HaffiesRock
Well-Known Member
Having my ponies clipped in the morning but I am undecided which clip to give my gelding.
He is an incredibly furry beast in the winter, with a very thick, dense coat and he tends to sweat a lot, even just walking.
Last year about this time he was bib clipped and left naked. To hack off our yard we have a steep hill and he was already lathering up after walking up there. So then we extended the clip as per the picture below. So because I'd taken more off, I started to rug him in a lightweight and on the milder days he was sweating under the rug, but I didn't want to leave him naked with so much off.
Went out for a hack last night about 6 pm. Just walked as he is already in a winter coat a yack would be proud of and he was a mass of sweat when we got home :/ He tends to sweat over his shoulder, girth and down both back legs.
Now I appreciate we are having glorious weather for October and all too soon the temperature will drop. Currently hacked, schooled, jumped most days and will go down to 3 ridden days and 2 lunge days after the clocks change. We are also going to be doing a bit of hunting this year, starting with a newcomers day on the 18th of this month. He lives out 24/7 but there is lots of natural shelter and he gets ad lib forage. Rugging is no problem as I have a full wardrobe of all weights and also an exercise sheet.
I am tempted to whip it all off first time and lightly rug so he is comfortable while it is still mild. My friend said not too and to stick to what he had last year, but she doesn't ride or clip her own, so not sure how she can comment? I think he will be better off with the lot off for now, knowing it will grow back in and I can clip less off over the colder months (Id leave his head and legs).
What would you do if he was yours? Some pictures so you can see what I mean about how hairy is he!
6 weeks ago in summer finery
2 winters ago when he was turned away and not clipped (January time)
A picture from yesterday, doesnt really do the coat justice but you can see from the colour change it is well on its way!
Last years clip
p.s. he doesn't have cushings, just a typical Haffy coat.
He is an incredibly furry beast in the winter, with a very thick, dense coat and he tends to sweat a lot, even just walking.
Last year about this time he was bib clipped and left naked. To hack off our yard we have a steep hill and he was already lathering up after walking up there. So then we extended the clip as per the picture below. So because I'd taken more off, I started to rug him in a lightweight and on the milder days he was sweating under the rug, but I didn't want to leave him naked with so much off.
Went out for a hack last night about 6 pm. Just walked as he is already in a winter coat a yack would be proud of and he was a mass of sweat when we got home :/ He tends to sweat over his shoulder, girth and down both back legs.
Now I appreciate we are having glorious weather for October and all too soon the temperature will drop. Currently hacked, schooled, jumped most days and will go down to 3 ridden days and 2 lunge days after the clocks change. We are also going to be doing a bit of hunting this year, starting with a newcomers day on the 18th of this month. He lives out 24/7 but there is lots of natural shelter and he gets ad lib forage. Rugging is no problem as I have a full wardrobe of all weights and also an exercise sheet.
I am tempted to whip it all off first time and lightly rug so he is comfortable while it is still mild. My friend said not too and to stick to what he had last year, but she doesn't ride or clip her own, so not sure how she can comment? I think he will be better off with the lot off for now, knowing it will grow back in and I can clip less off over the colder months (Id leave his head and legs).
What would you do if he was yours? Some pictures so you can see what I mean about how hairy is he!
6 weeks ago in summer finery
2 winters ago when he was turned away and not clipped (January time)
A picture from yesterday, doesnt really do the coat justice but you can see from the colour change it is well on its way!
Last years clip
p.s. he doesn't have cushings, just a typical Haffy coat.
