Modified Trace clip for a field hunter living outside in North East?

[ecileh]

We are at the time of year where my mare is starting to grow her winter coat (shedding out summer coat), but it’s still warm enough that she gets quite hot while hunting (60s to low 70s). I’m starting to wonder about doing some sort of modified trace clip (perhaps an Irish clip) on her to help with that, but she does live outside and I’m worried about her being cold, come actual winter.

Yes, I COULD blanket her…but she seems to have a penchant for weird skin infections when things are left on her for long periods of time so I am leery of that. Also, my barn does not change blankets for horses on outdoor board, so I run the risk of her over-heating under it on warmer days in the winter.

Point being. If I clip her now to make hunting more comfortable, am I dooming her to a cold winter? I am in NY. Our temps drop into the teens and single digits during winter–though typically not until Jan/Feb.

[trubandloki]

I too am in NY. I trace clip the one I ride.

When the temps get regularly below freezing I will put a sheet on her and when we get the spells or crazy cold I will put a mid weight on her. She has protection from the wind but is frequently not allowed under the shelter so gets snowed on. She has free choice first cutting grass hay. She never seems to need more than the mid weight to be toasty warm.

I have never tried just leaving her naked.

[McGurk]

If she is not a hard keeper, I would do a trace clip and leave her unblanketed. The only horse I would blanket with a trace clip would be one that I was struggling to keep weight on.

[SLW]

If you trace clip in some style this week your horse should grow enough hair back before the bitter December weather. Also, select a medium blade that removes hair but leaves some behind.

I do do a full trace clip with a surgical blade in mid October which requires a turnout sheet at night, a lightweight turnout blanket once we go below 35F at night. If the weather hasn’t shut down hunting in Dec/Jan I will go over the clip again with a medium blade.

My horses are out 24/7 with access to stalls and I’m in the cold Midwest.