Clipping Questions Answered!

Your Horse Clipping Questions Answered!

Winter's on its way, and with it comes the time to think about horse clipping! If you've noticed your horse's coat getting thicker, you know how challenging it can be to manage, especially if you plan on riding through the colder months. Clipping can help keep your horse more comfortable during exercise and looking sharp.

Choosing the Right Clip for Your Horse

Selecting the appropriate clip for your horse – or deciding whether to clip at all – is crucial and depends heavily on their work routine, coat type, and skin sensitivity.

Light Workload: If your horse engages in light riding throughout the winter, it's generally best to leave their coat unclipped. Their natural insulation will help them stay warm.

Moderate Workload: For horses with a moderate workload that tend to sweat considerably, a trace clip can significantly improve their comfort and accelerate drying time after exercise.

Heavy Workload: Horses in heavy work, six days a week, would greatly benefit from a full body clip. However, always consider how much time your horse spends outdoors, as exposed legs can be uncomfortable in cold weather.

The diagram below illustrates various clipping patterns to consider. Remember to factor in your horse's workload, skin type, and outdoor exposure before making your decision!

 

Spring Shedding Solution:

Even if your horse doesn't require a winter clip, a full body clip in the spring can be a game-changer for managing shedding. This will help remove that heavy winter coat, keep your horse cleaner, and save your clothes and time – just be sure to blanket accordingly!

When's the Best Time to Clip Your Horse?

The best time to clip your horse really boils down to when it suits you and your specific situation!

There's no single "right" or "wrong" answer here. We all have different schedules, home lives, and riding disciplines. Ultimately, the ideal time to clip is what works best for you and your horse.

 

How to Get a Quick Shine on Your Horse's Coat After Clipping

Achieving a healthy, lustrous shine on your horse's coat ultimately stems from within, making a balanced and nutritious diet absolutely essential. Healthy skin is the foundation of a healthy coat. After clipping, dry skin can lead to a dull appearance; as the saying goes, you want your horse's clipped coat to feel like satin, not velvet. With the hair clipped short, the skin is more exposed to the elements and can dry out, much like our own skin and hair.

To combat this, a daily grooming routine is key. Regular curry combing will boost circulation, and incorporating a hot oil treatment will help replenish hair follicles and prevent the skin from becoming dry and scurfy. It's crucial to avoid silicon-based and mineral oil-based sprays, as these simply coat the hair externally rather than providing internal nourishment.

How to Avoid Lines When Clipping Your Horse's Coat

Avoiding lines when clipping is a skill that improves with practice. The key is to consistently clip against the grain of the hair and prevent cross-cutting, which means cutting across the hair's natural direction. Always ensure your blades are clean and sharp, and apply even pressure as you clip.