That time of year is upon us again where most horse owners will be thinking about what clip to give their horse(s) for the winter months. Clipping can be very beneficial, both to horse owners and horses. If your horse gets hot during exercise, becomes damp and then goes cold whilst waiting to dry you definitely need to consider clipping. On the other hand, if your horse grows a heavy, thick coat and sweats even after a small amount of exercise then it is advisable to clip to the welfare of your equine.
By clipping, your horse will not sweat as much during exercise and will dry much quicker because there's not as much coat to dry off. As well as this his condition will be maintained much easier as his coat will not be dull from endless sweating.
Also, you will find that your horse maintains a much healthier and better looking coat once clipped.
Why should I clip my horse?
Clipping your horse isn't cruel and you aren't necessary taking away his natural ability to keep warm if you do clip. In fact in most cases you are doing your horse a favour.
You're right in thinking that nature intended for horses to live outdoors all year round, and that is why they grow a thick winter coat; to protect them from the harsh winter weather elements like snow, wind, rain and hail.
However, if you're still riding your horse throughout the winter then a coat that is too thick can cause unnecessary distress whilst exercising and potentially loss of condition. Your horse will find it difficult to maintain a good, substantial level of fitness and also will take too long to dry after exercising which leaves him at a risk of a chill. For those of us who are riding after work in the dark evenings then the horse doesn't have much chance to cool off before being put to bed.
Clipping isn't an accessory icon for most owners, but a way of enabling your horse to work on a regular basis during the winter months and stay comfortable, without undue sweating.
Good stabling and a selection of rugs are essential if your horse is clipped though.
Here is a small list of the benefits of clipping your horse:
- Faster drying after exercise
- Easier to groom
- If you're continuing to compete throughout the winter he will look smarter
- He will conserve energy by reduced sweating
- Will help him to maintain a better level of fitness
Just because you have clipped your horse though it doesn't mean you need to pile the rugs on and make him a walking robot. A neck cover for those with full or hunter clips is always recommended but adequate, warm rugs should be suffice for any clipped equine.
What clips do I have to consider?
(The red areas show where the hair is left and the white areas show where your horse has been clipped)
The under belly and neck clip which is often referred to as a "bib" clip is suitable for those horses that are only used for light work during the winter. Often those with bib clips will still live out (with adequate rugging) as the head, topside of the neck, body and legs are still left on.
The low trace clip is another clip recommended for horses in light work. It will ensure that he does not get too hot and sweaty when exercised but also is another clip that is used when horses are turned out still. However, your horse will need more rugs if you intend to leave him out all the time with this clip. Under the belly area is left on, as is the legs to enable protection and warm during winter. 
The high trace clip is suitable for horses in light to medium work and is very similiar to that of the low trace - more of the coat is just removed though.
With a trace clip like this one you can chose to leave the head un-clipped or chose to clip it. Like the clips shown above, the legs are left on for warmth and extra protection during the harsh, cold winter.
One of my favorites is the blanket clip. It is for horses in regular work as you can exercise thoroughly, without him losing condition through excessive sweating. The coat is removed completely from the head, neck and flanks, leaving only the legs and an area over the back that looks like a small rug. I find this clip is ideal for working ponies. |
| This caption is different - the orange shows the clipped area. |
Another one of my favourites is the hunter clip. This is suited for horses in hard, regular work such as hunting. It is a very smart looking clip that involves taking most of the coat off apart from the legs, saddle patch and an inverted V above the tail. Please be aware that when you are clipping the outline of the saddle patch please take extra care and remember to outline your saddle, not the numnah as this will look better when your horse is under saddle. You may need to put an exercise sheet on with a clip like this when exercising your horse in the menage to ensure he does not get warm. However if you're competing or hunting this wouldn't be needed.
So, I've decided to clip, what now?
If you've made the decision of what clip to give your horse then you're half way there. I've now put together a list of important things to remember when clipping.
Wear appropriate clothing
- Wear suitable, sturdy footwear that will protect your feet. Some horses do not like being clipped and may stand on your toes. In cold weather this can be very painful.
- Try and avoid wearing fleecy clothes. The hair will stick to it and you'll find its a pain to get out! Overalls are a better idea as you can throw them away after clipping should you wish.
- Remember horses are unpredictable. Always tie your hair up and wear a riding hat just in case the horse you're clipping becomes spooked.
Where you clip is important too!
- Clipping indoors when the weather is wet is best.
- Most importantly, pick a place where your horse is relaxed.
Make sure your horse has a clean, dry coat in order to avoid blunting your blades.
Ensure the wires from the clippers are out of the way and the horse cannot stand or chew them.
Before you clip you need to think of the following:
- The clippers are safe to use
- The blades are in good, working order. Ensure they aren't blunt.
- Make sure the tension is correct. This is different for all clipper brands. Often you will need to turn the tension down until it is tight, and then turn it back one and a half turns.
- Always oil your blades. This is a must!!
If your horse is scared by the clippers then ensure you introduce them slowly to avoid frightening him.
- Rub the clippers on his shoulder to show they wont harm him.
- Take the clippers away, turn them off and on a few times - let him listen to the change in noises.
- When turned on, take the clippers and place them on your horses shoulder so he can feel the sensation of the vibrating.
Whilst clipping you need to ensure you're doing it correctly.
- Use long, smooth strokes against the hair, the way it lies.
- Stop every 10 minutes or so to ensure your clippers are well oiled. Use this time to remove any hair from the blades.
- If the blades feel hot then stop and allow them to cool for a while. Do NOT put your blades in water to cool.
- Use a tail bandage to keep your horses tail out of the way.
- Ask someone to help. This will save time and your helper will be able to do things like lift your horses legs up when you need to reach those difficult areas.
- Most importantly enjoy clipping and take your time!!
- Once you have finished, wipe your horse down with a warm, damp cloth or sponge. This will remove any loose hair.
- I often turn my pony out for 10 minutes and allow him to roll. Clipping can not only be itchy for us but also them too - this allows him to get rid of any itches!
- Rug up according to the clip you have given your horse.
Don't forget once you're finished your clippers will need a good clean to ensure all the hair is out of the blades. You may also need to oil your blades to keep them in a good, working condition. You will need to give extra attention to your horse, but if you intend to clip throughout the winter, then your clippers will need looking after too! Once you've clipped it's a good idea to send your blades to be sharpened.
I think I've got it - anything else I need to consider?
Young horses will not need clipping, nor those that aren't exercised during the winter. Don't clip if you do not intend to ride or exercise your horse through the winter. If you don't intend to then you may as well leave his coat on.
I always ensure I hot cloth my pony at least a few days a week if he is clipped. By doing this you remove any sweat that is lying on top of his short coat and is another good way to remove dirt and scurf. To do this I just get some luke warm water and add either a small amount of shampoo.
Don't expect to get on your horse as soon as its clipped. Often horses will feel very fresh once they are clipped and it is advisable to turn them out for a few hours to allow them to feel the wind on their skin before you get on!
Good Luck!
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