
First things first I can't decide on a clip for him! Last year I gave him a chase clip, quite a low one I can probably find a picture somewhere if needed but this wasn't quite enough for the workload he had (hunting on occasion and riding maybe 3/4 times a week but he was turned out all year round except in weather extremes) And so I was thinking of giving him a blanket clip, but then would he need to be in at nights (This wouldn't be a problem)? It is important that he is not in 24/7 as he hates being in during the day!
His workload would be hunting 1-2 times a week, and being ridden most days, maybe 5 or 6 weather and such permitting!
He is 15 2hhTB X Connemara, and so does grow an extensive winter coat that is very ponyish! However he can struggle to keep condition in winter despite constant access to grazing/hay etc. He will be extremely fit going into winter, due to eventing most of the season and it won't be hard for me to keep him fit...
Being in at night isnt a problem, but I currently don't rent a stable (for an extra £10 I could) or alternativly for the same price im paying currently he could have a stable in the barn which isn't as warm but is a roof over his head? Yet another thing would be that as we have our own field shelter we could convet this into a stable (10ft X 14ft I think).
Also I'm looking at rugs currently, he already has one heavy turnout and stablerug, but needs another, I'm put off combo's as they rub his mane (have tried in the past) but a friend recently told me about half-neck rugs? Wondered if anyone else had tried these and what they thought of them?
Anyway sorry about that sort of ended up longer than I thought!

 

[celia]

With the clip I'd start with a high-ish trace if you want him to stay out as much as possible. You can always change to a blanket for your second clip if needed.

I love half-neck rugs! My lad (TB) always gets a patch of rubbed mane from full necks so last winter I bought him a couple of half-necks to replace them and they've been great. They seem just as warm but don't rub the mane as they mooch and eat.

 

[ThePony]

I would start again with a low trace, and if it turns out to not be enough then you can easily turn it into a high trace or a blanket clip. If you start with a blanket clip and find he is getting chilly then you'll have a hard time sticking it back on again!! Re the rugs, never been fussed by half neck rugs - don't really see the need. I have no neck rugs that have attachable necks. This seems to do for pretty much every eventuality! If it is cold but dry then I tend to leave the neck off, esp on the cold but bright days as I think it must be nice to feel a bit of sun on them. The necks get put on for super cold weather and rainy days.

 

[SpruceRI]

To my mind theres no reason why you can't do a bit more of a clip and your horse live out.

I give mine full clips and they live out pretty much all the time! Although current is a Welsh Cob, she doesn't grow that much coat and tends to be rather light in winter, though she keeps her weight better being out than in strangely! My previous ID x TB had a blanket clip and she was on 100% turnout in winter.

I've got a half neck rug, but all it is really is an extra 'scoop'.... I've got a 'Pink Equine' half neck job.

Your barn with the roof and no sides sounds fine, as does your field shelter to use as a stable if the weather turns awful.

Remember, horses aren't really bothered by ice cold weather, it's the wet and wind (getting wet through) that makes them chilly.