Blanket clip Pros/cons

It has gotten up to the high 30's (F), and yesterday when I rode, Dez got sweaty. I was thinking about giving him a blanket clip, and then keeping the winter blanket on him until it is warmer - so he will dry out faster. The weather will likely drop again and range anywhere from 0-30 degrees F for the next month or so.

What are the pros and cons of doing the blanket clip?
Should I or shouldn't I.

I usually just do a full clip in late march or early april, but I am already riding more heavily earlier in the year this year.

I did a full body clip on both of my girls

Pro:
-dries much much quicker
-easier to clean
-looks nice

Con:
-must keep horse warm at all time
-blanket and sometimes lycra covers needed
-those stupid lines (I only have a few this year)


It is anywhere from -10 to 50 here....Our wheather is sooooooo messed up ha ha ha

Well, I gave him the blanket clip today. He has a few lines by the flank on one side where the hair was going several directions, but it will be gone once his coat changes over, so I don't really care. He looks really bad now of course, because all of the oils are out of his coat - very washed out/pale coat.

After clipping, I worked him. He got sweaty again - the short hair dried, but his non shaved hock areas, and his non shaved neck area got a bit sweaty too, and did not dry out quickly. I brushed him out good and put the blanket on. I am not comfortable shaving the neck and other non blanketed areas yet, as the coats have not even started shedding, and I don't want to put him in a situation where he might freeze if we get another good cold snap. BUT, as soon as I see the coats start to shed, that is the next part to go.

I had to come in and shower when I was done with it because I had hair ALL OVER me...so itchy!! :) :) Hopefully what I have done so far will help with cooling out some. :)

Well, you already clipped him, which is good.
Is he in turnout or a stall?

He has a stall with attached paddock. He now has a winter blanket on, which covers everywhere I clipped. :)

I've never body clipped, but I just wanted to comment--God BLESS you for riding in Alaska, haha! And here I am, thinking New Jersey is too cold!

:) :)