“Hi, I have a Dales which I clipped in October. The clip was full, apart from his legs, as he was sweating a lot when worked. I would like him to go through the rest of winter without his rug, but is this realistic? If it is, how do I know when his coat will protect him enough - when you see no sign of the first clip? In future should I just try and make sure that he is wiped down and dried out before he goes out and leave clipping out completely? Could I give him a bib clip and leave him without a rug? He lives out 24/7 and is barefoot. He's my first horse so any advice welcome. Many thanks, Liz.”

H&C expert Jenny Rudall replies: “Hi Liz, thanks for your question. Judging by your photo, you are having a lot of fun with your new horse.  I would not recommend your horse lives out this winter without a rug.  Even unclipped, this winter looks like it is going to be a tough one and even the hardiest of breeds would appreciate a bit of warmth.

As you have already clipped Marlon, then I am afraid he must wear a rug as his natural protection against the cold will have gone and it will take a long time for his coat to get back to anywhere near where it was before he was clipped.  A clipped horse living out in these conditions should on occasion wear two rugs unless the one rug you have is super thick. No matter what the breed, once they have a full clip they will get cold.

In future, I would as you suggest make sure he is just dry before he goes out as who knows how much colder it is going to get this winter, but if he is very sweaty a Bib or a low trace clip would be a good idea.  As I say though, now you have already clipped I would recommend he wears a rug throughout these cold months.  I hope this helps and you have lots of fun in the snow with Marlon this winter.

Jenny.”