Are you considering clipping your horse yourself or book an appointment with a great equine clipper? Remember these tips to ensure you and your horse have a successful session.
Part 1 THE HORSE
Ask yourself, what is your horse's demeanor around noises? Are they generally excited? If so take an extra step in your preparation of simply desensitizing your horse to the noise and vibration of your clippers. You may ask how can I do that without the actual clippers?
Use an old electric toothbrush to simulate the vibration and noise that is similar to truly quiet clippers.
Use a small trimmer that is much smaller and quite than your actual clippers. (Trimmers: Legs and face; light work. Clippers: Body, thick coats; heavy work)
Touch your horse all over. Make sure your horse can even be touched in areas such as their belly, ears, legs, hind quarter and face. This will help guage where your desensitizing should start. Just don't forget to use caution for the unexpected.
Another consideration is to have your horse free of all debri. That means a thorough bath or grooming all the way to the skin. Many professional clippers will not touch a horse that hasn't been groomed. Why is that?
Due to the fact that the dirt and debri will cause clippers to break down, leading to being sent out for repairs and inconvenient wait times for their other clients.
Not to mention it will make your horse more uncomfortable while waiting for the clippers to cool down and be cleaned.
The clippers will also pull at the horse's skin when the dirt and hair catches in the clipper blade making the horse that much more uncomfortable
When all else fails sometimes its more kind to call the vet and ask about a prescription sedative. Just remember these precautions.
Use caution. They can still act out undersedation, more often when their adrenaline is high. Usually when given the moment to relax they will go back into their droopy lip state.
Use caution in tying your horse. Using a quick release Knott and tying to a immobile object such as a designated tying post, hitching rail, or if you want use a tie ring. Just make sure you can release the horse without being within the distance of flailing hooves or pinned by a wall. Sometimes its better to ask a friend to hold your horse.
Part 2 YOURSELF
I know, rarely we think about ourselves when talking horse's. But in this case what do you yourself need to do in preparation?
Make sure to wear fur repellent clothing. Rain jackets are awesome for this or they make actual clothing for groomers.
Closed toed shoes. Everyone knows but we all get comfortable in our own barn. Better safe than sorry. Plus sand in your toes is absolutely better than fur in your toes!
Do not let your guard down. With most clippers you cannot hear around you. If something comes out of no where..(like the pesky leaf monster) be ready to spring out of the way.
Part 3 YOUR EQUIPMENT
Many clippers and trimmers come ready to use. Some require pre use maintenance.
Read your clipper or trimmer manual on pre use instructions.
Make sure you know what size blades you are using. Nothing worse than a horse getting clipped way too short and just before a show or event. Plus they will be more prone to sun burn and insects.
Have plenty of lubricant ready and have the correct type. Some lubricants can ruin the motor of some clippers.
Invest in cooling spray! When properly used it helps cool down blades and make clipping more enjoyable for you and your horse.
Make sure to have a brush to brush off your clippers of hairs.
Now go and get started on your clipping journey!
Or give us a call and simplify the process with our clipping services.