Horse Clipper: Quiet, Reliable Clipping with Battery or Mains Power

Horse Clipper: well prepared for the clipping season

A horse clipper is a powerful machine that cleanly shortens even a thick winter coat. Horses that are worked regularly in winter sweat heavily with a full coat and dry only slowly afterwards. A clip helps them to dry faster so that they are not left standing sweaty in the stable. There are cordless clippers for more freedom of movement and corded machines for long full clips, along with blades and accessories.

Cordless or corded?

A cordless clipper has no cable, is often quieter and is well suited to sensitive horses, partial clips and stable aisles without a socket. With a spare battery, longer clips can be done as well. Corded machines often have more power, run without a break and are the choice for full clips and several horses. Many models are also suitable for cattle. Smaller trimmers are handy for the head, ears and fetlocks.

Blades, care and getting used to it

Sharp, well-oiled clipper blades are essential. Blunt blades pull at the hair and quickly get hot. Oil the blades regularly while clipping, clean them afterwards and have them resharpened when necessary. Only clip a clean, dry horse. Get it used to the noise and vibration slowly, start at the shoulder and work against the lie of the coat. Which type of clip suits depends on work, management and coat.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for the first clip?
Many riders clip for the first time in autumn, once the winter coat has largely grown through. Depending on how the coat grows, a second clip follows in winter. From late winter onwards, most people stop clipping so that the summer coat can come through undisturbed.

Does a clipped horse need a rug?
As a rule yes, because the clip removes its natural protection against cold. How heavy the rug needs to be depends on the type of clip, the weather and how your horse is kept. With a small partial clip, a light rug is sometimes enough.

My horse is afraid of the clippers. What helps?
Let it sniff the switched-off clipper, then hold it switched on against your own arm while you rest that arm on its shoulder. Short, calm sessions without pressure help more than one long one. A helper holding the horse adds extra security.