Clipping can be tricky to get the hang of, confidence for both the clipper and the horse are key to success. In this article we will talk about safely clipping nervous and or green horses.
Selecting a blade:
There are a wide range of body clippers on the market available for every need and budget. For body clipping, you’ll want to select a model designed for long periods of clipping that can accommodate wide blades. You can also find smaller clippers ideal for legs and faces. A word to the wise; don’t attempt to use a trimming or touch-up clipper to clip your horse's body. Not only would this take days but it could easily burn out the motor.
Sizes of blades are fairly standard across all manufacturers. The number on the blade relates to the length of the hair left after the hair has been cut. The higher the number on the blade, the shorter the hair will be.
#10 — Coarse cut.
This blade leaves the hair the longest and is great for using on the horse’s legs. Number 10 blades are available in regular and wide sizes; the wider size is usually better for body clipping as it removes more of the coat with each sweep of the clippers
#15 — Medium cut.
This is a good choice for the horse’s head: it is a little shorter than a #10 and is great for those who are confident at clipping
#30 — Medium/Fine cut.
This is a finer cut which is used for removal of hair from the horse’s face, insides of horses’ ears, and around the eyes and nose.
#40 — Fine /surgical cut.
This is not normally used in everyday coat clipping but is used in veterinary practice or settings where skin-close clipping is required.
Clipping Your Horse Successfully
Always work with a partner – clipping can take quite some time and the need to hold the horse and clean and oil the blades will often require two pairs of hands.
We hope our series on clipping has enlightened you on the many facets involved in horse clipping. However, it is always a good idea to seek out a professional horse clipper to teach you “hands-on” or, whom you can hire to do the job for you.
*Image courtesy of Dollar Photo Club