Choose a clip that matches the workload, introduce the clippers slowly, work on a clean dry coat in good light, keep blades cool and oiled, and rug the horse afterwards. Take your time with a nervous horse.
Why and when to clip
A thick winter coat makes a working horse sweat heavily, then chill as it dries. Clipping removes some or all of that coat so the horse works comfortably and dries quickly. Most owners clip from autumn as coats thicken, tidying up through winter as needed.
Pick the right clip
Match the clip to the work. A light clip such as a bib or trace suits horses in light work or living out, while a fuller clip suits horses in hard work and stabled. The more coat you remove, the more rugging the horse will need, so balance the two.
Prepare properly
Clip a clean, dry coat, since dirt and grease blunt blades and give a poor finish. Work in good light on a non-slip surface, have sharp, cool blades and clipper oil ready, and keep a grooming kit to hand to brush away loose hair as you go.
Keep it calm and safe
Let a nervous horse hear and feel the clippers running against the body before you start cutting. Work in long, overlapping strokes against the hair, keep the blades from overheating, and take breaks. Never rush a worried horse, as a bad first experience can make clipping difficult for years.
After clipping
A clipped horse has lost insulation, so rug it appropriately for the weather and check it is warm without sweating. Watch clipped skin for any nicks, and oil and clean your clippers so they are ready and sharp for next time.
