The Need for Clipping
During winter months, horses grow a heavy coat to protect themselves against harsh weather conditions. When they are expected to perform tasks, this excess hair must be removed by clipping. This practice is not merely for enhancing the horse’s appearance but has a profound influence on its overall health and performance.
Clipping helps a horse work more efficiently by preventing rapid and excessive sweating that can lead to discomfort and fatigue. Furthermore, a clipped horse dries faster and is less likely to sweat excessively thereby reducing the risk of illness. Additionally, grooming becomes easier with a clipped coat.
Types of Clipping Machines
There are primarily three types of clipping machines – hand-operated, wheel-operated, and electric. Over time, the usage of electric clippers has superseded the other two due to their practicality and ease of use.
Hand-Operated Clippers
Hand-operated clippers are typically reminiscent of an era gone by. Their operation can be time-consuming and laborious. However, they have their own niche of patrons who prefer them for their quiet operation and coolness. These characteristics make hand clippers a preferred choice for trimming sensitive areas, especially around the heads of skittish horses.
Wheel-Operated Clippers
Although relatively outdated, wheel-operated clippers can still occasionally be seen in use. Their operation requires a unique two-person mechanism. While one person powers the device by winding a wheel, another carries out the clipping. Despite being seemingly outmoded, these machines have an antique charm and a place in history.
Electric Clippers
Electric clippers have become the tool of choice in the modern horse grooming arsenal. They are easily available and vastly more practical compared to their hand-operated and wheel-operated counterparts. Electric clippers come in two primary designs – hand-operated electric clippers and hanging clippers, broadening their utility and adaptability to suit the diverse needs of horse grooming.
Hand-Operated Electric Clippers
Hand-operated electric clippers are the popular choice when it comes to grooming horses. They’re affordable, conveniently transportable, and can be used in any location with an electrical outlet. Keep in mind that for safety purposes, it’s ideal to connect your clippers to a wall socket rather than a light socket.
Hand-operated electric clippers are designed to be comfortably held in hand during use.
The Cutting Head and Blades
The cutting head of these clippers can be equipped with two types of blades – body blades and leg blades. Body blades are designed for use on all parts of the horse’s body excluding the legs, while leg blades are engineered to avoid shaving too close to the skin.
An adjustment screw located at the top of the cutting head determines the blade’s tension. It’s crucial to ensure the correct tension. Over-tightening can strain the motor, while excessively loose blades may not cut correctly and can cause discomfort to the horse. Blade maintenance is essential – occasional re-sharpening ensures a clean, efficient cut.
Operation Tips
To achieve the most efficient clipping, work against the direction of the horse’s coat and ensure the coat is clean to prevent blade clogging. It’s also vital to allow the machine to operate at its own pace; urging it forward can exhaust the motor.
Periodically, the clippers may warm up with continuous usage. In such scenarios, give the clippers a break to protect the motor and prevent discomforting the horse. This break can also be utilized to clean accumulated hair from the motor and lightly oil it.
Maintenance and Storage
After finishing the clipping task, it’s advisable to disassemble the machine for comprehensive cleaning and oiling. Once cleaned, wrap the clippers in a cloth lightly doused with oil to keep them in optimal condition during storage. Proper maintenance can significantly increase the life-span of hand-operated electric clippers while ensuring optimal performance.
Hanging Electric Clippers
Hanging electric clippers are an alternative choice for clipping horses, especially in scenarios where multiple horses need grooming or when the service is provided for owners who don’t have clippers of their own. The motor of hanging electric clippers is encased in a large container and suspended from a beam, allowing for more powerful and efficient clipping.
The Clipper Head and Flexible Arm
The clipper head of hanging electric clippers connects to a flexible arm, offering ease of movement and precise control. This configuration is particularly useful for establishments that handle a large number of horses regularly.
Advantages of Hanging Electric Clippers
Hanging electric clippers come with multiple benefits that make them suitable for professional grooming settings:
- Powerful and efficient motor: The hanging design allows for a stronger motor that can last longer without overheating. Since the motor is not in direct contact with the horse, any minimal heat produced won’t affect the animal.
- Reduced strain on groom: With hanging electric clippers, the groom doesn’t have to bear the weight of the motor while clipping. As a result, they can achieve more accurate work and complete the job in a shorter time frame.
Overall, hanging electric clippers provide an efficient option for places that deal with grooming multiple horses, ensuring a comfortable experience for both the groom and the horse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Clipping
Q: How Often Should I Clip My Horse?
A: The frequency of clipping your horse depends largely on how quickly its coat grows and the amount of work the horse is doing. Generally, some horse owners find they need to clip their horse every 4 to 6 weeks during the cooler months when the coat is growing more rapidly. However, each horse is different, so you should watch the rate of hair growth and adjust your clip schedule accordingly.
Q: How Long Does it Take to Clip a Horse?
A: If you’re new at clipping horses, it can take up to three hours to do a full clip. But with experience and a cooperative horse, you may be able to reduce that time to 1 to 1.5 hours. Exercise patience during the process as rushing can lead to mistakes.
Q: What Type of Clip is Best for My Horse?
A: The type of clip that would be best for your horse depends on the amount of work the horse does, the climate, and whether the horse lives indoors or outdoors. Some owners opt for a blanket clip, keeping the parts of the horse covered by a blanket clipped and leaving the hair unclipped where the blanket goes to keep the horse warmer in cold climates. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask a professional groomer for advice.
Q: What Should I Do If My Clippers Overheat?
A: If your clippers overheat, immediately turn them off and wait for them to cool down before using them again. It might also help to clean the blades and apply lubricating oil. Some clippers come with a coolant spray that can significantly reduce the heat.
Q: Can I Clip a Wet Horse?
A: It’s not advisable to clip a wet horse. The clipper blades can slip on the wet hairs, making it difficult to get a clean cut. Moreover, wet skin could also be more susceptible to nicks or infections.
Q: Is there a specific direction to clip a horse?
A: Yes, it’s generally recommended to clip against the direction of hair growth. This gives you a neater cut. But of course, always be gentle with your horse.
Q: What care should I provide for my horse’s skin post-clipping?
A: After clipping, a gentle clean up with a soft brush to get rid of clipped hair helps. Using a mild skin toner can also soothe the skin. Always ensure the horse is kept warm after a clip, as they would have lost a good amount of their natural protection against the cold.
Q: Should I feed my horse before clipping?
A: Yes, it’s good to feed your horse before clipping, as it can calm them and make them less anxious. Clipping can be stressful for some horses, so having a familiar routine can help ease them into the process.
Q: Will clipping affect my horse’s performance?
A: Yes, but in a good way! Removing excess hair can help keep your horse cool when exercising. This could lead to better performance, particularly in heavy work.
Q: How do I maintain my clippers?
A: Regular maintenance of your clippers can increase their lifespan. After each use, clean the blades and apply lubrication. Always store your clippers in a clean, dry place to prevent rusting. Regularly check for blade sharpness and replace or sharpen as necessary.
