Clipping a horse that's never been clipped

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blood_magik

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I have a few questions regarding clipping as I've never been in a position where I've had to clip my horse :eek:
Both of mine lived in a hot climate so never really grew a winter coat.
My oldie moved back last year and I left him with his winter woolies as we were only doing the odd show here and there.

This year, however, we will have transport
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so I was thinking of clipping him to make him look smart and also because he's started sweating when I'm riding.

So, how would you go about clipping a horse that's never been clipped?
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He was happy to let me trim the hairs around his muzzle and around his face with my mini clippers but he had been sedated about forty minutes earlier to have his teeth rasped.
I have gotten sedalin from my vet as I can't see him being too happy without it.
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Also, what design would you go for? I'm trying to aim for one he would be comfortable allowing such as a low trace?

Thanks in advance for any replies. I can offer victoria sponge that my OH sneaked into the shopping trolley
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When I clip a youngster for the first time I spend a bit of time with them for a few days before, running the clippers over them while off, running the motor while I groom them (without touching them with it) and finally touching them with the running motor but not actually clipping. Each stage should finish with a big fuss if they've been good.

When you actually clip them, make sure they are clean and dry so its easier and comfier for them. Have someone hold them, and we use lickits as a bribe! Its the only time we use them - for new/stressful situations! Don't let the clippers get hot, and be as quick as you can.

I'd do a bib clip first. I tend to build up the clip each time - bib, trace, blanket..

Finally, your post came across as if you're expecting a fuss from him - don't! Go in as though he will be good.x
 
He's a bit of a stress-head :rolleyes:
I've done the "look at the clippers", "listen to them" stuff - but i'll do it again once I get a bigger pair.
I've never actually clipped before - is it worth getting someone else to do him while I watch or is it best to crack on under supervision?
Thanks :D
 
I normally let them get used to the clippers by clipping another horse in front of them, or like Honey08. Then I just get on with it, tbh. The tricky ones I don't tie up, use cordless clippers in a largish space and clip ''on the move''. I rarely sedate, but if I do, I give them plenty of sedalin and whip the lot of :D
For a first go at clipping I would ask somebody if they would let you try on their good to clip horse and have a pro clip yours, this way both of you should get an easy, stress free experience and the desired results... although the good to clip horse might not look that smart afterwards :D :p
 
martlin said:
I normally let them get used to the clippers by clipping another horse in front of them, or like Honey08. Then I just get on with it, tbh. The tricky ones I don't tie up, use cordless clippers in a largish space and clip ''on the move''. I rarely sedate, but if I do, I give them plenty of sedalin and whip the lot of :D
For a first go at clipping I would ask somebody if they would let you try on their good to clip horse and have a pro clip yours, this way both of you should get an easy, stress free experience and the desired results... although the good to clip horse might not look that smart afterwards :D :p
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ha - can't see anyone letting my loose with the clippers on their horse :D
I should have practiced on the dog when we still had him :rolleyes:

Anyone near glasgow want to come clip my muppet of a horse? :D
 
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