Getting Ready to Clip

Preparing for a Clip: How to Get Your Horse Ready for a Smooth Trim

Clipping is a big job, and anyone who has done one knows it. Running clippers over a coat is the easy bit. The real craft sits in everything you do before the motor starts, and it takes a bit of art and a bit of science. You wouldn’t begin a school project until the pencils, paper and ideas were laid out in front of you, and a clip deserves exactly the same groundwork.

Below, we walk through getting your horse, yourself and your equipment ready for a clip that goes well. Nothing here assumes you’ve done it before, so beginners can follow along. The aim is simple: an even, tidy finish, a comfortable horse and clippers that run the way they should.

Why Do We Clip Horses? It’s About More Than a Haircut

We clip because a thick winter coat, wonderful as it is for staying warm, causes real trouble for horses that work. Here is where it goes wrong:

Sweating: A horse in hard work, whether riding, jumping or training, can end up drenched under a heavy coat. Picture sprinting around in a big, bulky winter parka.
Drying Time: A sweaty horse in a thick coat takes ages to dry, and standing wet for too long leaves them cold and fed up.
Comfort: A clipped horse is usually more comfortable during exercise, because the missing hair lets them regulate their body temperature better.
Cleanliness: Short hair is easier to clean and keep tidy, and mud and dirt cling to it far less.
Health: Thick hair that stays damp can lead to skin problems in some horses.

Clipping keeps active horses comfortable, clean and healthy through the colder months. They can work without overheating and dry quickly afterward.

The Golden Rule: Why Preparation Matters So Much

Preparation matters because it decides how safe, tidy and calm the whole clip turns out. Grabbing the clippers and starting straight away is like baking a cake without measuring the ingredients, and it probably won’t turn out well. Good preparation gives you four things:

Safety First: This protects you and your horse. Clippers are powerful tools, and a calm, prepared horse makes the job far safer.
A Beautiful Clip: A choppy, uneven clip pleases nobody. Proper preparation gives you a smooth, even finish.
Happy Clippers: Dirt, grit and tangled hair are the enemies of clippers. A clean horse lets your clippers work better and last longer, and the blades stay sharper too.
A Comfortable Horse: A horse that is prepared, clean and used to the clippers is much happier through the whole process.

Here is how to get that preparation right.

When Is the Best Time to Clip? Choosing Your Window

Most clipping starts in autumn, once the winter coat comes in, and carries on through the colder months. The exact timing depends on a few things:

Your Horse’s Activity: A horse that is ridden often and works up a sweat may need clipping earlier in the season.
The Weather: Don’t clip too early while it’s still warm, because your horse could get cold when the weather suddenly drops. Skip very cold or windy days as well.
How Fast Hair Grows: Some horses regrow hair faster than others, so you may need to clip every few weeks or once a month.
Your Horse’s Health: Always check that your horse feels well. A horse that is unwell or stressed shouldn’t be clipped.

No single “best day” suits everyone. As a rule, once the days turn shorter and colder and your horse starts sweating during exercise, it’s time to start thinking about a clip.

Choosing the Right Clip: Different Styles for Different Needs

The right clip depends on how much work your horse does and how much hair has to come off to keep them comfortable. Horses get a choice of styles, much as people choose between haircuts.

The Most Common Types of Clip

Full Clip: A full clip takes almost all the hair off the body, legs and head. It’s usually for horses in very hard work or competition, since they get very hot. These horses need heavy rugs to stay warm.
Hunter Clip: A hunter clip is similar to a full clip, but it leaves hair on the legs and a saddle patch, the area where the saddle sits. The legs stay protected from mud and scratches, and the back from saddle rubs. It suits active horses that also go out in the field.
Blanket Clip: This clip removes hair from the neck, shoulders, belly and flanks. It leaves a “blanket” of hair over the back and loins, plus the legs. It’s a good choice for horses in moderate work, because key muscle groups stay warm while the other areas cool.
Trace Clip: The trace clip is very popular for horses in light to medium work. It takes hair off the areas that sweat most, such as under the neck, chest and belly, usually in a line (the “trace”) up the side of the body. Trace clips come in different levels, from a low trace (just the belly and lower neck) to a high trace with more hair removed. The horse stays warm and the sweat can still evaporate.
Bib Clip / Neck and Belly Clip: This is the lightest clip. It removes hair from just the underside of the neck and chest, and sometimes a small area under the belly. It’s perfect for horses in light work, or those that only get a little sweaty on the chest.

Each clip has a purpose. Weigh up your horse’s workload and how much they sweat, and the choice gets much easier.

This table puts the options side by side.

Clip Type	Hair Removed	Best For
Full Clip	It removes almost all the hair from the body, legs and head.	It suits horses in very hard work or competition, and those that sweat a lot. The horse needs heavy rugging afterward.
Hunter Clip	It removes all the hair except on the legs and saddle patch.	It works for active horses in moderate to hard work, and it protects the legs and back.
Blanket Clip	It clears the neck, shoulders, belly and flanks, and leaves a “blanket” on the back and loins, plus the legs.	It suits horses in light to moderate work and keeps warmth over the vital organs.
Trace Clip	It clears the areas that sweat most: under the neck, chest and belly, and sometimes up the side.	It suits horses in light to medium work, letting them cool while the main body stays warm.
Bib Clip	It clears the underside of the neck and chest, and sometimes a small belly patch.	It suits horses in very light work, or those that sweat only a little at the front.

Getting Your Horse Ready: The Step That Matters Most

Getting your horse ready is the step that matters most. You now know why and when to clip, and which clip you want, so this is where the real work starts and where clipping becomes easy and safe for everyone.

1. A Spotless Horse Makes a Happy Clipper: The Power of Cleaning

A clean coat matters because dirt dulls clipper blades fast. Try cutting paper with sticky, blunt scissors and you’ll see why. Grease, sweat and even fine dust on the coat wear the blades down quickly, so the clippers pull the hair, make your horse uncomfortable and leave an uneven finish. They can damage expensive clippers too.

The golden rule of clip preparation is simple: your horse must be sparkling clean and completely dry.

How to Get Your Horse Squeaky Clean

Groom First: Groom thoroughly before any water comes out. Use a curry comb to loosen dirt and old hair, then follow with a stiff brush and a soft brush. Take off as much loose hair and mud as you can.
Warm Water Wash: A full body wash with warm water is ideal on a mild day. Use a good horse shampoo made for deep cleaning. For a shiny, healthy coat, try a specialized shampoo such as Reluxe Main & Tail Shampoo or Reluminate Shampoo. A horse with sensitive skin may do well with a gentle option like Revive Shampoo. For horses that tend toward oiliness, or need extra defense, Repel Oil Shampoo is a solid choice.
Lather and Rinse: Work the shampoo into a good lather all over the body, paying extra attention to sweaty or muddy areas such as the chest, flanks and belly. Rinsing matters most, so rinse, rinse, rinse! Every last bubble has to go, because leftover shampoo irritates the skin and leaves the coat sticky.
Conditioning (Optional but Recommended): After rinsing, a good conditioner or a spray like Release Spray Conditioner or Release Spray Conditioner (the same product under two listings) keeps the coat soft, smooth and easier to clip. For manes and tails, a cream like Refresh Main & Tail Cream can do wonders.
Drying, Drying, Drying: Drying is crucial, and your horse must be completely dry before the clippers come out. Scrape off the excess water with a sweat scraper, then rub hard with clean towels. A wicking rug (cooler rug) helps draw moisture away, and a solarium, if you have access to one, is fantastic. After that, give your horse plenty of time to dry naturally in a warm, sheltered stable. A damp coat makes clipping impossible and can damage your blades.

2. Practice Makes Perfect: Getting Your Horse Used to the Clippers

Practice before clipping day makes the whole job calmer. Plenty of horses dislike the sound and vibration of clippers, which are a new and sometimes scary experience. Getting your horse used to them before the day is the best way to keep stress down.

Start Slowly: Well before you plan to clip, let your horse see and sniff the clippers, switched off, of course.
Sound First: Switch the clippers on in another room, or far away, so your horse hears the noise without feeling any vibration. Over several days, bring them gradually closer.
Feel the Buzz: Once the sound no longer bothers your horse, turn the clippers on and hold them near the shoulder. Then touch them gently to a less sensitive spot, such as the shoulder or neck, for just a second. If your horse accepts that, take them away.
Positive Reinforcement: Use a calm voice and gentle strokes, and give treats or praise when your horse behaves well. Never force a horse that is truly scared. Take a break and try again later.
Mimic the Motion: Even without clipping, run the switched-off clippers along the body the way you would during a clip, so your horse gets used to the sensation.

Be patient. A few short, positive sessions beat one long, frightening one.

3. Pre-Clip Comfort: Keeping Your Horse Warm

Keep your horse warm before and during the clip, because clipping removes their natural insulation. A horse that is already a bit chilly may tense up, and that makes the job harder. If needed, keep them in a stable with a light rug until you begin.

Assembling Your Clipping Toolkit: Everything You Need

Gather every tool before you think about switching on the clippers. Having everything organized saves time and stress.

1. The Clippers Themselves: Your Main Tool

Choose the Right Type: Pick clippers that suit the job. Heavy-duty clippers are for full body clips, while smaller trimmers are great for faces, ears and tidy-ups.
Check Functionality: Test your clippers beforehand so you know they work perfectly.
Power Source: Make sure you have a safe, easily reached power outlet, plus an extension cord if needed. Battery-operated clippers need a full charge.

2. Sharp Blades Are Non-Negotiable

Sharpness Matters: Dull blades pull hair, cause discomfort and leave track marks, so always start with freshly sharpened blades.
Spare Set: A spare set of sharp blades is a lifesaver. Blades can go dull surprisingly quickly, especially on a very thick or slightly dirty coat.

3. Lubrication and Cooling for Clippers

Clipper Oil: You need proper clipper oil to keep the blades running smoothly. Oiling every 5-10 minutes during clipping is vital.
Clipper Coolant Spray: Clippers and blades get hot, which is uncomfortable for your horse and can damage the blades. A coolant spray brings the temperature down quickly.

4. Grooming Essentials, Once More

Curry Comb, Stiff Brush, Soft Brush: You’ll want these for a final quick brush before you start.
Dandy Brush: It’s handy for flicking off loose hairs during the clip.
Hoof Pick: For safety, make sure your horse’s feet are clean and clear.
Clean Cloths/Towels: Keep them for wiping off excess oil, cleaning blades and tidying up.

5. Safety and Comfort Gear

Headcollar and Lead Rope: These are essential for handling and securing your horse safely.
Protective Rug: For a partial clip such as a trace or blanket, a light rug helps keep the unclipped areas warm.
First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, so keep a basic horse first aid kit (antiseptic, bandages) and a human one handy.
Good Lighting: Bright, even light lets you see what you’re doing and avoid missed patches.
Non-Slip Mat: If you’re clipping on concrete, a rubber mat makes your horse more comfortable and less likely to slip.
Your Own Gear: Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting hairy, and maybe a hat to keep the clippings out of your own hair.

6. Post-Clipping Care Supplies

Clean Rugs: Have a selection of clean, dry rugs ready for afterward, since your horse loses a lot of natural warmth. A stable rug and a cooler rug are good options.
Skin Soothing Cream: Clipping can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. A cream like Repair Cream or other products from our Specialized Care & Protection range can be very helpful for soothing and healing.
Deep Cleaning Shampoo (Optional): If you want to give your horse another quick wash after the clip to remove any remaining loose hairs and skin flakes, have a gentle shampoo ready.

The Clipping Environment: Setting the Scene for Success

Where you clip matters almost as much as how you clip. A calm, safe, well-organized space makes a huge difference.

Quiet and Calm: Choose a time and place where noise, other horses and distractions won’t disturb your horse. A quiet stable aisle or a wash bay can work well.
Good Lighting: Good light is essential, as mentioned. Natural daylight is great, but add bright, shadow-free artificial lights if needed.
Clean and Tidy: Keep the area clean, clear of clutter and well swept. You don’t want to trip over anything or drop your clippers on a dirty floor.
Access to Power: Make sure the power source is safe, dry and away from where your horse might step on it.

A Quick Look at the Clipping Process (and How Preparation Shapes It)

This article is about preparation, but it helps to see briefly how your prep shapes the clipping itself.

You’ve prepared well, so your horse is clean, calm and used to the clippers. That means:

The clippers glide through the hair, since there’s no dirt to snag the blades.
Your blades stay sharp for longer and give an even finish without lines or tracks.
Your horse stands more relaxed, so it’s easier to hold the skin taut, which matters for a good clip, and to work in sensitive areas like the face or legs.
You don’t have to keep stopping to clean or cool the blades, so the whole job goes quicker and with less stress.

Always clip against the direction of hair growth, use long, even strokes and take breaks, for your horse and for yourself. Watch your horse’s comfort and the temperature of your clipper blades.

After the Clip: Care and Comfort

Your job isn’t finished when the last hair falls. Post-clipping care keeps your horse comfortable and healthy.

Rugging Up: Your horse has just lost their natural winter coat and will get cold quickly, so put an appropriate rug on immediately. Start with a cooler rug if they’re a little damp, then switch to a warmer stable rug. If they’re going out in the field, you might even need a medium or heavy-weight turnout rug.
Skin Care: Check the skin for rubs, nicks or irritation, especially in sensitive areas like behind the elbows or on the stifles. A soothing cream like Repair Cream can go on any irritated spots. For general skin health, and to keep the new coat healthy, explore our Specialized Care & Protection or Coat & Body Care ranges.
Clipper Care: Don’t forget your clippers. Clean them thoroughly and remove all hair. Disinfect the blades if necessary, oil them well and store them in their case somewhere dry, ready for next time. If you used dull blades, send them off for sharpening right away.

Summary: A Well-Prepared Clip Is a Happy Clip

Clipping doesn’t have to be daunting. Take the time to prepare properly, with a spotless, calm horse, ready equipment and a safe environment, and you set yourself up for success.

Good preparation means:

Everyone has a safer experience.
The clip comes out smooth, even and professional-looking.
Your clippers and blades last longer and perform better.
Your horse stays much happier and more comfortable throughout.

Treat preparation as an investment. The little extra time beforehand saves you plenty of hassle and stress during and after the clip, and a happy, well-clipped horse is a joy to see.

Our full range, from shampoos and conditioners to specialized treatments, is at Piaffe Horse Shop. Whether you’re preparing for a clip or maintaining the coat all year round, you’ll find what keeps your horse looking and feeling their best. The All Products section shows the rest.