WHY CLIP?  When working a horse in the winter, although the weather is cold, the horse will still sweat.  When the coat is thick and long the moisture builds up in the horses coat and it's drying time is extended.  In the winter this will cause a horse to be quite chilled after a workout, even with a blanket.  It is necessary to keep a winter working horse's coat short and clean (which is easier with short hair) to allow the quickest drying time after sweating. This maintains the horses health and condition.   

WHEN TO CLIP?  Usually clipping is done in the fall depending on when the cold weather starts and when the horse starts to grow a winter coat.  Usually October-November.  Some horses who have a dense summer coat will need to be clipped in the summer as well.  Clipping every month will prevent extended growth of horse's coat and ensure a healthy horse!

TYPES OF CLIP:  Grooming required prior to clipping.

Full Body ~ $150 ~ Clipping the entire body of the horse.  

Hunter Clip ~ $125 ~ Clip entire body except for patch of long hair for under the saddle and optional hair on the legs.  Saddle patch is left to prevent scalding under the saddle and the legs are left for warmth and protection.

Blanket Clip ~ $100 ~ Clip leaving hair on the legs and an extended saddle patch over the loins for extra warmth.  Great for horses that will be in the stable at night and outside during the day.

Chaser Clip ~ $90 ~ Similar to blanket clip but leaves more hair up the horses neck for protection from the cold  Good for horses who are sensitive to the cold and tend to have back trouble.

Trace Clip ~ High $75 ~ Medium $50 ~ Low $25 ~ These three clips are useful for horses that are worked occasionally, leaving the areas most prone to sweat exposed for faster drying.  Choose the clip best suited for the amount of work your horse does during the winter.

Caring for a clipped horse: VERY IMPORTANT!!

This is extremely important because the horse will get chilled and could get very ill without the proper care.  A clipped horse has minimal protection from the elements of mother nature.  To protect the horse the use of blankets that are warm and clean is of utmost importance.  Depending on the temperature multiple blanket may need to be used, especially at night.  Even while working a horse, they may need a light sheet to keep them warm.  Think of how many layers you are wearing while outside, and do the same for you horse!

Illustrations and Information obtained from: 

Tuke, Dianna. Clipping, Trimming and Plaiting your horse. 1991, J.A. Allen & Company Limited.