Advice Needed- Clipping my Pony for the First Time!

Tinsel Trouble

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I need some advice- I am looking at clipping my pony for the first time- ever!
I am not doing it- I am having someone in to do it but I need some advise on sedatives or relaxation/ meditation/ yoga for horses!

My pony (Welsh D v. v. stubborn) can be sensitive about e.g. he does not like the dandy brush because it is harsher than the body brush, he doesn't like his legs being touched...

We are aiming for a trace, but we're starting with a bib incase it all goes wrong (I am also preparing myself to have 1 side clipped and the other not!)

I would like some advise on sedation- my mind is torn on the subject. I do not like the idea of sedating him because it feels very untrusting of him. However I know how difficult and bargy he can be and I do not want someone else to get hurt, or for him to not enjoy the experiance by getting himself nicked by the clippers.

Would people recommend ACP? He has been beaten around the head (complete with hammer blow in his forehead) so I do not want to twitch him.
I understand ACP it has to be given 2 hours before the clipping, and he will be fully aware of his surroundings, he just won't be inclined to do anything about the clipping- but there are side effects. Does anyone have anyother tips? Does bribery work to distract them? or a hay net? Do horses like the feeling of being clipped, or do they have to get used to it? Or do you think I should speak to the person clipping him to see what they think and are prepared to work with/ around?

Sorry this has taken so long, but I would really appreciate the help because I have no experiance of clipping.

Kind Regards,

Milla
 
I have just clipped my 6yr old for the 1st time, altho she is a chilled out cookie!!

I started a few days before by having my clippers near her & progressed to having them touching her (all without blades) so she can get used to the vibration.

Then I had a helper to hold her & whisper nice things to her while I took off a little bit from under her neck (bib syt-le) then after a couple of days I took off a bit more.

She now is sporting a very smart blanket clip complete with half head (to the cheek piece).

A bit long winded but at least she has not been frightened or pinned down.
 
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