Why are horses shorn in winter?
If your horse is totally sweaty after riding and you put him back in his stall or paddock without a blanket, he can very easily catch a cold from draughts!
Of course, a sweat blanket can help, but even with a sweat blanket it can take a long time until your horse is completely dry. Therefore, you should always cover your horse at least when it is wet.
When you shear your horse, the coat is of course much shorter and therefore your horse simply doesn't sweat as quickly - and if it does, the short coat will of course dry much quicker than the long teddy plush.
Which shearing cut should I choose for my horse?
There are many different ways to shear your horse. It also depends on how much your horse sweats. Horses are usually clipped in winter so that they do not sweat too much.
If your horse only sweats a little, you can give him a "bib cut". In this case, the horse is only shorn on the underside of the neck and on the front of the chest (this cut is also often used for horses that are kept in an open stable).
Of course, there are many other ways to shear your horse. Especially for sport riders, the large shearing cuts & patterns are very popular (Irish cut, narrow stripe cut, etc.) What is also very popular are shearing patterns on the hindquarters of the horse - there are no limits to your imagination! ?
Keep in mind, however, that when you shear your horse, you must also cover it! Otherwise your horse would freeze very quickly and catch a cold.