This depends on how much work the horse will be
doing during the winter months. For the owner who will
only be requiring the horse to hack out at weekends
and occasional work during the week, then a part clip
would be beneficial. This will leave him with 50% or
more of his natural coat for protection but allow the
major sweating areas around the neck, gullet and shoulder
areas to be free of thick hair. The animal will be able
to happily carry out the work required without becoming
too hot and sweaty and will ensure that he can dry off
quickly without losing condition. There are various
part clips that can be used or adapted. For example,
the trace or trace high clip where hair below the trace
line is removed and also from the lower neck and jaw.
The Irish clip is where the hair in front of a diagonal
line from poll to stifle is removed. The bib clip is
a popular choice for horses and ponies that still have
to live out all winter, as it removes hair from and
gullet and chest only which is where most sweating occurs.
Generally speaking if
no more than 50% of the coat has been removed the animal
will still be able to live out quite happily throughout
out the winter, although adequate shelter will be needed
and provision of a good waterproof rug.
For the owner who is expecting to work their horse
daily and compete or hunt on a regular basis throughout
the winter months a more complete clip will be necessary.
The three main types of clip to consider are the Hunter
clip, full clip and blanket clip.
The full clip as its name suggests is where
all the coat is removed, leaving no natural protection. The Hunter clip is where a saddle patch and all
the hair on the legs are left. This gives protection
for the back from saddle rubs and allows the legs their
natural protection. The blanket clip is when the hair is left on
the upper half of the body and acts as a natural exercise
blanket, keeping the back and loins warm. For these
types of clip most horses would be stabled at night
and suitably rugged to compensate for the loss of natural
coat and provided with a good waterproof rug for paddock
use.
For Further information: on clipping, buying a set
of clippers and clipper maintenance, visit www.clippersharp.com
or contact
Clipper Sharp Clipper Services, Southwoods Farm, Culmstock,
Collumpton, Devon, EX15 3JX.
Tel: 01823 681076,
Fax: 01823 681076 or email: richard@clippersharp.com
