Acclimatising ticklish horse to clipping - possible?

[BeckyD]

I could really do with some guidance. I bought my horse as "good to clip" - turns out he isn't. He doesn't seem to mind the noise, but he's very ticklish and tries to bite when clipping, then started throwing himself about and trying to get away from it. In the end the vet came out to sedate and we got a neck and belly clip done before he came round.

Long term, I want to be able to clip him regularly and probably more than neck and belly. Getting the vet out every time is mighty expensive. I don't have my own clippers and had planned to always pay someone else to do it.

Is it possible to get a ticklish horse used to clippers, or will he just always be ticklish? If it is possible, I might invest in some cheap cordless clippers but I don't want to be wasting my money or time trying to acclimatise him.

Any idea whether it IS possible?

 

[Maesfen]

Anything is possible (well, nearly everything!) If you got a cheap pair of pet trimmers they'll do exactly the same job and won't be as much as something with 'horse' in the title and make a point that when you groom him, every day if possible, finish off by going over him with these clippers. They don't have to be switched on every time, just run them over him as you would a brush (in the same direction as the hair) when he's got used to that - and he will because it will be part of your regular routine and nothing to get worked up about, then you can do it again against the lay of the coat which will acclimatise him to clipping better. Don't let him mess you about, take no nonsense from him, you're not killing him; clipping is just part of life for him but you will have to put in that sort of work and time if you want a happy to be clipped horse.

 

[HenryandPeta]

Yes you can do it, it will just take time. Like MFH said, it just takes practice, and patience! It's taken me three years to be able to touch and groom Henry's ears, and he still sometimes chucks a wobbly for no reason. Just bring it into your weekly routine. I managed to touch Henrys ears by standing by him as he eats and gradually scratching his neck, poll then ears, then face etc. he's so greedy it works! perhaps you can distract your horse with food / haylage and just take it steady! Good luck, I know how frustrating it can be

 

[BeckyD]

Goodness you're very patient - three years is a long old time. Thanks for the advice. I might get some dog clippers then (as they're cheaper) and just keep on at it. Fingers crossed.

Thanks
B