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TBEventer2002
17th Nov 2004, 04:38 PM
OK, I know I asked this last year, but I think it was for a different horse... :) LOL

Rumby is going to school again for the spring semester. One of my friends is going to half-lease him from me to use in her beginning jumping class, and I will be riding him recreationally otherwise. All in all, he'll get ridden at least 3-4 times per week, probably more, for a good hour each time.

Mind you, he's had the past two months or so off on semi-retirement (occassional hacking out bareback, I did take him to class the other day, etc.), but I think he is relatively fit because we have very huge steep hills that he likes to run up and down all day long. :rolleyes: However, he did sweat up pretty good when I took him to my class (he grows a long coat).

Last year (when I bought him in December; he was turned out as much as possible and was not blanketed, but stayed in work), I just blanketed him and that seemed to help keep his coat laying down and sleek-looking. Since he was in ridden work when I bought him, he didn't really sweat that much when I rode him for my classes.

So, since he sweated up so much last time I really actually rode him and since he'll be in quite a bit of regular ridden work, would it be advisable to clip him? I don't want a full-body clip as he loves going outside and I am always afriad they will freeze their little legs off, LOL, but I've only done a modified trace clip before and that was only once (on a different horse).

I can certainly layer his blankets, and I am certain that my friend will be sure to put his blankets back on once he's dry after working and such, so that isn't a problem. He will mostly be in a stall, but I hope to get him outside for atleast half a day a few times a week (otherwise, he goes in the indoor arena for a good roll and run). Days are bouncing between 60 degrees and 40 degrees, nights are getting down into the 30's, close to 20's.

So, is it too late to clip him?

Sophini
17th Nov 2004, 04:45 PM
Clip away!! You only need to worry about not clipping if they're changing their coat back to their summer coat.

KitKat has only just come sound and will have the pleasure of a full hunter clip in a few weeks time. I've always clipped right off as they do quite a lot of work and i don't usually have time to let them dry. All of mine go out as well, Snug as a bug in Rhino Wug plus (full neck) rugs and usually have 2 stable rugs overnight.

If you're man isn't out much and you only do a high trace clip then you won't need too many extra rugs, and as he doesn't get so hot when you work him he will keep condition better and get fitter quicker

JJ. :)

TBEventer2002
17th Nov 2004, 04:54 PM
Thanks a TON, Sophini! :)

Now just the teensy weeny matter of finding someone with body clippers and a steady hand.......... LOL

Sophini
17th Nov 2004, 05:03 PM
I would happily come and clip for you but seeing as i charge depending on how far i have to travel it may not be the best value for money.....:D