Clipping your horse can seem daunting if you've never done it before, but with the right preparation, equipment, and technique, it's a manageable task that benefits both you and your horse. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about clipping, from choosing the right clip to aftercare.
Why Clip Your Horse?
Clipping removes all or part of your horse's winter coat, offering several benefits:
- Prevents excessive sweating: Horses in work overheat in thick winter coats
- Speeds up cooling and drying: Reduces time spent cooling down after exercise
- Easier grooming: Clipped horses are quicker to clean and groom
- Better health monitoring: Easier to spot injuries, lumps, or skin issues
- Professional appearance: Essential for showing and competition
- Comfort: Horses in regular work are more comfortable clipped
Important: Clipped horses lose their natural insulation and require appropriate rugging to stay warm.
When to Clip
Timing Your First Clip
- Early clips: October-November when winter coat is fully grown
- Peak season: November-February for horses in regular work
- Late clips: January-February (coat may be starting to shed)
How Often to Clip
- First clip: October/November
- Second clip: December/January (if needed)
- Third clip: February (only if necessary)
- Frequency: Every 3-6 weeks depending on coat growth
Tip: Stop clipping by late February/early March to allow summer coat to grow.
Types of Clips
Choose a clip based on your horse's workload, living conditions, and coat thickness.
Full Clip
What it is: Entire coat removed, including legs and head
Best for: Horses in heavy work, competition horses, those who sweat excessively
Rugging needed: Heavy rugging required (stable and turnout)
Hunter Clip
What it is: Full clip except legs and saddle patch
Best for: Horses in regular work, hunters, eventers
Rugging needed: Medium to heavy rugging
Benefits: Legs left for protection, saddle patch prevents rubs
Blanket Clip
What it is: Neck, chest, and belly clipped; back and quarters left
Best for: Horses in moderate work, those living out part-time
Rugging needed: Medium rugging
Benefits: Keeps back warm, easier to manage
Trace Clip
What it is: Belly, chest, and lower neck clipped; back and quarters left
Best for: Horses in light to moderate work, those living out
Rugging needed: Light to medium rugging
Benefits: Minimal clipping, horse retains warmth
Bib Clip
What it is: Just the chest and underside of neck clipped
Best for: Horses in light work, good doers, those living out
Rugging needed: Minimal rugging
Benefits: Very low maintenance
Chaser Clip
What it is: Similar to trace but extends higher up the neck and body
Best for: Horses in moderate to heavy work
Rugging needed: Medium rugging
Equipment You'll Need
Essential Equipment
- Horse clippers: Quality clippers suitable for your horse's coat
- Clipper blades: Sharp, clean blades (fine or medium)
- Clipper oil: For lubricating blades during clipping
- Clipper coolant/blade wash: Prevents overheating
- Extension lead: Long enough to reach around your horse
- Chalk or marker: For marking clip lines
- Brushes: To remove loose hair
Safety Equipment
- Headcollar and rope: To secure your horse
- Helper: Essential for first-time clipping
- Protective clothing: Overalls or old clothes
- Dust mask: Protects from hair and dust
Optional but Helpful
- Clipping template or stencil
- Step or mounting block for reaching high areas
- Spare blades
- Twitch (only if absolutely necessary and used correctly)
Preparing Your Horse
Days Before Clipping
- Bathe or thoroughly groom: Clean coat clips better and protects blades
- Ensure coat is dry: Never clip a wet or damp horse
- Check for skin issues: Treat any problems before clipping
- Desensitize: Run turned-off clippers over your horse to familiarize them with the sensation
On Clipping Day
- Groom thoroughly: Remove all dirt, mud, and tangles
- Ensure horse is dry: Damp coats damage blades
- Choose a safe location: Well-lit, enclosed area with power supply
- Have a helper: Essential for safety and efficiency
- Allow plenty of time: First clips can take 2-4 hours
Step-by-Step Clipping Guide
1. Set Up Your Equipment
- Test clippers are working properly
- Ensure blades are sharp and clean
- Have oil and coolant ready
- Organize extension leads safely
2. Mark Your Clip Lines
- Use chalk or marker to draw clip boundaries
- Ensure lines are even on both sides
- Step back regularly to check symmetry
- Use templates if helpful
3. Start in a Low-Sensitivity Area
- Begin on the shoulder or neck (not head or legs)
- Let your horse get used to the sensation
- Work calmly and quietly
- Reward calm behavior
4. Clipping Technique
- Direction: Clip against the direction of hair growth
- Angle: Hold clippers flat against the skin
- Pressure: Use gentle, even pressure—don't press hard
- Strokes: Use long, smooth strokes overlapping slightly
- Speed: Move steadily—not too fast or slow
5. Work Systematically
- Clip one side completely before moving to the other
- Work from front to back
- Leave sensitive areas (head, legs) until last
- Take breaks to oil blades and let them cool
6. Difficult Areas
Head and face:
- Use smaller, quieter clippers if possible
- Work slowly and calmly
- Have helper hold head still
- Consider leaving head unclipped if horse is very worried
Legs:
- Clip downwards on legs
- Be extra careful around joints
- Have helper hold leg if needed
- Many clips leave legs unclipped for protection
Belly and between legs:
- Work carefully in these sensitive areas
- Have helper lift leg if needed
- Be aware of kicks—stay safe
7. Finishing Touches
- Go over any missed patches
- Blend clip lines smoothly
- Brush off all loose hair
- Check for any nicks or cuts
Blade Maintenance During Clipping
- Oil blades: Every 10-15 minutes
- Cool blades: Use coolant spray when they get hot
- Clean blades: Brush off hair buildup regularly
- Change blades: If they become dull or very hot
- Never clip with hot blades: Can burn your horse
Dealing with Difficult Horses
For Nervous Horses
- Desensitize over several days before clipping
- Use quieter clippers
- Take frequent breaks
- Reward calm behavior with treats
- Consider sedation from your vet if necessary
For Fidgety Horses
- Ensure they're tired from exercise
- Provide hay to keep them occupied
- Have an experienced helper
- Work quickly but calmly
Safety First
- Never put yourself in danger
- If horse is very difficult, seek professional help
- Consider sedation rather than fighting
- Some horses are better clipped by professionals
After Clipping Care
Immediate Aftercare
- Brush off all loose hair thoroughly
- Check for any nicks or cuts—treat if needed
- Apply appropriate rug immediately
- Offer water and hay
- Praise and reward your horse
Rugging After Clipping
Clipped horses need rugs to replace lost insulation:
- Full clip: Heavy stable rug, medium-heavy turnout rug
- Hunter clip: Medium-heavy stable rug, medium turnout rug
- Blanket/trace clip: Light-medium stable rug, light-medium turnout rug
- Bib clip: Light rug or no rug depending on weather
Adjust rugging based on weather, horse's condition, and individual needs.
For winter care guidance: Winter Horse Care Tips.
Equipment Maintenance
After Each Use
- Remove all hair from clippers and blades
- Clean blades with brush and blade wash
- Oil blades thoroughly
- Store in a dry, safe place
- Coil cables neatly
Regular Maintenance
- Have blades professionally sharpened annually
- Service clippers according to manufacturer instructions
- Replace worn parts
- Keep spare blades
Common Clipping Mistakes
Clipping a Dirty Coat
Problem: Damages blades, poor finish
Solution: Always groom thoroughly first
Using Blunt Blades
Problem: Pulls hair, takes longer, stresses horse
Solution: Sharpen or replace blades regularly
Pressing Too Hard
Problem: Causes clipper rash, discomfort
Solution: Use gentle, even pressure
Uneven Lines
Problem: Unprofessional appearance
Solution: Mark lines carefully, check symmetry regularly
Overheating Blades
Problem: Can burn horse, damages blades
Solution: Cool blades regularly, take breaks
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring a professional clipper if:
- Your horse is very difficult or dangerous to clip
- You lack confidence or experience
- You need a very precise clip (e.g., for showing)
- You don't have appropriate equipment
- Your horse requires sedation
Professional clipping typically costs £30-£60 depending on clip type and location.
Final Thoughts
Clipping your horse is a valuable skill that becomes easier with practice. Start with a simple clip like a trace or bib, work calmly and methodically, and don't rush. Remember: it's better to clip conservatively—you can always take more off, but you can't put it back! With patience, preparation, and the right technique, you'll soon be clipping confidently.
For more horse care advice, explore our Stable & Sound blog and discover quality winter horse care supplies.
