Journal
Full Clip Guide
Full Body Clipping: Keep Your Horse Cool, Clean and Comfortable
Picture wearing a thick winter coat all day, even while you run around and play! That’s a bit like a horse with a full winter coat when it works hard. For many horses, especially those that stay active through the colder months, a “full body clip” is a great way to stay comfortable, clean and healthy. It works like a special haircut that removes the heavy winter fur. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about full body clipping, from why it’s done to how to care for your horse afterward.
Why Do Horses Need Clipping?
Clipping isn’t only about making your horse look neat, because it protects their well-being. Horse owners have several important reasons for clipping.
Staying Cool and Dry
When a horse exercises, their body heats up and they start to sweat, just as we do. A thick winter coat traps that sweat close to the skin, so the horse struggles to cool down quickly. They can stay damp for a long time after work, which makes them uncomfortable and can even put them at risk of catching a chill when the air is cold. Think of stepping outside in winter after a sweaty workout. You’d want to dry off fast! A clipped coat lets sweat evaporate much faster, so your horse cools down more efficiently and dries off quickly. This matters most for horses in regular work, like those used for riding lessons, competitions or daily exercise.
Keeping Clean
A long, shaggy coat attracts dirt, mud and dust. Cleaning a horse with a very thick coat thoroughly is much harder, especially after they’ve been rolling in the paddock. Clipping makes grooming so much easier. Mud slides off a shorter coat more readily, and it takes less time to brush out whatever dirt remains. You spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your horse. A cleaner coat can also help prevent skin issues that might develop when dirt and moisture stay trapped against the skin. Regular grooming, even on a clipped horse, still matters a great deal for their health and happiness.
Health and Comfort
Thick coats sometimes hide small cuts, scratches or skin problems like rain rot or rubs from tack. A shorter coat makes it much easier to spot these issues early and treat them before they become big problems. For horses with sensitive skin, a heavy coat can cause itching or irritation, and clipping can bring relief. A horse that isn’t constantly battling an overly warm, damp coat during work is generally happier and more comfortable too. They can move more freely and focus better on their training or activities. Keeping your horse comfortable is a big part of being a good horse owner, and clipping is one tool that helps, particularly during the colder seasons when their natural coat grows thick and long.
Types of Clips
Today’s focus is the full body clip, but there are different styles of clipping, and each one suits a different activity level and environment.
Full Body Clip
The full body clip removes almost all the hair from your horse’s body, including the legs, belly and head. It’s the most extensive type of clip, and it’s usually chosen for horses in intensive work, such as competition horses, racehorses or those in regular, strenuous training. It offers the maximum benefit for cooling and drying quickly. Because it removes so much of their natural insulation, a horse with a full body clip needs extra care to stay warm, especially with stable rugs and turnout rugs when outside. It gives them a completely new, sleek look.
Other Common Clips
* Hunter Clip: This clip removes hair from most of the body but leaves the hair on the legs and a saddle patch (the area where the saddle sits). The legs stay hairy to protect against mud and scratches, and the saddle patch helps prevent rubs from the saddle. It’s popular for horses that hunt or spend a lot of time turned out.
* Trace Clip: A trace clip removes hair from the underside of the neck and the belly, where a horse sweats most. It gets its name from the lines where harness “traces” would run on a carriage horse. It’s a less invasive clip, and it suits horses in moderate work that don’t need a full clip.
* Blanket Clip: This clip removes hair from the neck, belly and flanks and leaves a “blanket” of hair over the horse’s back and loins. It’s more extensive than a trace clip but still leaves some natural warmth. It’s a good choice for horses in light to moderate work.
Each type of clip serves a specific purpose, but you choose the full body clip when maximum cooling and ease of cleaning are the priorities for an active horse.
Getting Ready for the Clip
Clipping your horse properly takes preparation. As with any big project, the right tools and a well-prepared horse make a huge difference.
Essential Tools for Clipping
Gather all your supplies before you start. Keeping everything within reach makes the process smoother and safer.
| Tool | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Clippers (heavy-duty) | They remove large amounts of hair efficiently. |
| Small Trimmers (optional) | They work well on tricky areas like the face, ears and bony parts. |
| Sharp Blades | Dull blades pull hair and make clipping uncomfortable and uneven, so keep a sharp set ready. |
| Clipper Oil | It keeps blades lubricated and running smoothly and reduces heat build-up, so oil often. |
| Coolant Spray | It cools hot blades quickly and spares your horse discomfort. |
| Body Brush or Dandy Brush | It removes dirt and dust before clipping and loose hair afterward. |
| Horse Shampoo | A clean coat gives a smooth clip and keeps blades sharp. |
| Conditioner (optional but recommended) | It smooths the coat so the clippers glide more easily. |
| Stable Rug and Turnout Rug | They keep your horse warm right after clipping and in cold weather. |
| Extension Cord (outdoor approved) | It gives you enough reach to clip safely. |
| Good Lighting | It helps you see clearly and avoid missed patches. |
| Non-slip Mat | It keeps you safe, especially when you clip on a smooth surface. |
Preparing Your Horse
Preparing your horse matters as much as gathering your tools.
1. Bathe Your Horse: This may be the most important step! Clipping a dirty coat dulls your blades very quickly and leaves a patchy, uneven clip. Give your horse a thorough bath with a good quality horse shampoo, such as Reluminate Shampoo or Repel Oil Shampoo from Piaffe.horse, or explore other options in our Coat & Body Care category. Rinse all the soap out.
2. Dry Completely: Your horse’s coat must be absolutely bone dry before you start clipping, because any moisture makes the clippers drag and leaves a bad finish. You can let them air dry, use towels or use a horse dryer if you have one.
3. Brush Thoroughly: Once the coat is dry, give your horse a good brush to remove any lingering dust or loose hair so the clippers glide smoothly.
4. Introduce the Clippers: If your horse isn’t used to clipping, introduce the clippers slowly. Turn them on nearby so your horse gets used to the sound, then let them feel the vibrations on the shoulder or neck without clipping. Offer treats and praise to build a positive experience. Patience here pays off hugely. You can find more helpful care products in our all products section.
The Clipping Process: Step-by-Step
Now that you’re ready, it’s time to clip. This is where patience and a gentle touch count most.
Safety First
Always work in a well-lit, quiet and safe area. Tie your horse securely, but leave enough slack that they can still move their head comfortably. A non-slip mat underfoot is a good idea. Keep the clipper cord safely out of the way so no one trips. If your horse is particularly fidgety or new to clipping, consider asking an experienced helper to hold them. Your safety and your horse’s safety always come first.
Starting the Clip
Begin with a clean, well-oiled, sharp blade. It’s often best to start on a less sensitive part of the horse’s body, like the shoulder or the side of the neck, so that both of you get used to the feel.
* Hold the clippers flat: Keep the blades flat against the horse’s skin, because tilting them can leave lines or “tracks.”
* Clip against the hair growth: Move the clippers in long, even strokes against the direction the hair grows to cut it cleanly and evenly.
* Overlap your strokes: Overlap each stroke slightly with the previous one to prevent lines and keep the finish smooth and consistent.
* Maintain blade temperature: Check your blades often. If they get warm, cool them with coolant spray or switch to a fresh set. Hot blades can burn your horse’s skin and make them uncomfortable. Oil your blades regularly, usually every 5-10 minutes, to keep them running smoothly and reduce heat.
Important Areas and Tricky Spots
* Legs: The legs can be bony and sensitive, so take your time. Stretch the skin gently to get a smooth cut, especially around the joints. Smaller clippers help in these areas.
* Head: Many horses are very sensitive about their heads. Use smaller, quieter trimmers if you have them, and be extra gentle around the eyes, ears and muzzle. Some owners leave the head unclipped if their horse is very wary, or clip only a bridle path. If you do clip the head, use short, careful strokes and watch your horse’s reactions.
* Sensitive Areas: The flanks, belly and inside of the hind legs are often more sensitive, so work slowly and patiently there. Take a short break if your horse flinches or gets agitated.
* Mane and Tail: You generally won’t clip the mane or tail during a full body clip. Focus on keeping them healthy and tidy instead. Look at products like Refresh Maintail Cream or Reluxe Maintail Shampoo for these areas in our Mane & Tail Treatment category.
Taking Breaks
Clipping a full body can take a long time, sometimes several hours, and both you and your horse will benefit from breaks. Give your horse a chance to relax, have a drink or stretch. Use the time to clean your clippers, oil your blades and check your work so far. Don’t rush, because a calm, steady approach gives the best results.
After the Clip: Care and Comfort
Once the last strand of hair is clipped, your job isn’t quite done! Post-clipping care keeps your horse warm, healthy and happy.
Keeping Warm
With the thick, insulating winter coat gone, your horse feels the cold much more easily, which is why rugs are absolutely essential. Put a warm, clean stable rug on immediately after clipping. Depending on how cold it is, you might need to layer rugs. For turnout, a waterproof, insulated turnout rug protects them from rain, wind and cold. Check your horse regularly to make sure they aren’t too hot or too cold, especially when the weather changes. Proper rugging prevents them from getting sick or uncomfortable after their clip. Our Specialized Care & Protection category might have products that complement your rugging routine.
Skin Care and Health
Clipping can leave a horse’s skin a little sensitive or dry, especially if they have delicate skin. Keeping the skin healthy matters as much as keeping the coat shiny.
* Wipe Down: After clipping, use a soft cloth or a very soft brush to wipe away loose hair and skin flakes, which helps prevent itching.
* Soothing Products: If you notice redness or dryness, apply a gentle, soothing skin balm or cream. Products like Repair Cream can help keep skin moisturized and comfortable.
* Monitor for Irritation: Watch for signs of skin irritation or rubs, particularly where tack sits. Dealing with them quickly keeps your horse comfortable.
Coat Health and Shine
Even though most of the hair is gone, the remaining coat and the new growth still need care.
* Regular Grooming: Keep up daily grooming, even on a short coat. It distributes natural oils, keeps the skin healthy and encourages a lovely shine.
* Conditioning Sprays: A good quality conditioning spray keeps the clipped coat sleek and shiny and prevents static. Products like Release Spray Conditioner add a beautiful finish and keep the skin and hair moisturized. You can find more coat care products in our Coat & Body Care category.
* Balanced Diet: A healthy coat starts from the inside, so make sure your horse has a balanced diet with all the vitamins and minerals needed to support healthy skin and hair growth.
Clipper Maintenance
Proper care helps your clippers last a long time and stay ready for the next clip.
* Clean Thoroughly: After each use, brush all hair out of the blades and the clipper body.
* Oil and Store: Oil your blades generously and store them in a dry, safe place. If you won’t be using them for a while, consider sending them for sharpening and servicing.
* Check Cords: Check power cords for damage before and after use.
Common Questions About Clipping
Many people have questions when they first consider full body clipping their horse. These are some of the most common ones.
When is the Best Time to Clip?
The best time to start is usually late autumn or early winter, once your horse’s full winter coat has grown in. You’ll know it’s time when your horse starts sweating excessively during exercise and takes a long time to dry afterward. The exact timing depends on your local climate and your horse’s individual hair growth rate. The hair keeps growing back, so you might need to clip several times through the winter.
How Often Should I Clip My Horse?
That depends on how quickly your horse’s hair grows and how active they are. For a full body clip, some horses need clipping every 3 to 6 weeks to maintain a short coat. Others, with slower hair growth or lighter work, might need it only every 6-8 weeks. Assess your horse’s coat regularly, and watch how they cope with their workload, to decide on the best schedule.
What if My Horse is Scared of the Clippers?
Some horses are wary of clippers, and that’s completely normal. Patience and a gentle approach are key.
* Desensitization: Start by letting them hear the clippers from a distance, then move gradually closer. Let them feel the vibrations of the clippers (off at first, then on) on less sensitive areas like the shoulder.
* Positive Reinforcement: Offer treats and praise for calm behavior.
* Short Sessions: Keep the first sessions very short and end on a good note. Don’t force it.
* Safe Environment: Make sure the area is quiet and free from distractions.
* Professional Help: If your horse is very anxious, ask an experienced groom or a horse trainer to help, or sedate your horse under veterinary guidance for the first clip. Never attempt to clip an agitated horse without proper precautions.
The Bottom Line on Full Body Clipping
Full body clipping is a fantastic way to support your active horse through the colder months. It keeps them cool, dry and clean, and it makes them much more comfortable during and after exercise. The job takes careful preparation, the right tools and a patient approach, but the benefits for your horse’s health and happiness are well worth the effort. A clipped horse needs extra protection from the cold with appropriate rugs, and good grooming to keep the skin and remaining coat in top condition. At Piaffe.horse, we offer a wide range of products to help you care for your horse, from nourishing shampoos and conditioners to specialized skin treatments. Visit our shop today to find everything you need to keep your horse looking and feeling their best, whether clipped or unclipped!