# Care After Clipping - **URL:** https://piaffehorse.com/post-clipping-care/ ## Post-Clipping Care: Keeping Your Horse Happy and Healthy Picture wearing a big, fluffy winter coat all the time, even while you’re running around and heating up. That’s roughly how a horse with a very thick winter coat feels, especially when they exercise a lot. To help them stay cool and comfortable, many owners clip the coat, which simply means trimming the hair short, like a haircut. Clipping makes a horse much more comfortable, especially during work, but it’s really only the first step. What happens after the clip matters just as much, if not more. That’s “Post-Clipping Care,” and it’s about keeping the skin healthy, keeping your horse from getting too cold and making sure they feel comfortable in their new short coat. Think of looking after your own skin after a day in the sun: you want to keep it happy. ### Why Do We Clip Horses? We clip horses because a long, thick coat holds sweat and leaves them struggling to cool down after work. Horses grow those amazing thick coats in winter to stay warm, which is great in a field. Once we ride them or they exercise, though, they get very sweaty. A sweaty, long-haired horse also takes a very long time to dry, and that can leave them cold or even sick. - Less Sweat: Shorter hair means less sweat builds up during exercise, so your horse stays cooler. - Faster Drying: Horses dry much more quickly after a workout or bath, which prevents chills and keeps them comfortable. - Easier Grooming: A short coat is often easier to keep clean and tidy, especially on horses that love to roll in the mud. - Comfort: In the end, clipping helps horses in work stay comfortable so they can perform at their best. ### The Importance of Aftercare Aftercare matters because a clipped horse’s skin is suddenly far more exposed. It’s like taking off a thick sweater, so the skin needs extra attention and protection. Good aftercare prevents problems such as dry skin, rubs or getting too cold, and it keeps your horse feeling their best and looking shiny and healthy. Without it, the skin can turn itchy or sore, and nobody wants that for an equine friend. Careful, caring handling helps your horse adjust beautifully to the new look. ## Immediate Post-Clipping Steps: Right After the Haircut Once the clippers are off and the last stray hair has dropped, a few things need doing right away. These first steps set up good skin and coat health, and they start your horse on the road to post-clipping comfort. ### Cleaning Up Clipping leaves a lot of loose hair, and you should remove as much of it as possible straight away. Left on the skin it feels itchy and irritating, a bit like tiny splinters. A dandy brush, a soft body brush or even a damp cloth will wipe the body down. Brush away all those tiny hairs and make sure you reach everywhere. - Remove loose hair from the body with a soft brush or a special grooming vacuum designed for horses. - Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth or sponge to pick up any remaining fine hairs and dust. - Pay extra attention to sensitive areas such as behind the ears, around the legs or under the belly, where clinging hairs can cause irritation. ### Checking the Skin Right after the clip is the perfect time for a thorough check-over. Look carefully for tiny nicks or clipper burns, which are small red patches where the clippers may have run a bit too close or too hot. They’re usually minor, but they need attention so they don’t turn into bigger issues. If you find any, clean them gently with a mild, horse-safe antiseptic wash and apply a soothing, horse-safe cream to help them heal. Products like [Repair Cream](/product/repair-cream/) can be very helpful on these small spots, offering comfort and aiding recovery. ### Blanket Time Your horse needs a blanket straight away, and this is one of the most important immediate steps. They have just lost much of their natural winter insulation, their thick coat, and they will get cold very quickly even if the air doesn’t feel that cold to you. The type of blanket depends on the weather, the temperature in your stable and whether they’re going inside or out. A light sheet may be enough for a warm stable, but a medium-weight turnout blanket is needed if they head out in cooler or windy weather. Always check that the blanket fits well so it doesn’t rub or cause discomfort. ## Daily Care for Clipped Horses: Keeping the Skin and Coat Pristine Once the first cleanup is done, the daily routine changes slightly for a clipped horse. The skin is more exposed, so your daily grooming and management matter even more for their well-being and appearance. ### Grooming Essentials A short coat looks easier to clean, but it still needs regular, gentle attention. Daily grooming keeps the skin healthy, stimulates natural oils and helps the short coat look its best. #### Brushing Gently Use soft brushes on a clipped horse. A rubber curry comb can go over the coat very gently in circular motions to bring up dirt and stimulate circulation, but avoid harsh scrubbing, especially on sensitive areas or where the skin looks a bit pink. Follow with a soft body brush, such as one with natural bristles, to smooth the coat, remove dust and spread natural oils evenly. Brushing moves those oils across skin and coat, and they matter for skin health and natural shine, especially now that the protective long hair is gone. #### Wiping Down A quick wipe with a slightly damp cloth or sponge after brushing removes any remaining dust, loose hair or flaky skin. It leaves the coat extra shiny and feeling clean, and it helps maintain the delicate balance of newly exposed skin. A grooming mitt does the same job and can be very effective and gentle. #### Special Shampoos and Conditioners Bathing a clipped horse takes a bit more thought, because the skin can be more sensitive and the right products matter a great deal. Look for shampoos that are gentle, pH-balanced and moisturizing. Products made for sensitive skin, or for deep cleaning without stripping natural oils, are ideal. Consider a conditioning shampoo like [Reluminate Shampoo](/product/reluminate-shampoo/), which helps brighten and condition, or a mane and tail product like [Reluxe M&T Shampoo](/product/reluxe-maintail-shampoo/) if you’ve left those areas long. For horses prone to dry skin, a moisturizing conditioner or a nourishing oil shampoo like [Repel Oil Shampoo](/product/repel-oil-shampoo/) can be a game-changer. A spray conditioner like [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner/) adds shine and keeps the coat soft and hydrated between baths. Always use lukewarm water for comfort, and make sure your horse is thoroughly dry and warm before unblanketing or exposing them to cold air. ### Skin Health: A Top Priority Skin health comes first, because without the protective coat a horse’s skin is more vulnerable to all sorts of issues. Keeping it healthy, supple and free from irritation is a top priority for any owner of a clipped horse. #### Preventing Rubs and Chafing Blankets are necessary for warmth, but they can cause rubs, particularly on the shoulders, chest or hips. Those rubs are uncomfortable and can turn into sore patches. To prevent them: - Make sure blankets fit perfectly. Too tight restricts movement, and too loose lets them shift and rub. - Use shoulder guards or chest protectors under blankets if your horse is prone to rubs. These slippery liners create a barrier between blanket and skin. - Check the areas where blankets sit regularly for irritation, hair loss or redness. Catching a problem early makes it easier to fix. - Keep blankets clean, because dirty ones can harbor bacteria, cause friction and lead to skin problems. #### Dealing with Dry Skin Clipping can leave the skin dry and flaky, or even give a horse dandruff, because hair provides natural moisture retention and a protective barrier. To fight dryness and keep the skin healthy: - Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners at bath time, and look for ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin. Consider a product like [Revive Shampoo](/product/revive-shampoorevive-shampoo/), which focuses on skin health. - Consider a leave-in conditioner or a special skin balm that goes straight onto dry patches. [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner-2/) can be used daily. - Add a good quality oil to the feed to support skin health and a shiny coat from the inside out, but always consult your vet or nutritionist first. - Make sure your horse gets good nutrition, including essential fatty acids, which are vital for healthy skin and hair. - A product like [Refresh M&T Cream](/product/refresh-maintail-cream/) is mainly for the mane and tail, but it often has properties that can soothe skin when applied sparingly to dry patches. #### Sun Protection (if applicable) A horse with a very close clip that spends time outside in sunny weather may be more susceptible to sunburn, especially one with pink skin under the coat, like white markings. Horses can get sunburned, just like people. You might need a lightweight turnout sheet with UV protection, or horse-safe sunscreen on sensitive spots such as noses, ears and thin-skinned patches, where they’re particularly vulnerable to the sun’s rays. ## Feeding and Hydration: Fueling Their Warmth A clipped horse burns more energy to stay warm because the insulating coat has gone. Slight adjustments to the diet may therefore be needed so they stay comfortable and keep their body condition, especially in colder climates. ### Keeping Them Warm from the Inside Out Talk to your vet or an equine nutritionist about raising the feed slightly, especially good quality forage like hay. Digesting fiber creates internal heat, which is excellent for keeping a clipped horse warm. Extra hay, particularly overnight, can make a big difference, since it lets them nibble and generate heat steadily. It’s like their own internal furnace working to keep them cozy. ### Fresh Water Always A clipped horse needs fresh water at all times. Hydration matters for every horse, but especially for those working and wearing blankets. Make sure your horse has constant access to fresh, clean water. Check buckets and troughs often, and make sure they haven’t frozen in winter. In colder weather, warm water can encourage them to drink more, because very cold water sometimes puts them off. Adequate water intake supports digestion and overall bodily functions. ## Exercise and Work: Adjusting the Routine After clipping, your horse’s exercise routine may need slight adjustments, mainly to keep them warm and prevent chills, particularly in colder weather or less active periods. ### Adjusting Workloads Adjust the workload because a clipped horse loses heat faster when standing still, even though clipping stops overheating during work. Warm up and cool down properly with active walking and gentle exercises. Avoid standing around in cold drafts before or after exercise, since that can lead to rapid cooling and muscle chills. If it’s very cold, consider a slightly shorter workout, or use a quarter sheet during the warm-up and cool-down phases to protect the large muscle groups. ### Protecting Them During Exercise A quarter sheet or exercise sheet is very beneficial on colder days. It keeps the large muscle groups warm while they work, especially at the beginning and end of a session when they may not be generating as much body heat. It’s like putting a light jacket on your horse, and it keeps the muscles supple and cuts the risk of getting too cold too quickly. These sheets can also absorb sweat during intense work, which makes drying easier afterward. ## Common Post-Clipping Challenges and Solutions Even with the best care, small issues can pop up after clipping. Knowing how to handle the common ones helps you keep your horse comfortable and healthy. ### Clipper Marks or Lines Faint lines or uneven patches usually grow out quickly as the hair lengthens. You can get them if the clippers weren’t held perfectly even, the horse moved suddenly or the blades were slightly dull. Don’t worry. Gentle brushing and time are the best solutions. For a temporary fix before a show or event, a quick wipe with a damp cloth or a coat shine spray can make them less noticeable by smoothing the coat down. ### Rashes or Irritation Small bumps, red patches or a rash after clipping usually mean irritation. It could come from the clippers (perhaps a blade ran a bit hot), dirty clipper blades or even a reaction to a grooming product. Clean the area gently with a mild antiseptic wash designed for horses. A soothing cream like [Repair Cream](/product/repair-cream/) can help calm the skin and promote healing. Make sure the blankets are clean and not rubbing. If the rash persists, spreads or worsens, always consult your veterinarian, as it might need specific medical attention. ### Dandruff or Dryness Flaky skin or dandruff is a common sign of dryness, and it can become more obvious after clipping. It means your horse’s skin needs more moisture, so step up your moisturizing. Use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner at bath time, such as [Revive Shampoo](/product/revive-shampoorevive-shampoo/) followed by a good conditioner. A special leave-in coat conditioning spray can also provide daily moisture. Make sure your horse gets enough healthy fats in the diet, too, as these contribute to skin and coat health from the inside out. Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils, which can lessen dryness. ## A Quick Checklist for Post-Clipping Care This handy table covers the most important steps for looking after your clipped horse. Treat it as your daily reminder to keep them feeling great. Care Area What to Do Why It’s Important Immediate Cleanup Brush or wipe away all loose hairs thoroughly. This prevents itching, irritation and discomfort from stray hairs. Skin Check Look carefully for nicks or red spots, and treat them gently if you find any. It makes sure the skin heals quickly and stays healthy, preventing infections. Blanketing Put on a suitable blanket immediately after clipping. It keeps your horse warm, because they’ve lost their natural insulation and can chill quickly. Daily Grooming Use soft brushes and wipe down regularly to remove dust and dirt. It distributes natural oils, keeps the coat clean and stimulates skin circulation. Bathing Use gentle, moisturizing shampoos ([find them here](/product-category/coat-body-care/)) and conditioners. It protects sensitive skin, adds moisture and keeps the coat shiny without stripping natural oils. Preventing Rubs Make sure blankets fit perfectly, and use shoulder guards or liners if needed. It avoids discomfort, hair loss and skin sores caused by blanket friction. Hydration & Feed Provide constant access to fresh water, and increase hay or feed if needed for warmth. It helps your horse stay warm from the inside out, supports digestion and maintains overall health. Exercise Warm up and cool down properly, and use quarter sheets in cold weather. It keeps muscles warm, prevents chills during and after work and promotes comfort. ## Long-Term Benefits of Good Care Looking after your horse well after clipping solves more than the immediate problems. It brings long-term benefits that add to their overall happiness and well-being, and it’s an investment in their health that pays off in many ways: - Happier Horse: A comfortable horse is a happy horse. When the skin is healthy and they’re warm and well cared for, they perform better and enjoy their work and turnout far more. - Healthier Skin and Coat: Regular, gentle care with suitable products keeps the skin supple and free from dryness, and the short coat shiny and strong, a sign of good health. - Prevents Issues: Proactive care cuts the chance of skin infections, dry patches, rubs and other irritations, saving you worry and possible vet bills in the long run. - Stronger Bond: The time you spend grooming, blanketing and tending to your horse’s needs builds trust and strengthens the special bond you share, so they feel loved and secure. ## The Short Version Clipping is a fantastic way to keep your horse comfortable and working well in the colder months, when they might otherwise get too hot and sweaty. The clippers are only the beginning, though. [Post-clipping care](/product-category/all-products/) keeps your horse warm, their skin healthy and happy, and them feeling their absolute best in their new, shorter coat. Follow these simple steps, from immediate cleanup and proper blanketing to diligent daily grooming and thoughtful feeding, and your clipped horse will thrive. All the specialized products you might need for good post-clipping care are available at [Piaffe.horse](/shop-2/), helping you keep your horse at their peak. Happy clipping, and even happier caretaking.