Best Clippers for Body Clipping

Best Clippers for Body Clips: Keeping Your Horse Happy and Healthy

A horse in winter looks like a big, fluffy teddy bear. That thick coat keeps them warm while they stand around in the cold. Then they ride or play, and they sweat just as you do when you run. The sweat leaves them uncomfortable, takes a long time to dry and makes them extra chilly later. Body clipping solves this problem. It is a special haircut for horses that keeps them comfy and clean.

Choosing the best clippers for body clips is a big step for any horse owner, much like picking the right tools for a special project. You want clippers that work well, stay safe and make the job easier for both you and your horse. This guide covers what you need to know about horse body clipping and how to pick the right clippers to keep your equine friend looking and feeling great.

Why Do We Clip Horses? The Benefits!

Horses get clipped for comfort and health, and looks are only part of the reason, though a freshly clipped horse certainly looks smart. Owners have many good reasons to clip, especially in the colder months when coats get very thick.

• Comfort and Cooling: When a horse works hard, a thick coat traps heat and causes heavy sweating. Clipping helps them cool down faster and sweat less, so they are much more comfortable during and after exercise.
• Faster Drying: A sweaty, thick coat can take hours to dry, especially in cold weather, and your horse feels cold and uncomfortable meanwhile. A clipped coat dries much quicker, which is healthier for your horse.
• Cleanliness: Thick coats collect mud, dirt and sweat, and grooming turns into a big chore. A shorter, clipped coat is much easier to keep clean. Dirt brushes out more simply and a quick bath does the job. Take a look at our coat and body care products to keep their skin and hair shiny and healthy.
• Health and Skin Care: A shorter coat makes it easier to spot skin issues, bumps or scrapes that thick hair would hide. You can treat any problem quickly.
• Show Ring Readiness: For horses that compete, a neatly clipped coat is often part of their presentation and makes them look sleek and professional.

Understanding Different Types of Horse Clips

Horse clips differ in how much hair they remove, and the right one depends on your horse’s job. Think of them as hairstyles for people, where some are short all over and some are just a little trim.

Here are some common types of clips:

Clip Type	What it Is	Best For
Full Clip	It removes all the hair from the horse’s body, legs and often the head.	Horses in intense work or competition that need maximum cooling.
Hunter Clip	It resembles a full clip but leaves hair on the legs, which protects from rubs and mud, and a saddle patch, which prevents saddle rubs.	Horses working hard outdoors, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
Trace Clip	It removes hair from the neck, chest and belly, following the natural ‘trace’ lines where a harness would sit.	Horses in moderate work that need some cooling without losing too much protective coat.
Blanket Clip	It removes hair from the neck and belly but leaves a ‘blanket’ of hair over the horse’s back and hindquarters.	Horses in light to moderate work, which keeps their back warm while sweat evaporates from other areas.
Bib Clip	It removes hair only from the underside of the neck and chest, where horses tend to sweat most.	Horses in very light work or those that need a little extra cooling in specific areas.

Whichever clip you choose, the goal stays the same, which is to help your horse feel better and stay healthier.

Choosing the Best Clippers for Body Clips: What to Look For

Motor power, cord type, blades, noise, weight and ergonomics decide which clippers suit you. Now comes the exciting part. You wouldn’t use tiny nail scissors to cut a whole lawn, and you need the right tool for this job too. Think about these important features when you look for the best clippers for body clips:

Power and Motor Type

The motor is the engine of your clippers.

• Heavy-Duty Clippers: These powerful machines are designed for full body clips, especially on horses with very thick or coarse coats. Strong motors handle big jobs without getting stuck. They can be a bit heavier and louder, but they get the job done efficiently.
• Medium-Duty Clippers: These suit horses with average coats and smaller clips like a trace or blanket clip. They are usually lighter and quieter than heavy-duty clippers, so they are a good choice if your horse is sensitive to noise or you only clip occasionally.
• Trimmers/Light-Duty Clippers: These are smaller and perfect for tidying faces, ears or legs, but not for whole body clips. They are great for finishing touches.

Corded vs. Cordless Clippers

Your choice depends on where you will be clipping and whether you have easy access to electricity.

• Corded Clippers: These plug directly into an electrical outlet. They give constant power, so you don’t worry about batteries running out in the middle of a clip. The downside is that the cord can get in the way, and you need to stay near an outlet.
• Cordless Clippers: These run on batteries. They give you much more freedom to move around your horse, and you can use them anywhere, even in a field. However, batteries need charging, and they can run out of power during a long clip. Look for models with long battery life or extra batteries you can swap in.

Blade Types and Sizes

Blades do the actual cutting, and they come in different types and sizes for different clipping jobs.

• Coarse Blades: These leave the hair longer. They work well for a first clip on a very thick coat or for a clip that isn’t meant to be super short.
• Medium Blades: This is a good all-around blade that leaves a medium length of hair. It suits most body clips.
• Fine Blades: These cut the hair very short and give a smooth, sleek finish. They are perfect for show clips.

Always use sharp blades. Dull blades pull at the hair, hurt the horse and make the clippers work harder and run hotter. Keep spare sharp blades on hand, and learn how to oil them properly.

Noise and Vibration

Some horses react more strongly than others to loud noise and vibration.

• Quieter Clippers: If your horse is spooky or new to clipping, a quieter model makes the experience much less stressful for them and for you.
• Low Vibration: Clippers that vibrate less are more comfortable to hold for long periods and less jarring for your horse.

Weight and Ergonomics

You will be holding these clippers for a while, so weight and comfort matter.

• Weight: Lighter clippers are easier on your arms and hands.
• Ergonomics: This term describes how comfortable the clippers feel in your hand. Look for a design that fits your grip well and has easy-to-reach controls.

Getting Ready: Preparing Your Horse for Clipping

Preparation decides how smooth a clip goes, so get your horse ready before you turn on the clippers. A clean, dry horse is the key to a successful clip.

1. Groom Thoroughly: Brush your horse really well to remove all loose hair, dirt and mud. Cutting hair that is full of sand would dull your blades super fast.
2. Bathe Your Horse: If possible, give your horse a good bath a day or two before clipping. Use a deep-cleaning shampoo, like our Reluminate Shampoo or Revive Shampoo, to get the coat perfectly clean. That removes the oils and tiny dirt particles that can damage your clipper blades. Make sure the coat is completely dry before you start clipping.
3. Apply Conditioner: After shampooing, a good conditioner like Release Spray Conditioner can make the hair softer and easier to clip and leave a beautiful finish. You can find more options in our coat and body care section.
4. Practice Makes Perfect: If your horse has never been clipped before or is a bit nervous, let them get used to the sound and feel of the clippers. Turn them on nearby, then let your horse feel the clippers on the shoulder, turned off at first and then on. Do this for short periods over a few days.
5. Choose a Safe Spot: Pick a well-lit, dry and clean area where you can clip your horse safely. Make sure there is enough space to move around.

The Clipping Process: Step-by-Step for a Smooth Finish

Patience is your best friend once your horse is ready and your best clippers for body clips are in your hand. Now you can start.

1. Safety First: Always tie your horse securely, with a quick-release knot, and make sure they are comfortable. Wear appropriate clothing, and consider earplugs if your clippers are loud.
2. Oiling Your Blades: Before you start, and every 10-15 minutes during clipping, put a few drops of clipper oil on your blades. That keeps them cool, sharp and running smoothly. Hot blades can burn your horse’s skin.
3. Clipping Technique:
   • Hold the clippers flat against the horse’s skin. Don’t dig them in or lift them too much.
   • Always clip against the direction of hair growth, which gives an even, smooth cut.
   • Use long, overlapping strokes. Picture painting a wall, where you want smooth, even lines without gaps.
   • Start with the easiest parts, like the shoulder or belly, where your horse is less sensitive. Save tricky spots like the face and legs for when you and your horse are more relaxed.
   • Take breaks. If your clippers get hot, turn them off and let them cool down. Give your horse a break too, maybe a quick scratch or a treat.
4. Keeping it Clean: Brush away loose hair frequently as you clip. That shows you where you have clipped and keeps hair from building up on your blades.
5. Finishing Touches: Use smaller trimmers for delicate areas like the face, ears and around the hooves for a neat finish.

After the Clip: Post-Clipping Care for Your Horse and Clippers

Your horse looks sleek and clean, but the job isn’t quite over. Both horse and clippers need care afterward.

For Your Horse:

• Warm Bath (Optional): A warm bath right after clipping can remove any remaining loose hairs and soothe the skin. Use a mild shampoo from our coat and body care range. You might also like Repel Oil Shampoo for extra coat benefits, or our Reluxe Maintail Shampoo for the mane and tail.
• Blanketing: You have taken away your horse’s natural winter coat, so they will feel colder. Put a blanket on them even if it doesn’t seem very cold to you, and choose one appropriate for the weather.
• Skin Hydration: Clipping can leave a horse’s skin a little dry or sensitive, and a soothing spray or cream can help. For general care, explore our specialized care and protection products.
• Mane and Tail Care: Give some love to the mane and tail while you clip the body. Products like Refresh Maintail Cream or our general mane and tail treatment products keep them tangle-free and healthy. Don’t forget Release Spray Conditioner for an extra boost.

For Your Clippers:

• Clean Blades: Use a small brush to clean all hair from the blades and from inside the clippers.
• Oil and Store: Oil your blades thoroughly before you put them away. That protects them from rust and keeps them ready for next time. Store your clippers in a clean, dry place.
• Check Air Filters: Some clippers have air filters. Keep these clean so the motor doesn’t overheat.
• Blade Sharpening: Over time, even the best blades get dull. Send them off for professional sharpening regularly so they always give a clean cut.

Top Tips for a Happy Clipping Experience

• Start Small: If you’re new to clipping, try a small area first, like a bib clip, before you attempt a full body clip.
• Be Patient: Clipping takes time. Don’t rush, and take breaks if your horse or you get tired or stressed.
• Treats! Positive reinforcement works wonders, so give your horse treats and praise throughout the process.
• Good Lighting: Make sure you have plenty of light so you can see what you’re doing and avoid missing spots.
• Practice Lines: Before you start, draw your clip lines on your horse with chalk to guide you, especially for trace or hunter clips.
• Keep Blades Cool: As mentioned, oil regularly and use coolant spray if needed to prevent hot blades.
• Have a Helper: A second person to hold the horse or pass you things makes the job much easier.
• Explore Our Shop: For all your horse care needs, from shampoos to conditioners and everything in between, explore our full range at our shop or browse all available items here.

The Right Clippers for a Confident Clip

Choosing the best clippers for body clips is an investment in your horse’s comfort, health and happiness. When you understand the different types of clippers, how to prepare your horse and the best clipping techniques, you can make the experience a positive one for both of you. Always put your horse’s well-being first and keep their coat and skin in top condition with quality care products from Piaffe.horse. A well-groomed, neatly clipped horse is a happy, healthy horse.