I'm not sure why I had to shave Nick, but I did.  Not why he had to be shaved, rather why I had to do it.  I had given Amanda quite a hard time about how ugly his original trim was.  No man wants to look like that.  She said I had to do it to save her shoulder.  Nick is as tall at the whithers as Amanda.  I think it was punishment for all the ribbing I gave her. 

Well, the mini-trimmer that is probably effective for prepping a kitten for surgery is not the right tool for a 1300 pound horse.  My skills proved worse than hers until one of her friends from the barn volunteered the right tool.  It's a hair trimmer the size of a small hedge clipper.  I think it has the same motor in it as a router, and if I designed one, it would have the little handle on the side like an angle grinder. 

Even with the right trimmer, it's hard to get an even cut, but my horse barbering skills improved to the point that his neck actually looks presentable.  The shirt I wore, had to go through the dryer four times and it still has white horse hair in it.  My coat didn't make the laundry yet, so it smells BAD.

Anyway, I am a sight in the horse barn -- a supportive (future) spouse who actually shows up from time to time.  It's a woman-dominated sport and many guys aren't thrilled about the financial and other commitments required.  (think monthly car payment just for stable and board, or worse, doing the work yourself)  Dressage is boring to watch.  They don't even watch each other.  All I know is the more Amanda rides, the happier and healthier she is.  Dressage will keep our relationship happier and healthier.  I like the folks at Cedar Hill Farm and I like helping Amanda.  I even like Nicky. 

Then Forrest, the Farrier (blacksmith) shows up.  He's so handsome and strong.  I can see the look on every woman's face.  Oh well.  He is a nice guy and the women probably fawn over him every where he goes.  Amanda doesn't even know she's flirting.  It's cute.  Farrier work is fascinating to me.  A horse's foot is both incredibly strong and frighteningly delicate at the same time.  Foot health vital and the farrier's job is to maintain it, and often improve it.  It's the combination of art and science that I find interesting.

I also had to move some of Amanda's gear from the original barn to the "big" barn.  Nick is enjoying life in the more modern barn which has the riding arena attached and other conveniences.  I like the big barn, but the little one was more affordable and easier for ME, which is the important thing to me.  Amanda loves the new location and if it makes her riding easier, well, it's worth it.

Oh, to answer your question, the horses who are ridden in the winter get their winter "fur" trimmed off so it doesn't trap sweat from riding sessions.  The hair would remain wet for some time and actually chill the horse.  The lost warmth is made up for by attaching winter coats.  (Sometimes at 9:00 in the dark after being tricked into going; bribed with Pat's Pizza.)  You only trim the areas that are covered by the coats.