Clipping

Clipping time!

It’s the time of the year once again we will be considering whether to clip our horses or not, which clip, when to do it and how best to go about it.

Why Clip

Horses are clipped during the winter months when a horse’s coat is much thicker. Clipping helps to reduce sweating making horses more comfortable, it allows them to dry quicker ultimately making them easier to manage. Clipping can also smarten the appearance of the horse removing the hairy mammoth look for winter competitions.

When to Clip

Generally horses are clipped between October and January. Some will require two or even three clips during the winter months. It is often advised not to clip your horse beyond January to avoid affecting the summer coat but many professional yards clip all year around without issue.

Deciding which Clip

Deciding which clip will depend on your horse’s living conditions, work load and confirmation.

The more time a horse spends in the field the better it is to leave as much hair as possible to help to keep him warm. A horse in heavy work may benefit from a clip which removes most of the hair, whereas those in light work will be suitable for less clipping.

Finally, you may want to consider the confirmation of your horse. For example, a chaser clip will highlight the stomach so isn’t great for weight carriers. A trace clip is ideal for short coupled horses whilst a half head clip is better for those with a larger head.

Types of Clip

Bib

The hair is clipped from underside of the neck and girth area. This is ideal for horses turned out all the time or without a rug. It can also be useful for horses which may be liable to kick or youngsters being clipped for the first time.

Chaser clip

The hair is clipped in a line from the stiffle to the poll. Ideal for youngsters or horses who are turned out much of the time.

Trace Clip

For the trace clipe, a strip of hair is removed from the belly and sides leaving the top of the body and neck covered. The trace can altered according to workload with horses in light work being left low or those in heavy work left higher.

Blanket

In a blanket clip, hair is left over the quarters and the legs are not clipped. The head can be clipped fully or left with hair covering half.

Hunter

All hair is removed except for the legs and saddle patch. The hunter clip is suitable for horses in heavy work whilst allowing them some protection around the legs and saddle area.

Full

All the hair is removed including the legs. This clip is often used in professional yards.

Before you Start

• Clipping should be enjoyable, it is better to remove a small amount of hair and have a happy horse than a distressed horse with a full clip. Some horses may require sedation during clipping but this can make them unpredictable so ask an experienced person to help you.
• Clipping should be done by more than one person. Although it shouldn’t hurt, some horses do not like the noise or have sensitive skin.
• Ensure you clippers have been serviced and the blades sharpened before using them this season.
• Clipper tensions vary so make sure the machine is correctly tensioned, check the manufacturers recommendations. If the tension is too tight, the blades will heat up, too loose and they won’t clip properly.
• Your horse should be clean and dry. Dirt and grit will blunt your blades.
• Bandage the tail and plait over the mane to keep the hair out of the way
• You can mark the clipping lines with chalk. Study the muscle lines on the legs and mark out accordingly
• Apply a spray coat gloss to body hair before clipping making it easier to glide through the hair
• If you are using mains powered clippers ensure there is a circuit breaker

Environment

• Generally it is advised to clip in a well lit area. Natural light is best, it is easy to miss areas in a dark stable. If possible clip in an area with non slip flooring which should be dry.
• It will be less stressful if you can avoid feeding and turnout times and a filled haynet can be a helpful distraction when you are clipping the body.

Clothing

• Wear suitable clothes for clipping. Hair will stick to fleece so overalls and a cap will help. Sturdy footwear for the dancing horse will help to preserve your toes and a hard hat may be required for young or difficult horses.
• Remember you are basically "undressing" your horse so ensure you have a rug ready to put on the clipped areas to prevent your horse from getting cold.

After Care

• After clipping, brush your horse off with a soft brush then hot cloth him by using a towel in hot water with a splash of disinfectant or baby oil. It will help to remove grease and lift hairs and make him more comfortable.
• Once clipped your horse will be prone to get cold. Consider your rug choice to ensure he is kept warm at all times, particularly at night when the temperature drops.

Horse & Hound Mary King Master Class