Summer is right around the corner! Many equestrians, myself included, are beginning to put their horses back into more consistent work. But when that winter coat doesn’t shed as quickly as you would like, what can you do? That’s where equine body clipping comes in!
Clipping was something that intimidated me for many years until we got Stormy. Like many other miniature horses, she takes a ton of time to shed her wooly winter coat. We’re talking about having to lose nearly 3 inches of hair! So in a way, it was Stormy who forced me to learn how to clip horses.
Now, I am in no way a professional or expert on horse clipping, but I thought I would share some of the tips and tricks I have learned in nearly a decade of amateur spring clips!
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Tools for Clipping
My first set of clippers was a $60 set of Oster clippers from Fleet Farm. This set lasted me quite a while until one spring, our older quarter horse (Dee Dee) knocked them out of my hand.
Let’s just say my clippers lost the fight with the concrete aisle. They still technically run (yes, I still have them), but they just haven’t been the same since. This event necessitated the purchase of new clippers.
I don’t remember the exact year, but I recall being at the Midwest Horse Fair with some money burning a hole in my pocket. After listening to an Andis rep’s sales pitch, I walked away about $250 poorer with their newest model of clippers.
The model I had purchased was the Andis ProClip AGC Super 2-Speed Plus Detachable Blade Clipper in Spring Green. I felt like a professional. I had the fancy clippers. These clippers are still working hard for me to this day.
Invest in Quality Clippers
This mini story leads me into my first point about tools for clipping, which is to purchase a model that is proven to last. While my cheaper Oster clippers got the job done, they where much more finnicky when it came to Stormy’s thick hair.
Be sure to look for models that have numerous good reviews, fit your individual clipping needs, and most of all that you feel comfortable using!
Get Familiar with the Different Blade Types
When clipping horses, there are numerous blade options available. The higher the number on the blade, the shorter the hair will be trimmed. I use the T-84 body clipping blades as they leave the hair a reasonable length (2.4mm) and they have a wider head for faster clipping.
You never want to use #30 or #40 blades for body clipping as this leaves the hair extremely short and can leave your horse susceptible to bugs, rubs, and sunburn. These blades should be reserved for detail work or veterinary use.
Extras to Consider
When clipping, I also like to have a stiff brush handy for cleaning out the clippers as well as to brush away excess hair from the horse I’m clipping. There are other products you can purchase such as blade coolant and disinfectant for your specific needs.
Types of Horse Clips
Full Clip
In this clip, all the horse’s body hair is removed. This clip is good for horses that will be in very hard work. Horses with this clip will need to be carefully managed to ensure they don’t get cold or develop skin ailments.
Stormy typically receives a nearly full clip where we leave her lower legs and head for added bug protection.
Hunter Clip
This clip is great for horses in medium to hard work. The saddle area and legs are left for added protection and warmth. Just like the full clip, careful management is necessary to prevent any health issues.
Blanket Clip
This clip is beneficial for horses in medium work that require added warmth. You remove hair from the areas more prone to sweating while still leaving quite a bit of hair.
Trace Clip
This clip essentially gives your horse a fancy racing stripe. The majority of hair is left on the horse’s neck and back for added warmth while still allowing for sweat control.
Irish Clip
The Irish clip is a quick clip where you remove hair from the areas a horse sweats the most. This allows for plenty of warmth during the day. Shocker received this clip this year as he is in more serious work this spring and isn’t shedding very fast!
Bib Clip
This clip just removes the hair from under the neck and chest for added breathability and sweat wicking. We actually did this clip on Shocker last year!
Top Tips for Horse Clipping
Start with a clean horse!
Clipping goes much smoother and faster with a clean horse! Be sure to bathe your horse before clipping when you can. Dirt can clog up and dull your clippers very quickly. When you can’t bathe, consider hot toweling or other waterless bath options.
Be ready for a mess
Clipping horses gets messy very quickly! Hair flying around, impatient horses pooping, clipper oil everywhere, you name it! Be sure you are wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and be ready with a broom, fork, and muck bucket for the aftermath.
Oil, Oil, Oil!
Oil your clippers before you begin and often while you clip. Oiling helps the clippers run smoothly as well as prolongs the life of the blades and clippers.
Clip against the hair growth pattern
When body clipping, be sure to clip against the hair growth. Horse hair grows in more directions than you may think so be sure to pay attention to what way you should be going.
Be sure skin is taught
When clipping in more awkward areas such as the armpits or chest, make sure you gently pull the skin taut. This helps prevent cuts and nicks as well as makes clipping easier.
Clip in phases
Trust me on this one. Plan ahead and clip your horse in sensible sections. For example, start with a bib cut and work your way up to whatever clip you are doing. If your clippers break midway through the haircut, your horse will look pretty ridiculous otherwise.
But, if you don’t mind your horse looking like they went through a woodchipper, then that’s fine too. 😉
Maintain clipper blades to protect your investment
Make sure to clean your blades and clippers after each use and oil them well before storing. When they begin to dull, send them to a sharpener so that you can continue using them for less than the cost of new blades.
Thank you so much for checking out some quick tips for horse clipping. Let me know if anything in this post surprised you! I’d love to hear from you.
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