Horse Clipping

HORSE CLIPPING

Having decided which type of clip you are planning to give your horse, chalking out the outline on his skin is a good idea, to make it easier to achieve a tidy clip. Damp saddle soap can also be used instead of chalk.

When clipping near your horse's rear end, bandage his tail to prevent tail hairs being caught in the clippers. Also, by holding the tail over to one side in one hand, your horse is less likely to kick out, and you can also feel any early warnings of his agitation through his tail.

During clipping, keep the clippers clean and oil them every 10-15 minutes. Also feel the blades frequently and if they are becoming hot, take a short break to allow them to cool down.

Use hand clippers, with no motor, on a horse that is not used to clipping and let him get used to the feel. Horses tend to be upset by the noise of motorised clippers rather than the feel. If this is the case, then put cotton wool in his ears first to reduce the noise for him.

When clipping your horse, the loose horse hairs can be irritatiing if rubbing your skin through catching in clothing, eyes, etc. Wearing goggles, dust masks and having elasticated cuffs or alternatively fastening them with elastic bands or string are all worthwhile precautions.