In modern day clipping we have what is known as the mountain and moorland full body blend. (M&M Blend) I have put together this blog to explain a bit more about this clip that I offer as part of my HorseBarber service.
This clip is popular for several reasons, it's aesthetically much more pleasing for competition purposes, with the prime reason for M&M blending being a consistent show-standard finish in preparation for late summer and winter showing. This clip is best done 2 to 4 weeks prior to show day for ridden and in hand showing. Each horse has its own requirements, which I can advise you on.
M&M blending removes full body including the higher leg between the point of shoulder and knee, and below stifle and flanks down to; but not passing the hock. Different colours require slightly different technique and it’s important not to pass further than the inner chestnut as to avoid removing essential feather. For finer bred and older horses we often opt to leave this higher leg fur on, to protect from the cold where a rug doesn't ordinarily offer protection.
When done correctly, through technique and top quality equipment (Andis products) this clip leaves people guessing as to whether it is a natural finish (previously achieved by meticulous rugging from late august through September as to stump the hair growth and avoid the 'throwing up' from exposure to autumn temperature drop). Clipping at county level and competition is deemed incorrect for the M&M breeds so avoiding clipping is sometimes the best option, however for lower level and riding club it is more widely accepted. I have spoken with judges who have a more practical view who understand that winter working of horses brings with it a need to clip, some who are judging at county level are accepting of this.
The horse in the image here was clipped 14 days prior to the photo being taken (see red rosette!) And it was done during the summer months. As you can see.. it was a success! This cob was excessively hot under saddle and clipping was the best option for optimum performance and condition. His skin is able to breath and his dapples shine through after removing the fluffy coat. Some cobs have a beautiful summer coat, but others simply don’t lose it. This is due to genetics passed down from the mix of native breeds that today's traditional cobs are bred down from. This includes Scottish bred horses that are renowned for tough sturdy and coarse coats. (the likes of the Clydesdale and so on) so each cob coat can vary, some will throw back from the genetic that has the coarse gene; others will throw back to that of the Fell, with the softer silkier coat. If you would like to learn more about this I am available for tuition in M&M blending as well as other aspects of clipping.