Its not really safe to clip once they start shedding, at all. If you have a grey or something that doesnt show lines, its not a big deal though. But I have a chestnut and a bay, both a lovely shade of beige where they are clipped. Last year, I gave Bob an Irish around Christmas, and he still had lines at the first event in May. It didnt mess with his summer coat, but his summer coat wasnt 100% in by then. This year I plan to clip him all summer, because its so humid here, he has breathing problems (overheating is a concern) and his old man coat isnt as sleek as it once was. This year I have done them both in October, which has mostly grown in, then I havent redone Bob because he got a hunter, and I re-clipped AJ before Christmas with another trace. It looks so sexy! I hope he still has lines for the first show, so cute.

Doesnt clipping legs help prevent mud fever? I clip all the whites in the spring and fall to keep the skin from getting all clammy. Seems to work.
Elizabeth, I love the look on the greys face, like "ah! my precious warmth, its all on the ground!" hahah.