Which clip works best for a pony in hard work?

Hello. I can see why you are thinking about clipping your pony. If he sweats a lot and takes a long time to dry, or if it is hard to keep him clean around the saddle and girth, then clipping is a sensible idea.

🐴 I would recommend clipping as little as possible. Start with the areas where he sweats most and takes longest to dry, then judge whether that is enough.

🐴 It is often wise to leave the coat along the back and croup, and where the rider's legs rest.

🐴 Use good clippers with sharp blades. Oil them regularly throughout, and keep an eye on them so they do not overheat.

🐴 It is a good idea to bath the horse after clipping, to wash off the clipper oil and any dirt that could otherwise irritate the skin, where small sores sometimes appear after a clip. It also helps to have the horse as clean as possible before you start, which is better for both the clippers and the horse.

This article from Hippson has plenty of good tips, including a range of clip patterns to use as a starting point.

Good luck! 🦄