attemping my first clip tomorrow..

Plug in clippers, oil and adjust blades, switch on;) Start on the shoulder, it is usually the easiest place then depending on the clip either do your lines if trace, chaser etc and fill in or if taking it all off just keep going.

Keep your movement constant, try to overlap each sweep to stop lines forming, oil regularly, give clippers a chance to cool if they get hot. I do the main areas then have a check on lines, cool the clippers and finish by doing elbows with help if you can get someone to pull the leg forward and then the head if it is being done.
 
be positive said:
Plug in clippers, oil and adjust blades, switch on;) Start on the shoulder, it is usually the easiest place then depending on the clip either do your lines if trace, chaser etc and fill in or if taking it all off just keep going.

Keep your movement constant, try to overlap each sweep to stop lines forming, oil regularly, give clippers a chance to cool if they get hot. I do the main areas then have a check on lines, cool the clippers and finish by doing elbows with help if you can get someone to pull the leg forward and then the head if it is being done.
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smarty pants! haha! thank you :) ill probs make a total a**e of it but as long as i dont clip in a hole in his skin it'll be fine!
 
Has the horse been clipped before? If not I would be planning to desensitise before attempting to clip so check you can run them everywhere you intend to clip before you start. I "draw" the lines by running my finger through the coat the wrong way.

Use string to measure from the spine on each side to check its the same height both sides.
 
Good luck! It will take an hour more than you have factored for......you do need to oil your clippers at least every 20 mins (the experts will advise 10 mins) I use that cooling down period to use my hand held trimmers to do the really ticklish bits - stifle / head.
Be prepared to take the whole lot off - if it is your first time, because getting the lines right are a nightmare - but you will have to get the legs right - unless you clip them as well - though I find legs easy - just follow the line of the muscle......
Hope it goes OK - do let us know how you get on. x
 
Wear overalls or nylon anorak & over trousers when you clip so the hair doesn't stick to you. You may need to have a mask as fine hair gets everywhere.

Before you start to clip, as you are new to it, plait the tail & put the mane into bunches to keep it out of the way of the clipper blades as you don't want any accidents? Also the mane will be out of the way when you run the clippers up the neck towards the hair line.

Adjust the blades properly, keep them well oiled & give yourself some regular breaks in clipping to allow the blades to cool down.
 
If you want lines could always use a permanent marker and draw out the clip first? I do it so I can get it straight and then it will come off really easily - quick flick over with a dandy brush on unclipped bits and a rug on for the day and its gone! At least that's what I find on my chestnut boy - doesn't smudge like chalk or clog up blades like saddle soap!
 
To add-on make sure horse clean first. If too cold/hairy to bath, hot towel thoroughly after grooming to get rid of grease. Tail bandage is quicker than plaiting. Use masking tape to mark lines, & clip a few inches above them, then carefully neaten off when you've familiarised yourself. The longer the strokes you take, the neater & quicker it is. And if it takes you ages & you & horse are getting bored, leave it & finish tomorrow. Good luck!
 
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