Tips for clipping your horse
Many people choose to clip their horses in autumn. Competition horses that train a lot can benefit from clipping because it allows sweat to dry much faster, but keep in mind that they will be colder when spending time outside.
Horses with thick winter coats need more time to dry; they also may tire more quickly from exercise. Many horses become livelier after they have been clipped, and can get a little extra energy from it. Clipped horses are also easier to keep clean. Trotters are often in regular training, and many owners therefore choose to clip them. How much to clip depends on individual preferences, of course. Some give their horses full-body clips, some leave the legs and head unclipped, while some clip only the areas that get sweatiest, for example the undersides of the neck and stomach and between the legs. Choose the type of clipping you prefer, but keep in mind that a clipped horse will need a rug to keep warm, both outside and inside the stable.
When a horse's winter coat appears depends on how warm it is in the stable, how soon you start putting on thicker rugs, etc., but most people start clipping their horses in October. Then you can clip about once a month, depending on the coat's thickness is and how fast it grows.
When spring comes you should stop clipping and let the summer coat come in, otherwise you may disturb the natural moulting process.
Giving a horse a full-body clipping can be complicated, so it is a good idea to have two people do it if you and the horse don't have much experience with it. If the horse is not used to being clipped, spend a few days letting him get used to both the sound and the touch of the clippers.
Some tips for clipping your horse:
- Wash the horse's coat – preferably the day before so that it has time to dry completely. Dust and dirt will dull the blades much faster.
- Plan enough time. A full clipping can easily take a couple of hours.
- Have the horse stand on a dry surface. Water and electricity don't make a good combination. If your clipper has a power cord, take care that the horse cannot step on it.
- Before starting, lubricate the blade with oil. Stop to relubricate the blade every so often, approximately every 10 minutes – the more often the better. Also remember to brush away the clipped hair from the blade as you work.
- Tie up the tail and mane so that they do not get clipped by accident.
- Check the blade now and then to feel if it's getting too hot. If so, take a short break to let it cool.
- If the horse doesn't like the sound, try putting cotton in their ears.
- Always move the clippers against the direction of the hairs. Take long strokes over the largest areas for the best results. It can help to draw the lines with chalk in advance.
- Assess whether you should tackle the difficult areas first. This may be a wise strategy for clipping horses that have little patience.
- Remember that horses that have been clipped can get chafed more easily. Always use equipment that's meant for the job. A coat gloss can help prevent chafing.
