Can I clip my horse myself? Yes, you absolutely can clip your horse yourself. With the right tools and preparation, clipping your horse is a manageable task for any horse owner. This comprehensive horse clipping guide walks you through every step to ensure a safe and smooth experience for both you and your horse.
Selecting the Right Gear
Before you even think about turning on the clippers, you need the right equipment. Using the wrong tools can make the job take too long or, worse, hurt your horse.
Types of Horse Clippers
There are many types of horse clippers available. Choosing the correct one matters for the job you plan to do.
Heavy-Duty Mains Clippers
These plug into the wall. They offer constant power. They are best for clipping a whole, thick winter coat. They usually have strong motors. This means they cut through tough, dirty hair easily.
Cordless Clippers
These run on batteries. They offer great freedom of movement. You do not worry about cords tripping you or your horse. Battery life is key here. Make sure the battery is fully charged before starting. They work well for touch-ups or smaller horses.
Trimmers
Trimmers are small and light. They are not for the whole body. Use them for sensitive areas like the face, ears, or around the eyes. They are much quieter too.
Choosing Clipper Blades
Blades are crucial. They determine how close the cut is. Blades come in different numbers. Lower numbers mean a longer cut. Higher numbers mean a very close cut.
| Blade Number | Cut Length (Inches) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1/16″ | General body work, sensitive skin areas |
| 15 | 3/32″ | Standard finish for most clips |
| 30 | 1/100″ | Very close shave, often used for surgery prep |
Most people use a size 10 or 15 blade for general body clipping a horse safely. Always have an extra, sharp blade ready. Dull blades pull hair. This makes the horse unhappy.
Essential Accessories
You need more than just the clippers. Gather these items first:
- Cooling spray for blades
- Clipper oil
- Extra clipper blades
- Brushes and combs
- Towels to wipe off sweat and dirt
- Extension cord (if using mains clippers)
Preparing Horse for Clipping
A clean horse makes clipping faster and easier on your equipment. Preparing horse for clipping correctly prevents breakdowns and dull blades. Never clip a muddy or very dirty horse. Dirt acts like sandpaper on your blades.
Step 1: Groom Thoroughly
Brush your horse very well. Remove all dirt, dust, and loose hair. Use a hard curry comb first. Then use a dandy brush. Finish with a soft body brush. You want the coat as clean as possible.
Step 2: Washing (If Needed)
If your horse is greasy or sweaty, wash them. Use a good quality horse shampoo. Rinse thoroughly. Make sure all soap residue is gone. A greasy coat gums up the blades fast. Dry the horse completely. Damp hair can cause clippers to pull.
Step 3: Inspect the Coat
Walk over your horse. Feel for any bumps, scabs, warts, or scars. You must avoid clipping over these areas. Mark them with chalk if you need to remember where they are. This is vital for body clipping a horse safely.
Step 4: Safety Check and Setup
Set up your clipping area. Ensure good lighting. If using mains clippers, check the cord. Make sure it is not frayed. Have a stable assistant ready. They can help hold the horse steady.
Master the Use of Electric Horse Clippers
Learning electric horse clipper use takes practice. The sound and vibration can scare some horses. Go slow.
Noise Desensitization
If your horse is nervous, start slow. Turn the clippers on away from the horse first. Let them hear the sound. Rub the running clippers gently on their neck or shoulder (with the power off first). Then, turn them on briefly near them. Reward calm behavior with a treat or pat.
Oiling and Cooling Blades
Blades get hot very quickly from friction. Hot blades burn the horse’s skin. This is painful. Stop every 5 to 10 minutes to oil and cool the blades.
- Turn off the clippers.
- Spray the blades with cooling spray.
- Wipe off any loose hair.
- Apply 2-3 drops of clipper oil to the cutting edges while the clippers are running briefly.
- Wipe off excess oil.
Good blade care for horse clippers keeps them sharp longer.
Troubleshooting Horse Clipping Issues
Sometimes things go wrong. Here are common fixes:
- Clipper keeps stopping: The motor might be straining due to thick hair or dull blades. Try a cooler blade or apply more oil. Check the power source.
- Clipper pulls hair: The blade is dull or dirty. Change the blade or clean it immediately.
- Horse is jumping away: Go back to desensitization. Use a calm voice. Have your assistant provide steady pressure on the horse’s shoulder or neck.
Clipping Patterns for Horses
The clip style depends on how much your horse works and how much they sweat. Choosing the right clipping patterns for horses ensures your horse stays warm enough but doesn’t overheat during work.
Full Body Clip
This removes all the hair. It is best for horses that sweat heavily, compete often, or live in very warm barns. The horse needs blankets afterward, even in moderate weather.
Trace Clip
This is the most common clip. It removes hair from the areas that sweat the most: the neck, chest, belly, and sometimes the flanks. This allows the horse to cool down quickly after exercise. The saddle area is usually left alone.
Blanket Clip (or Hunter Clip)
This is a variation of the trace clip. It leaves a large patch of hair where a blanket sits (over the back and loins). It protects this area from chilling. The neck and shoulder are clipped completely.
Irish Clip (or Chaser Clip)
This involves clipping the entire head, neck, and chest. The rest of the body stays hairy. This is great for a horse that sweats a lot on its head and neck but doesn’t do heavy work.
Step-by-Step Body Clipping Guide
Follow these steps to clip your horse efficiently. Always move in the direction the hair grows first. This gets the bulk off. Then, you can go against the grain for a closer finish if needed.
Step 1: Start with the Head (If Necessary)
Clipping the head is often the scariest part for the horse. Use trimmers or a quiet clipper with a #10 blade.
- If clipping the eyes or ears, use a very quiet clipper.
- Hold the skin taut around the eye. Clip away from the eye.
- For the ears, gently fold the ear flat against the head. Clip inside and out. Some horses hate this. You might need to skip the inside of the ears entirely.
Step 2: Clipping the Neck and Shoulders
This area is crucial. Use long, sweeping strokes. Work against the direction of hair growth for a smooth finish.
- Start near the mane. Clip down the crest of the neck toward the chest.
- Work around the shoulder. The shoulder blades are bony. Keep the clippers moving constantly here. Do not press hard.
Step 3: Clipping the Barrel (Body)
If doing a trace or blanket clip, you will leave hair on the back.
- Start high on the shoulder. Move the clippers straight back toward the flank, following the line of the ribs.
- Use even, overlapping strokes. Think of laying down pavement. Each new stroke should overlap the last one slightly. This prevents lines or stripes.
Step 4: The Belly and Underneath
This area is sensitive. Use horse coat clipping tips here: Hold the skin up gently as you clip. This helps prevent nicks. Work quickly, as the belly skin moves a lot.
Step 5: Hindquarters and Tailhead
The hair on the hindquarters is usually very thick. You may need to switch to a fresh, sharp blade here. Clip downwards from the spine toward the hocks. Keep your strokes smooth.
Step 6: Finishing Touches and Checking for Lines
Once the main clip is done, step back. Look for any stripes or missed patches. Go over these areas gently. If you need a very close finish (like for a show clip), you can go over the whole body again, this time clipping against the direction of hair growth.
Soothing Horse During Clipping
A calm horse makes a fast clip. Soothing horse during clipping is an ongoing process, not just a one-time step.
Maintain Calmness
Your mood affects your horse. Stay calm, breathe deeply, and speak softly. Horses pick up on human anxiety.
Use Hand Pressure
Your assistant should apply steady, firm pressure on the horse’s neck or shoulder when the clippers are near sensitive spots. This grounding pressure often calms them more than gentle stroking.
Frequent Breaks
Stop often. Let the horse relax. If they are standing well, give them a scratch or a treat. This teaches them that standing still earns rewards.
Manage Heat
Remember to keep those blades cool! A sudden burn will ruin the experience for next time. Keep the clippers oiled and cooled often.
Aftercare and Maintenance
The job isn’t done when the hair is off. Proper aftercare keeps your horse comfortable and your clippers working well.
Immediate Post-Clip Care
If the horse is clipped bare (full body), they will get cold fast. Brush off all loose hair. If they are sweaty, sponge them down with warm water and cover them immediately with a cooler or light stable blanket. Do not let them stand in a drafty area.
Blanketing Needs
A clipped horse loses its natural insulation. You must replace this with blankets. Match the blanket weight to the weather.
- Light Cooler: For warming up after a clip.
- Light Sheet (0-4oz fill): For cool, dry days.
- Medium Weight (100-200g fill): For cold, dry nights.
- Heavy Turnout (300g+ fill): For freezing, wet conditions.
Blade Care for Horse Clippers
Good maintenance extends the life of your expensive tools.
- Cleaning: After every session, use a stiff brush to remove all hair from the blades and housing.
- Oiling: Oil blades before, during, and after every use.
- Sharpening: Blades get dull. Do not wait until they pull hair. Send your blades to a professional sharpener regularly. A good set of sharp blades makes clipping a joy instead of a chore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time of year to clip my horse?
The best time depends on your local climate and your horse’s workload. Generally, early fall is good for a first clip before the heavy winter coat sets in fully. You can do a light clip in the spring too.
Can I clip a horse that is shedding?
Clipping a shedding horse can be messy but is often easier. The dead hair comes off readily. Make sure you have extra sharp blades, as shedding coats can sometimes be brittle.
How often should I oil my blades while clipping?
Oil every 5 to 10 minutes of continuous use. This prevents overheating and keeps the cut smooth.
What should I do if I accidentally nick my horse?
If you make a small cut, apply direct, firm pressure with a clean cloth or cotton ball soaked in styptic powder or a mild antiseptic. For deep cuts, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Do I need to clip against the hair for every clip pattern?
No. Clipping with the grain first removes most of the hair efficiently. Going against the grain is usually done only for a very smooth, close finish or if you struggle to get through thick spots.