There’s something incredibly satisfying about a freshly clipped horse – the sleek shine, the defined muscles, and the sense of pride in knowing you’re helping your equine partner look and feel their best. Clipping isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about comfort, performance, and well-being.
Why Clip Your Horse?
During the colder months, horses grow thick winter coats to protect them from the elements. While this is great for those who live out naturally, it can become a challenge for horses in regular work. A thick coat holds sweat, leading to longer drying times, discomfort, and even chills. Clipping helps regulate body temperature, prevents overheating, and allows for quicker cooling and drying after exercise.
The Benefits of Clipping
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Improved Comfort – A clipped horse is less likely to become overly hot and sweaty during exercise.
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Easier Grooming – Without a thick coat, mud and dirt are less likely to cling to the hair, making grooming quicker and more effective.
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Healthier Skin – A well-clipped horse is less prone to skin conditions caused by damp, sweaty coats.
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Professional Appearance – Whether for competition or simply personal satisfaction, a clipped horse presents a polished and well-cared-for image.
Choosing the Right Clip
There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to clipping. The style you choose should match your horse’s workload, lifestyle, and individual needs.
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Trace Clip – Ideal for horses in light to moderate work, this clip removes hair along the underside and sides, leaving the back and legs covered for warmth.
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Blanket Clip – A good option for horses in moderate work, removing hair from the neck, chest, and belly while leaving coverage on the back.
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Hunter Clip – Popular for competition horses, this removes most of the coat except for the saddle area and legs.
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Full Clip – Best suited for horses in intense work or those that compete year-round. This removes the entire coat, requiring careful blanketing and management.
Clipping Tips for Success
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Preparation is Key – Ensure your clippers are sharp, clean, and well-oiled before you begin.
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Start with a Clean, Dry Coat – Dirt and grease will clog blades and make clipping harder.
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Keep Your Horse Comfortable – Use a quiet, reliable clipper and take breaks if your horse gets fidgety.
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Use Light, Even Strokes – Avoid patchy clipping by working methodically and overlapping strokes.
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Finish with Care – Brush off loose hair, check for any irritation, and apply a soothing coat conditioner.
Getting the Shine Back Post-Clipping
Clipping exposes the skin to the elements, making it prone to dryness. To keep your horse’s coat looking sleek and feeling like satin, rather than velvet, regular grooming is essential. Daily curry combing increases circulation, while applying a conditioning treatment prevents dryness and scurf.
We highly recommend the Hairy Pony Essential Oil Coat Conditioner post-clipping. This deep-conditioning treatment restores moisture and enhances shine.
Another favourite is Eco Horse Liquid Gold Oil Wash which is designed to replenish and condition a dry coat. It contains beautiful oils like Jojoba and Sweet Almond and is designed to leave coats soft, silky and healthy and their skin oils replenished.
Avoiding Clipping Lines
Achieving a seamless clip takes practice. Always clip against the grain of the hair and avoid cross-cutting. Using clean, sharp blades and maintaining consistent pressure will help reduce lines and create a smooth finish.
Clipping Nervous Horses
For horses that are anxious about clipping, patience is key. Take your time, and if needed, seek help from an experienced professional who can ensure a calm, positive experience. Start with small areas and work your way up over time. If it’s their first clip, consider leaving the legs and head to reduce stress.
Fixing a Bad Clip
If your clip doesn’t turn out as expected, don’t worry! You can tidy up lines by going over them at a different angle or adjusting the pressure. However, the best fix is often to let the coat grow for a week or two before re-clipping. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask a professional for guidance.
Hire Clippers from Us!
At NZTack, we offer clippers for hire—contact us for details! Additionally, we stock a range of products to make clipping easier and ensure your horse looks and feels their best:
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Hairy Pony Essential Oil Coat Conditioner – Nourishes and hydrates clipped coats.
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Quality Horse Clippers – Available for purchase or hire.
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Coat Enhancing Shampoos – Perfect for removing post-clip debris and enhancing shine.
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Grooming Essentials – Brushes, curry combs, and more to maintain your horse’s coat daily.
Clipping with Confidence
Clipping can seem daunting, but with patience and practice, it becomes a rewarding and beneficial part of horse care. The transformation is not just physical; a well-clipped horse moves with greater ease and comfort, ready to perform at their best. So embrace the clippers, take your time, and enjoy the process!
