Clipper advice

[IsabelleJ]

I have decided to learn to clip my (very hairy at the moment!) horse myself, and was wondering if I could pick your brains for some advice.

I am looking for a good quality pair of clippers that will probably be used to clip 3 horses at most, let's say 3 times a year. As I'm a newbie, I'd prefer something that was relatively easy to use. The horse in question is a Shire/TB and has native very thick hair.

Also, are there any websites that have a sort of beginners guide to clipping? The Peasridge site has been very helpful, and I will have a friend to help me out, but I like reading up on these things

Thanks a lot in advance!

Isabelle

 

[Foxglove]

My first set of clippers was Liveryman Arenas, they weigh about a kilo. They lasted 10 years before I replaced them and were very good to learn with. They were easy to use, not too heavy or loud.

I think they are competitively priced too.

Cippersharp are very good to talk to and should give you more advice on the different makes.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I was going to do the same as you, clip 3 horses 2/3 times a year. There are so many different makes & models on the market but eventually I decided on a pair that several friends had had for many years without having any problems. So I bought a set of Wolseley Swift clippers. They came in a case with oil, a set of A2 blades, cleaning brush etc. I actually bought a set of A2F blades extra as I wanted a closer cut. (They are the type that vets use to clip out to get a good look at injuries so they cut close)

I've had my clippers about 6 years & they are still going well. They give a good cut, blades are easy to get hold off & they are a set that is easily to get serviced.

http://www.maccvets.co.uk/fact_sheets/fact_sheets_equine_clipping.htm

 

[BigRed]

One important factor, is that if you are clipping very hairy horses with heavy coats, you will need good clippers and coarse blades. Medium Blades will have to work very hard on thick coats. I have a TB and a Shetland to clip, so I have two sets of blades, one for each animal. The Shetland has a double coat and it is very hard going. I have Liveryman clippers, they are good, but always make sure to keep the blades sharp !

 

[KatB]

I love my Heiniger Progress clippers, they are light and quiet and powerful. My original pair got nicked, and I didnt hesitate to go and buy a new pair of the same. I have clipped upto 4 horses in a day with them

 

[TheEngineer]

I would follow up the recommendation for the Wolseley Swift, perhaps with a set of A6 blades for wooly coats and a set of A2 blades for finer finish. They are a very reliable machine and I service them on a regular basis. They come in an easy clean case with oil/brush etc and would probably be ideal for your needs.

Regards

Ian (The Engineer)