At Highway Shearing, part of our extensive range of clippers and blades which we stock are those that we sell to the equine sector. Therefore, we have put together this article on ‘How to achieve the best clip for your Horse’ providing you with all you need to know on how to get the best results from clipping your horse to keep it in tip-top condition. However, before we begin, there is one golden rule you must never allow yourself to overlook, and this is always safety first.
Horses are extremely powerful animals and clipping them can be dangerous. At Highway Shearing, we have studied live horse clippings demonstrations by highly skilled professionals like equine Olympians. These professionals always state that before clipping the very first thing to consider is your safety, this is paramount. These professionals know what they are talking about, so consider your space, experience, and your horse.
Many horses can become nervous by electric clippers, and some will require sedation by a vet before they are clipped. Never cut any corners here, because it may cost you a lot more than a near miss.
When should you clip your horse?
When you clip your horse will vary but it is usually between September to October, of course, this will depend on breed type. Horses used in competition may require clipping all year round. Remember whether you are a seasoned stable owner, an enthusiastic horse-owning amateur rider or even a first-time novice. There are practical and essential steps you need to do before you start.
Preparation is key
Remember mastering the art of clipping is crucial for maintaining your horse’s health, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, preparation is vital to ensuring a well-groomed clipped horse. We will explore what you need to know about clipping, from different clip styles to choosing the right clippers for the job.
Understanding horse clipping
Clipping a horse requires the use of specialised clippers to trim the coat to a desired length. This type of grooming is important for horses engaged in regular work or those living in warmer climates. Clipping removes excess hair, meaning owners can help prevent overheating, whilst promoting faster drying after exercise, and of course, enhancing a horse’s overall appearance.
Choosing the right clippers
Selecting the right clippers is extremely important if you wish to achieve a professional-looking clip and the comfort of your horse. When shopping for horse clippers, consider the following factors:
You should look for clippers with sufficient power and torque, as this will provide a consistent cutting action, helping to avoid uneven cutting lines, especially when clipping thick horse hair. Look for models with high-quality motors and durable blades for long-lasting performance.
Ergonomics is also an important consideration to factor in here, you should choose clippers that are lightweight, ergonomically designed, and easy to manage for extended grooming. Comfortable grip handles that produce minimal vibration will reduce hand fatigue and enhance precision, resulting in a more professional clip. It should also be noted that clippers which produce less noise are important and can also be safer for you and your horse.
A neat coat relies on minimal blade heat
Choose a clipper which does not create excessive heat on the blades when in use. A clipper can overheat for many reasons. For example, it must be regularly cleaned and brushed during clipping to ensure excess hair and any other debris is removed. After which you can oil your blades to ensure sufficient lubrication. The heat from a clipper transcends to the clipper blade head and horses do not like hot blades.There is a safety element to consider, clippers which produce less heat (warm to your touch) will be more comfortable for your horse. A hot blade will have the reverse effect and can be dangerous.
Mains-powered or cordless?
A mains-powered clipper has the advantage of constant power and torque, comparable to a cordless clipper. However, mains-powered clippers can be dangerous, if a horse stands on a cable, the results could be catastrophic.
If you have a mains-powered clipper, make sure you keep a close eye on the power cord and have plenty of space to clip. Conversely, cordless clippers are now extremely popular as advances in battery technology have increased power, resulting in improved torque, and require less charging time, whilst being safer and easier to use.
Blade options
A good clipper is only as good as the blade, which is used, so consult an expert for advice. Most modern clippers offer a variety of blade options to accommodate different clip styles and coat lengths. Interchangeable blades allow for versatility according to your horse’s grooming needs. Remember to have your blades sharpened regularly, this is especially important.
Mastering horse clipping techniques
Begin by thoroughly grooming and bathing the horse to remove dirt, debris, and excess oils from the coat. Ensure the horse is completely dry before clipping, select a clip style that suits your horse’s needs, and consider factors such as climate, and workload. Popular clip styles are full-body clips, trace clips, blanket clips, and feather clips.
Ease into the clipping process by starting with gentle, steady strokes against the direction of hair growth. Take your time and maintain a calm, reassuring demeanour to keep the horse relaxed throughout the grooming session. Hold the clippers at a slight angle to the skin and apply even pressure to achieve a uniform clip. Pay particular attention to sensitive areas such as the face, ears, and legs, and use caution to avoid nicking or cutting the skin, especially around the face and neck.
Clipping can be physically demanding, especially if you are clipping more than one, so be sure to take regular breaks. Use your time wisely, check blades for any overheating, ensure the blades are sharp and the clipper head is free from hair, dirt or any other debris, and oil regularly. When applying oil use the little and often approach, do not saturate the blades, as oil can seep into the clipper and permanently damage it.
To summarise
Highway Shearing Ltd provides an excellent range of equine clippers and blades from makes like Heiniger, Lister and other brands. We also provide blade sharpening and clipper repairs. We are here to help. If you require advice on which clipper to buy and the right blades to use call us on 01768 899 659 or email us at dg@highwayshearing.com.
Watch the video from 2008 Bronze medalist Sharon Hunt, using Heiniger clippers to clip a horse.
Recent Comments