All or part of a horse's coat is shaved.It's done to horses who would otherwise get too hot working in a full winter coat.The type of clip depends on how hard the horse will work and how thick the coat is.The time it takes to cool the horse down will be reduced.It is also part of showing.They improve their appearance at a horse show with neatness.This is done during the summer as well as the winter.
Step 1: There's a belly clip.
The hair is removed from the underside of the neck and belly.Ponies only ride on the weekends and this is common.Unless the weather is very bad, hardy ponies don't need to be rugged.
Step 2: The clip was low or high.
The hair is clipped from the underside of the neck to the point where it can be seen on a driving pony.The name suggests that high trace clips remove the coat up to a higher line than the low trace clip.Sometimes the lower half of the head is clipped.The legs are not straight.It's appropriate for horses who are turned out during the day and perform moderate work on a regular basis.
Step 3: There is a clip of an Irish person.
A line is drawn from the top of the head to the belly to make a triangle shape.Half the head is clipped.The legs are not straight.Horses who perform light work are turned out during the day.
Step 4: There's a blanket clip.
This is similar to a trace clip, but the neck is fully clipped and the head is half or full clipped.The legs are not straight.This is good for horses that work a lot, as it removes hair where they sweat and leaves them warm at the same time.
Step 5: There is a clip of Hunter.
The hair is removed from the legs to give it some protection.Some hair is left on the back of the saddle to protect it from saddle rubs.The horse must not become too cold because most of the hair is removed with this clip.
Step 6: The full clip is here.
The entire coat is clipped off.This is done on show horses who are heavily involved in competition, to give them a sleek coat that sweat can evaporate off of easily.If the horse is not turned out during the winter or at night, a full clip should only be done.
Step 7: Take care of your horse.
Dirt and debris in the horse's coat will dull your clippers as you use them, so it is best to groom your horse well prior to clipping.If you can, give your horse a bath the night before you clip to remove as much dirt as possible.
Step 8: You should remove the areas you plan on clipping.
To section off the areas of your horse's coat that you intend on clipping, use chalk or masking tape.Before starting to remove hair, make sure to mark off all areas with straight lines.
Step 9: Make sure the horse is not frightened of the clippers.
Most horses are scared of the buzzing noise put out by clippers.Take the clippers away from the horse's face and let it see them.Allow them to see the noise that comes from the clippers.
Step 10: Get your horse used to the sounds.
The way the clippers feel on the horse's skin might scare them.Put the handle-end on their side to test out their reaction.They won't have to remove hair to feel the vibrations.Place the handle of the clippers on the back of your hand if your horse scares you.They will be able to feel the vibrations on their skin when they travel through your hand.
Step 11: You can choose between two clippers.
It is a good idea to have at least two pairs of clippers on hand.One shearing clipper is needed for wide areas of clipping, and a smaller clipper for sensitive areas such as around the face.
Step 12: The blades should besharpened.
The sharper the blade, the easier it is to cut.You probably won't have to sharpen the clippers if you use brand new clippers.If you are using older clippers or blades, it is a good idea to have the blades sharpened or do it yourself.
Step 13: The blades need to be cleaned and oiled.
Make sure there is no dirt or mud on the blades that might slow or impede the process.When the blades are clean, coat them with oil and allow the clippers to run.As you clip them, this will make them run better.
Step 14: Pay attention to the temperature of the clippers.
If your clippers get hot, the motor is overheating and they won't work as well, so you want them to be running at room temperature.When your clippers are hot, turn them off and let them cool down for a while before trying to use them again.
Step 15: There is a non-sensitive area.
A part of the horse's body that won't be so ticklish is where your clippers should be moved.This could be the neck or their sides.
Step 16: Place a piece of paper in front of you.
Allow your horse to run for a few seconds when the clippers are turned on.The clippers should be moved in the opposite direction of hair growth.Try to keep lines straight and remove patches before moving on.You should watch the corners of the clippers to make sure you don't poke your horse with them.
Step 17: Continue to clip out strips.
Get the most even results by working in long, narrow sections.Overlap each new strip of hair to make sure you don't have any patches.Remove the hair from different angles when you reach a whorl in the coat.
Step 18: Be careful near the mane and tail.
If you clip near the mane and tail, wrap it and move it to the side so that you don't cut long hairs.To make it easier for you and your horse, have a friend hold both to the side.
Step 19: The face needs to be clipped last.
If you have to clip your horse's face, save it for last.They will be able to keep their anxiety low.The face and other sensitive areas should be clipped with the smaller clipper.
Step 20: Remove any remaining hairs.
Some of the hair on the horse will be a bit long if you don't do a full clip.Extra long hair can be trimmed with a pair of shears around the legs.
Step 21: The hair needs to be cleansed.
The hair on the ground needs to be removed.Horsehair does not break down quickly so it should not be put in a pile.Throw it out with your regular garbage.
Step 22: There is a blanket on the horse.
Your horse won't be used to the stark temperature change as a result of having less hair, so they will need to be blanketed whenever they are put out.If you need a thin coat, put a blanket on them.They will need a thick winter blanket if you are very cold.