Have you always wanted to know how to clip your horse? Well here are some important tips on how to do it and also a few tips for the tips.
How do I clip without leaving lines?
Don't attempt a full body clip if you have not had much experience handling horses- it is safer to pay an experienced professional clipper and watch and learn the technique. Sometimes a VET may be required to administer sedatives if the horse is excessively nervous or behaves dangerously - safety is paramount- and horses may behave unpredictably. Clipping can be very stressful and frightening for some horses especially if they have had a bad experience.
I always wash the horse and ensure the coat is completely dry before clipping. apparently dirt and damp hair bluntens blades quickly and heats them up.
Wear overalls or old clothes- you will be hairy and itchy afterward and the washing machine will never be the same.
Choose a day where you have plenty of time because it may take longer than expected if the horse doesn't stand still. A rushed job always looks bodgey.
Trim some areas( i.e. ears jaws, bridle path) with scissors first so you can gauge how the horse may react to the clippers- The horse should be relaxed when handled around its head etc before attempting a full body clip.
The clipper blades should be sharp, clean and well oiled.
I use a large set of clippers for the body and a smaller, quieter set for areas around the head/ face/ ears/ jaw and fetlocks.
Take the time to settle the horse and ensure you have a safe, uncluttered, well lit area, preferably out of the wind.
Try to use even pressure in the strokes and take your time. Jumpy horses may need gradual exposure to the noise and feel of the clippers before they relax so start with a less sensitive area.
For example:
I clipped my barely handled Arabian Warmblood for the first time in May and after about 20 mins of desensitizing with brushing and rubbing the clippers on his body- he was comfortable being clipped along his hind quarters and barrel. From there, I slowly worked my way towards his shoulder and neck- two hours later he allowed me to clip right up to his ears- but I had been taking my time, gradually working towards a sensitive area. if I had just gone straight for his neck and shoulder from the start he would have freaked and pulled back. I do a full once over then go back over any lines to remove them. The lines are just areas of longer hair so go over them again till the hair is all the same length.
If you are new to doing body clips- do it a couple of weeks before the event so any faint lines will disappear as the hair grows slightly.
I used to practice on a mini pony- he was quiet and easy to handle.
Check the temperature of the blades and oil/lubricate them every few minutes if necessary.
Blades can get blistering hot in a matter of seconds and burn the horse which will be a long remembered bad experience.
Give the horse a break- its a tiring job for both of you. This can allow the blades to cool also.
How often should I get my blades sharpened?
Depends on blade quality and number of times used and types of coats/hair - if just doing a couple of horses and touch ups- once a year may suffice but professionals sharpen theirs after each use.
Blunt blades CHEW the hair rather than cut- which looks ragged plus may pinch or hurt the horse
Blunt blades will take longer to cut through the coat, heat up quickly and not be as effective.
How do I care for my horses coat after I have clipped?
Keep a newly clipped horse warm and rugged- they will be extra sensitive to cold and rugs chaffing the shoulders etc for a few weeks. I usually add a polar fleece combo under their usual rug to compensate
for the hair loss.
Some horses (esp. those with white hair and light skin) can get sunburnt after a close body clip so cover them until the hair has grown a little.
Other horses notice a change in the feel of the saddle and girth without the hair and can buck/pigroot for the first few rides afterward so be cautious.
How do I make his coat really shiny?
Clean happy fit and healthy horses- GLOW
Show gloss sprays- pepe show spray- a major hacky fave
good diet
coat supplements
feedxl- for diet analysis
oil in diet
regular grooming/massage= healthy skin
try not to shampoo EVERY TIME you hose off - use gentle herbal or chemical-free brands to prevent dry flaky skin.
When I'm at a show, what things should I be doing to make him look the best at the show?
arrive early- let the horse get used to the atmosphere and settle. You will be more relaxed and calm too.
Education and training- there are no short cuts here.
Good presentation requires attention to detail and making an extra effort- try to be a perfectionist and see what the judge will see.
Highlight and make the most of the great features and try to downplay or camouflage flaws.
Look at the winners- learn from them and try to pick out what gave them the edge in a class.
There is no substitute for thorough preparation - dedication and commitment where you get out what you put in.
clean tidy handler/rider- be polite, friendly and courteous to other competitors- the grumpy rude ones obviously aren't having fun.
What should be in my grooming kit?
Clean body brushes, hair brushes, combs
Hoof pick/hoof black/enamel
Sponges
sharp scissors
clean cloths
Rubber bands/ thread/plaiting gear
Gloss creams/oils and horse makeup
Grooming spray
Hairspray and a mirror (for a quick once over before you go in - re
spinach in teeth etc)
What preparation do you do in the upcoming weeks to a show?
Body clip in winter (I do it in may in QLD)
Muscle/fitness conditioning - some need Lots of working down etc Chiro/farrier
Don't suddenly change diet in weeks before - esp don't overfeed - = bad behavior on the day
Tryptophan can send some horses bananas so if you plan to use it do a trial
Do all major washing and trimming the day before- I usually plait the night before but this depends on the horse.
Are there any tips or hints you could tell me that will just make life easier, or make my horse the best looking! (even if it is hard work)
Put false tail in on the morning of the show- horses need time to adjust to the feel and weight- BUT NEVER do it the night before.
If you need to dye or enhance bleached tails etc- do it weeks - not days before
Chestnuts - sandpaper off till smooth and flat- oil or blacken
Hooves- fill in gaps and sand paper before painting etc.
Plaiting verses Braiding etc
clean trimmed tails
pack a spare halter and lead and a couple of treats for good horses- its a big day for them also
ENJOY the experience of each Show- Love what you are doing whether you win or lose!!
Don't take it all too seriously- at the end of the day "judging" is only a persons opinion - just have fun trying to impress them!!!
Remember that everyone has their own way of doing things so whatever works for you is the right way for you to do it!!!
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