Mastering the Art of Horse Clipping: A Step-by-Step Guide for Winter Grooming in Australia
When winter sets in, many Australian horse owners decide to clip their horses to ensure comfort and health. Clipping a horse that is in regular work with good body condition can help prevent overheating and maintain hygiene on muddy days. However, not all horses are suitable for clipping. If your horse is elderly, has poor body condition, or is not in full work, clipping is not recommended. If you’re unsure, always check with your vet.
Clipping can be a daunting process for both beginners and experienced equestrians. At Coromandel Equine, we have clipped hundreds of horses. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the entire clipping process, from preparation to aftercare, using products we have tried and tested for many years.
Step 1: Before You Begin
A little prep goes a long way. Take time to gather your equipment and prepare your horse and his environment.
- Wash Before You Clip: Your horse’s coat accumulates oil and dirt that cannot be brushed away. Even if your horse looks clean, you need to wash them before you pick up your clippers. Removing all dirt and dust will allow your clippers to glide through their fur easily and reduce wear and tear on your clippers.
- Clippers: Invest in reliable clippers and make sure the blades are clean and sharp. There are many options available at a range of prices. As we clip many horses, we like the Heiniger XPERIENCE 2 Horse and Cattle Clippers because they are powerful but light, ergonomic, and relatively quiet for large clippers. We also recommend the Heiniger Saphir and Opal clippers as a smaller option.
- Grooming Kit: Ensure your grooming kit includes brushes and combs, a quality shampoo, and a coat conditioner.
- Stable Environment: Choose a warm, well-lit, and well-ventilated area for clipping to keep your horse comfortable.
Step 2: Get Clipping!
With your equipment ready, follow these steps for a successful clipping session:
- Choose the Right Blade: Opt for a longer clipper blade, such as #10W or #10WF, to leave adequate hair for insulation while still achieving a neat appearance. In our experience, clipping too short can result in a dull finish. Keeping a spare pair of clipper blades in your kit is always a good idea.
- Chalk It Up: If you’re clipping to a pattern like a trace or blanket clip, draw some guidelines with chalk and check that everything is even on both sides using bailing twine.
- Divide and Conquer: Divide your horse's body into sections and work systematically against the hair growth direction, maintaining even pressure for a consistent finish. Leave an unclipped area under the saddle to avoid rubbing and painful ingrown hairs for your horse.
- Be Mindful of Sensitive Areas: Exercise caution around sensitive areas to avoid nicking or irritating your horse's skin, using smaller blades and a lighter touch when necessary. For safety, it’s also a good idea to have a helper in case your horse reacts to you clipping these areas.
- Maintain Your Clippers: Clean and oil your clippers regularly during the clipping process to ensure smooth operation and longevity. Make sure you check under the blade and brush out excess hair. Regular servicing at the end of each season is a must to maintain the longevity of your clippers. Ensure you also have your blades sharpened regularly.
- Avoiding Lines: Lines can be a frustrating part of clipping. To address this issue, hold your clippers at a 45-degree angle and work across the lines while you hold the skin taut. If all else fails, small unavoidable lines will disappear after a week.
Step 3: Aftercare
- Wash Them Again: If it’s warm enough, wash your horse again to remove dander and loose hair. If it’s too cold, just use a soft brush such as Geegee Collective’s ‘Softie’ Sensitive Brush.
- Moisturize and Protect: Apply a nourishing skin conditioner. We like HSE Hot Oil to soothe and protect your horse's skin from winter dryness. Use it as a hot or cold wash and apply with a sponge or cloth or mix it with water and apply using a spray bottle. Reapply daily to maintain shine and coat condition.
- Rug Them Up: After clipping, it’s important to rug your horse according to how much hair you have removed. For example, a horse with a full body clip will require more rugging than a horse with a trace clip.
- Monitor for Discomfort: Keep a close eye on your horse for any signs of skin irritation or discomfort, seeking veterinary advice if necessary.
Check out our video to see some of the techniques we’ve mentioned. Using quality products from Coromandel Equine, you can achieve professional results while ensuring your horse stays healthy throughout the colder months. Happy clipping!
Coromandel Equine Clipping Video