Horses

Horse Clipping Welfare and Coat Management

Clipping horses in work prevents sweating and overheating. Understanding appropriate clip types and subsequent management protects welfare for horses in active work.

Key Facts

Horses in regular work develop a thick winter coat that causes overheating and slow drying after exercise
Multiple clip types from a trace clip to a full clip are selected based on workload and management
Clipped horses lose their natural thermoregulation and require rugging matched to their clip and conditions
Clipping equipment must be sharp and well-maintained to prevent pulling, heat and skin irritation
Post-clip skin care including bathing and application of skin conditioner maintains coat and skin health

Welfare Considerations

Horses in significant work that are not clipped suffer overheating, prolonged cooling time and risk of chilling when wet coats dry slowly in cold weather. These welfare costs often exceed the welfare cost of appropriate clipping followed by correct rug management. The welfare equation depends on workload, access to shelter and quality of rug management. Clipping creates welfare obligations including appropriate rugging that must be met consistently.

What You Can Do

Clip horses in regular work to match their workload and available drying facilities
Ensure rugging is matched to the clip type, weather conditions and individual horse responses
Check horses under rugs regularly for overheating or sweating indicating inappropriate insulation level
Maintain clipping equipment in sharp condition and allow equipment to cool during long clipping sessions
Provide adequate shelter for clipped horses turned out in cold and wet conditions