clipping your dark bays and chestnuts

[Norah]

I reluctantly clipped Peach due to lice : ( I used a 10 blade on her body but left the hair on her legs and face until it warms up a bit more. Lice is gone ...but she has dark spots all over her body. She looks like a leopard . I am thinking that in a week or so I will finish her with a longer blade , and let her hair grow in before her show May 11th : 0 !!!

What would you guys do for a spotty liver chestnut ? she has a nice black mane and tail , and 3 white socks but a lot of spots ...we are using black sunflower oil , and other herbal oils for her skin and coat.Will this soften in 3 or 4 more weeks ? In the last 8 months she has battles worm infestations ( 3 kinds) and lice ... she is 4 in June if that makes a difference . Her weight is good , and she is blossoming from her good feed ...but i have a feeling it will be at least a year before her skin and coat fully recovered from the parasites ...what do you suggest?

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Are the spots natural coloration or evidence of fungus? If fungus, she may need a bath in antifungal shampoo. My new pony I just clipped has lots of the dark spots. She did not have lice, but has lots of bumps and spots. After 2 days she is already looking better. I did rub on some anti-bacterial/anti-fungal solution, as it is too chilly for bathing. She seems MUCH happier with that thick coat off! She also had parasites. Worming, clipping, cleanliness, and sunshine should go a long way.

She is also on boss, but I've only had her under 2 weeks so it is too soon to see effect of that.

I think you will be amazed what one month will do!

 

[Norah]

I did shampoo with a disinfectant shampoo, maybe these are just her color markings . Will wait it out and see what happens

 

[JMS Miniatures]

With her having lice her coat is just in poor condition right now. Once the lice are competely gone and now that her coat is clipped and has a chance to heal it will get better with time. She may not look 100% for your first show.