A good clip

Clipping a horse comes with options. It may be adequate to clip only the fetlock feathers and face to clean up your horse’s appearance. Or, you can completely body clip your horse. Whatever you choose, these basic tips can help a rookie do a professional job.

Getting started

1. Blades come in different styles and sizes. The larger the blade number, the smaller (finer) it is.

2. Cotton in your horse’s ears before clipping helps muffle the noise and keeps hair from falling into her ears. Tranquilizers can lessen stress for nervous horses.

3. To strip dirt and oil, wash the areas to be clipped. Using a medicated, moisturizing shampoo may help prevent razor burns and rashes.

4. Prior to clipping the muzzle, wipe it with an alcohol-dampened rag to loosen debris. Rub clipped ears with it too, for an insect repellent as well as shine.

Blades

1. Use blade sizes 10 to 15 for legs, blazes, socks, jaw line, chin or blending. These blades are coarser, cut less hair and offer more control.

2. For white areas, never use a blade smaller than a 10, or you’ll reveal the pink skin underneath.

3. Use blade sizes 30 to 40 for bridle paths, ears, muzzles and nostrils. These sizes are finer, cut more hair, and cut deeper for the closest cut.

4. Beware: A number 40 blade will take the hair all the way to the skin.

The loud, hot and heavy “lawnmower clippers” of old brought constant objections from horses. Thankfully, clippers these days are much more user-friendly—lighter-weight, quieter and cooler-running with adjustable blades that allow you to change cutting lengths and clip all parts of the horse without stopping to change blades, plus the cordless options—a definite convenience and time saver.

Working horses may require a different clip; some are left completely natural while others are clipped to fit their environments. According to clinician Curt Pate, clipping the wither hair (traditionally left long if the mane is roached) prevents the saddle and weight of the steer from pulling it and causing discomfort while roping. Whisker and fetlock hair are often left alone as “natural feelers” and are necessary in a ranch environment. Fetlock feathers also guide water off the horse’s legs, a natural drying system.

Desensitizing tips

1. Turn the clippers on and let them run near the horse while she’s held or tied, without trying to clip.

2. Tie the horse next to an old experienced horse as you clip it.

3. Desensitize the air around the horse (see photo). When the horse accepts that, let her feel the vibration through your hand on her neck. Gradually begin clipping a little at a time, and reward her for standing still. Don’t try to accomplish everything in one day.

By Doreen Shumpert

Printed in the May 2007 issue of Appaloosa Journal.

Back to Horsekeeping 101

To receive an info-packed Appaloosa Journal each month, subscribe now!