For those who are new to clipping, or those looking to improve their skills, here are a few pointers to get the smoothest winter clip this year!
Choose your clippers!
There are a plethora of brands and styles of clippers to choose from. Whether you are looking for fine details clipping or a full body clip will change the style of clippers you choose. Additionally you will want to consider whether you want a cord or cordless option depending on your stable set up, and what you wish to achieve, as each have their benefits.
Choose suitable blades!
Blades come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. The first thing to consider when selecting a blade is to ensure it is compatible with your clippers. The next step is to work out what style of blade your horse’s coat suits, and which part of the body you are intending to clip. For example a very fluffy haflinger will require a coarse blade to be able to achieve a body clip, whereas an average silk coated Quarter Horse would be fine with medium blades, and the short coated thoroughbred will likely require a fine blade. Keep in mind if your horse is sensitive, or is easily rubbed, it is best to avoid fine blades as a close shave provides less protection.
Time to oil them up
Once you have you selected suitable blades for the job it is time to adjust the tension, and oil your blades. This is a step that should be done before, during, and after your clip.
Prepare your area
Make sure your clipping area is clear of any hazards, and ensure you have a nice dry space in which to work. If you are using clippers that have a cord make sure you have an extension lead, have access to the circuit breaker, and ensure that your cord doesn’t end up under your horse’s hooves.
Prepare your horse
If your horse is new to clipping, have a test run before tackling a full body clip. Take the time to desensitize them to the sound, feel, and heat of the clippers for the best chance of an easy trim. Remember consistency is key, if your horse is nervous it can sometimes be better to keep the clippers on the horse’s body between each pass vs. removing them.
We are finally ready to clip!
For the best coat finish be sure to clip against the lie of the coat in long sweeping strokes. Remember to let the clippers move through the coat vs. forcing them, and maintain even pressure. To ensure that you do not miss any little tufts, overlap the previous sweep by about a third for a nice even effect. Follow the direction of any whorls with the clippers, and be sure to pull loose skin taut and flat to avoid any discrepancies in the cut, or nasty nicks.
Call The Professionals
If you are ever nervous or in doubt about clipping your horse, consider contacting a professional groomer. Every equine related activity has its own risks and sometimes requires a professional’s help. They will be able to help you achieve the cut you are looking for, and will often give you pointers on how to work with your horse to improve their experience in the future.