Should You Clip Your Horse or Pony? Winter Clipping Guide
If you’re new to riding or horse ownership, it might come as some surprise that the time riders consider clipping their horse or pony is actually in preparation for winter, not summer. Clipping helps manage their thick winter coats, especially if you plan to keep them in regular work over the colder months. Whether clipping is right for your horse depends on their breed, coat condition, and activity level. Let’s explore why and when clipping is beneficial and the different clips commonly used in the UK.
Why Do People Clip Their Horses or Ponies?
Many native and hardy UK breeds grow a thick winter coat to protect against chillier weather. During exercise, this heavy coat causes horses to sweat more. When sweat takes a long time to dry in cold weather, it can lower your horse’s core temperature, making it harder for them to stay warm and increasing the risk of illness or weight loss.
Clipping reduces excess sweating and helps your horse dry quickly after work. It can also improve coat condition and general appearance. Keep in mind, clipping removes the natural insulation your horse’s coat provides, so you'll need suitable rugs, stable time, and possibly hoods to keep your horse warm and dry outdoors during winter.
Common Clipping Styles in the UK
The clipping pattern you choose depends on your horse’s workload and needs. Here are six common clips:
Bib Clip (Neck and Underbelly)
A light clip removing hair from beneath the neck and belly centre. Suitable for lightly worked horses that may not need rugs except in the coldest weather.
Low Trace Clip
Extends the bib clip by trimming further back along the belly and loins, and a few inches up the flanks. Ideal for moderate exercise levels.
High Trace Clip
Follows the low trace but trims higher to include cheeks and up to about two-thirds up the saddle area. Perfect for more intense daily work.
Blanket Clip
Leaves hair on the legs and a patch corresponding to a riding rug or exercise blanket. This clip is popular for horses in consistent heavy work.
Hunter Clip
Hair is left only on the legs and saddle area outline, often following a numnah pad’s shape. Often used by competition horses in regular intense exercise.
Full Clip
Removes almost all body hair apart from a small patch above the tail. Uncommon and generally reserved for high-level competition horses kept mostly stabled.
Remember, the harder your horse works, the larger the clipped area recommended, but this also means increased care and expense for warmth and dry conditions.
How to Decide if Clipping Is Right for Your Horse or Pony
If your horse naturally grows a thick winter coat and sweats heavily even during light exercise, clipping can be advantageous. It also makes grooming easier. However, clipped horses need additional protection from cold and damp, so consider the added time and cost for rugs and potentially more stable time.
If unsure, ask your riding instructor or a veterinarian. Horses living outdoors without rugs or stabled horses not exercising regularly usually do not require clipping.
Arranging Clipping Services
It’s usually straightforward to hire a professional clipper through local tack shops, livery yards, or online groups. Yardmates organising group clipping can reduce costs. Alternatively, you can buy clippers and clip your horse yourself once you gain confidence, but for beginners, it’s wise to watch an expert first.
Additional Considerations
Keeping a clipped horse warm requires investment in quality rugs, hoods, and shelter. Clipping frequency varies depending on hair regrowth and workload, typically every 3 to 6 weeks through the winter.
When deciding on a clipping style, starting light is best since you can always clip more hair off next time, but grown hair can't be replaced once removed.
Lastly, always prioritise your horse’s well-being by monitoring their condition and adapting care as needed during winter.
For more advice about horses and ponies, find a horse or pony for sale from reputable breeders or sellers.
