To body clip or not to body clip your horse

Horses that are in a working program, or horse show through the winter need to be body clipped. Winter coats can cause a working horse many problems. They rarely dry which creates a perfect environment for fungus to grow. Also, hair becomes dried out by constant bathing of a long, dirty winter coat which makes horses itch.

Pasture horses do not need to be clipped, as this hair helps to keep them warm. Be sure to watch for rain rot or any other fungus that can occur in a constantly wet environment.