would you clip an underweight horse?

[mirandaharry]

Following on from my previous post!! My boy is quite underweight at the mo, I'm trying to sort it out asap, but I'm dithering as to whether to clip him or not.

He feels the cold quite a bit and obviously if I did clip I would make sure he had plenty of rugs to keep him toasty, but should I leave him unclipped to help him keep warm. Trouble is being unclipped he tends to sweat up quite a bit so is that's not so good for him keeping his weight on, but having said that he's not going to be doing stacks of work over the winter!! Cor, dilema!

How much body heat does a horse loose if they just have a low blanket or trace done? Any ideas? Thanks x

 

[kirstyfk]

I would clip him but rug him up alot. You could just give him a bid clip or the like.

 

[Nikiolola]

If he sweats up then yes! Just rug him adequately. My horse has put on weight since she got clipped.

 

[pagancluf]

Thanks for asking that question - I have the same dilema too - so out come the clippers tomoz and a heavy rug!

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I'd certainly consider clipping but I'd be careful which clip I choose. A trace clip would probably be one of the best, you'd be getting rid of chest, neck & belly hair which is where most of the sweat will be. However you would be retaining his coat over his back, sides & rear end which would assist with keeping him warm. Then with adequate rugs he should be fine until you build him up again.

I hope these thoughts are useful to you.

Good Luck

 

[cariadssogreat]

I would clip - because horses do sweat weight and condition off. Just rug him up to the ears!!!!

 

[MagicMelon]

Id give him a minimal bib clip and make sure to rug up really well. And obviously feed very well too. Going into the winter underweight isnt the best as Im sure you know!