To Clip or not to Clip

Winter has definitely arrived and with it our horses’ thick coats. Contrary to popular belief, the growth of winter coats is stimulated by not the colder temperatures, but by the reduced amount of day light. A thicker coat will keep your horse warm but it does present some challenges if they’re in work. They’ll sweat more easily and hosing them down can leave them cold as they take longer to dry. 

So clipping some or all of their coat off can make managing them during winter training much easier. But you’ll need to consider which type of clip style will suit your horse plus some additional rug layers to keep him warm. 

Some Common Clip Styles are: 

Full – the entire body is clipped, legs may be left on. Generally for horses in heavy work that are stabled. He’ll need an additional layer to his rugs to make up for his layer of hair that’s been removed. A wool rug is a great option to add under his stable rug and turnout rug. 

Hunter – Legs and saddle area is left on. Ideal for horses in heavy work who spend a fair portion of their day outside. An additional wool layer will be required to be added under his stable rug and turnout rug. 

Blanket – Neck and belly hair is removed. This clip style gives the best of both worlds. Clipping the neck hair will reduce the amount he sweats during work and leaving the hair on the body will ensure he doesn’t get cold. No additional body rugs will be required but you may want to add a neck rug 

Trace – Under-neck and belly hair is removed. This clip is perfect for horses that live outside and are worked periodically. Removal of this small area of hair will help reduce the amount they sweat during moderate exercise. No additional rugging will be required other than his usual winter rug