Clipping difficult horse,tips please!!

[devonlass]

I have a welsh cob who really dislikes clippers,particularly the noise.

He is not scared (have even had his heart rate checked by vet when doing it to be sure!!),he just seems to be making a drama about it.

I should add that generally he is a rude and bolshy git on the ground,but an angel to ride luckily for him ;-)
I have had him about 18 months and he is a lot better than he used to be manners wise to be fair,but his default setting with anything he doesn't like is to be bargy and use his weight to get his own way.He is never nasty with it,but is quite difficult to manage,and will happily crush and squish whoever is on the way!!

Last year I had 4 people (inc 2 vets) and 3 lot's of IV sedation just to do a low trace clip (and i clip fairly quickly,he just fights the sedation and is under for only a few minutes each time is topped up),but not willing to do that this year as cost was ridiculous.

I have today managed to clip most of a very low trace clip,with just me and no sedatinly possible due to some strange methods involving battery toothbrushes and de sensitising,and some nimble footwork and sheer luck on my part dodging out the way to avoid being crushed several times!! He is sort of ok with his backend and belly but towards his neck he goes back to wide eyed drama queen *rolls eyes*
Consequently I have only gone across the shoulder and chest in a straight line if that makes sense.I really cannot see me being able to do up his neck at all,will a clip without doing the neck look ridiculous?? Will it still serve a purpose leaving the neck on??

Any tips for clipping a difficult horse,but not one that's scared or anxious,just acts like he is?? Or even better any success stories to inspire me??
Any ideas for getting him to ok with having his neck done??

Have tried so far- Ear plugs,having loud radio on,bribing with food,clicker training,pinning him down with brute force (limited effect as he is stronger than people and he knows it),twitching has some effect but not enough usually and eventually he just decides he's had enough and barges right through anyone and everyone.
Did consider sedating him with gel stuff,but as he doesn't respond to sedation generally hardly seems worth it,and no chance of getting it under his tongue as is difficult with anything like that,worming him even is a nightmare.

So far taking the time and doing it properly de-sensitising has had the most effect,but even this is not a total solution as today has proved,and is still on his terms and when it suits him.I think the problem is that he's not scared or has 'issues' as such,he's just a grumpy,opinionated git who likes to throw his toys out the pram occasionally.

I am trying to remember what a success it is to have 'almost' clipped him today,but am more feeling plain frustrated that he wouldn't let me finish it!!

 

[RubysGold]

I'm no expert but could you try cross tying him? Just to give you the space to be safe?
i think you should be proud of what you achieved without the sedation this time and just keep working on it

 

[MiniMilton]

When I was trying to teach mine to clip without sedation I just took the clippers out every day. Before tacking him up every day I plugged them in. (Walking towards his stable door he was on the defensive) Progressing to resting the clippers on his shoulder. Then taking small bit off here and there. He eventually got so bored with the routine that he gave in. Now he's a saint (apart from his ears) Horses usually only see the clippers a few times a year and we expect the horses to stand quietly while we take off the whole lot.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Have a look at Michael Peace's website, he gives a lot of practical ideas for difficult-to-clip horses.

Think you need to do a bit of work on de-sensitising yours before you even think about clipping....... as "minimilton" has said above basically.

Its about getting him used to the clippers WITHOUT actually clipping him; i.e. you could get the clippers out and turn them on every day whilst he's eating, so he learns to associate them with something good. And take it slowly, "rewarding" him for being a good boy about it by switching the clippers off, and each time doing a bit more. TBH whilst I can see that you want to get the job done and this is why you're using sedation, I think you'll have to try and do something differently as he's obviously got more and more difficult about it as time has gone on. Which is why I suggest Michael Peace's website. OR there may be an Intelligent Horsemanship practitioner in your area who'd have the right approach for this sort of thing.

Also.......... sorry to be obvious, but I'd get your clippers thoroughly checked over and blades re-sharpened, worth double-checking as it just could be that he's been nicked/burnt at some stage and he's saying "no" because of that.

 

[chocolategirl]

I bought the Michael Peace video and took my tips from there. Desensitisation worked well for mine and also not clipping in the stable. I took her out onto the yard, as it's not concrete, and followed her around in a circle with the clippers, every time she stopped I turned them off as a reward for her standing still. If you leave them running at every opportunity you can, eventually the noise just becomes 'white' to them. Patience in buckets is required but 3 years and my mare now stands resting a leg while I clip her as opposed to trying to end my life!!! Good luck and keep at it, it sounds like it's already working!

 

[holeymoley]

When I first introduced my boy to clippers at 3/4 we used a men's shaver , first sat in the stable so he could hear the noise. Then we would run it over his body and then turn it on over his body. I think actually from then I bought a pair of trimmers and done the likes of his chin and legs as he was shown trimmed at this point. The clippers then made an appearance in the same way as the shaver and obviously they are louder. Even at the age of 11 now, from one year to the next I do the same - rubbing over him first then turn on, and he still jumps when they turn on!, then as soon as you actually get on with it he's fine. More scared of the wire !

 

[devonlass]

I'm no expert but could you try cross tying him? Just to give you the space to be safe?
i think you should be proud of what you achieved without the sedation this time and just keep working on it

Thank you

I would love to cross tie him,as i know partly he is being ignorant because he can,if i took away the option he would probably give in and not bother but sadly I don't have stables or anywhere similar that would be suitable for cross tying.

I am trying very hard to focus on the progress we have made,considering 3 weeks ago couldn't get within 10 feet of him with clippers turned on,to have done 90% of a clip on him is really quite remarkable,just so frustrating to be so near and yet so far and that he is so awkward for no reason at all!!

When I was trying to teach mine to clip without sedation I just took the clippers out every day.
He eventually got so bored with the routine that he gave in. Horses usually only see the clippers a few times a year and we expect the horses to stand quietly while we take off the whole lot.

I have been doing the same for a little while but using an electric toothbrush,and he has got used to the noise very quickly really,it helps that he isn't really that worried to begin with just likes to act like he is *rolls eyes*.
He also loses interest and gives in when it suits,when he was more interested in his hay net yesterday (left him a while to get hungry),he practically ignored me doing his backend,up as far as the shoulder,but then when he decides he's had enough or just because (who knows how his mind works!!) he then reverts to ignorant impossible pig of a cob and won't even tolerate being near me when they're on.

I understand they only see them occasionally,and I wouldn't even mind if he was worried by them,had a bad experience etc,but he isn't!! He is just difficult for the sake of being difficult and that is something I just don't know how to get around??

Think you need to do a bit of work on de-sensitising yours before you even think about clipping....... as "minimilton" has said above basically.

Its about getting him used to the clippers WITHOUT actually clipping him; i.e. you could get the clippers out and turn them on every day whilst he's eating, so he learns to associate them with something good. And take it slowly, "rewarding" him for being a good boy about it by switching the clippers off, and each time doing a bit more. TBH whilst I can see that you want to get the job done and this is why you're using sedation, I think you'll have to try and do something differently as he's obviously got more and more difficult about it as time has gone on.

Also.......... sorry to be obvious, but I'd get your clippers thoroughly checked over and blades re-sharpened, worth double-checking as it just could be that he's been nicked/burnt at some stage and he's saying "no" because of that.

I have been de-sensitising him as mentioned in post.I started putting an electric toothbrush by his feedbucket and going on from there.I also did manage to complete most of a low trace clip yesterday,just me no help and certainly no sedation so is not like we haven't made any progress,and don't see how that counts as getting more and more difficult?? He's definitely got better since last year,but he's still a PITA when it suits him and for no reason at all.

I have only used sedation once BTW,and that was last year because I actually didn't know he wasn't good to clip (had only had him few months and he very sensible and bombproof generally so assumed he would be fine,my mistake!!) until he really needed doing,so was just what was quickest and easiest,although turned out not be so easy and blimmin expensive!!

I mentioned all the things I have tried just to save people suggesting things i have already had a go at,rather than in the sense of implying had tried everything and he's still getting worse.Sorry if not clear from how I wrote it

Nothing wrong with my clippers did my other one just couple days before.I actually have two sets,my OH bless him actually bought me some moser avalons just because they're quiet and hoped cob might object less,which he did to be fair,just not less enough!!

If you leave them running at every opportunity you can, eventually the noise just becomes 'white' to them. Patience in buckets is required but 3 years and my mare now stands resting a leg while I clip her as opposed to trying to end my life!!! Good luck and keep at it, it sounds like it's already working!

Thank you

This is my hope to be honest,just to make them so ordinary and routine he get's fed up objecting.He's just so difficult because it's not like he's scared of them,just likes to make his opinions clear on things he doesn't like.If I could make it so he *couldn't* object or it was a lot of effort on his part to object then am almost certain he wouldn't bother and would lose interest,he just does it because he can and because he's a rude pig of a horse on the ground when it suits!!
I still think patience is the key like you say though,but in his case patience to wear him down and make it hard for him rather than to get him over any fears.

When I first introduced my boy to clippers at 3/4 we used a men's shaver , first sat in the stable so he could hear the noise. I think actually from then I bought a pair of trimmers and done the likes of his chin and legs as he was shown trimmed at this point.
More scared of the wire !

OH was reluctant to let me use his shaver for some reason Hence the electric toothbrush,which did work well have to say.
I am wondering about a pair of trimmers as if he doesn't hear them he doesn't take a lot of notice of what I'm doing (too lazy to make an effort to check for no reason!!),maybe could at least use them for the bits he's more bothered about and for tidying up once he decides he's had enough and starts being awkward.
No wires thank goodness,both pairs are cordless,not that he would be scared if there were,not scared of much TBH,just opinionated and likes to throw his weight around,typical cob!!

Thank you all for the thoughts,guess it's just a case of keeping at it until he get's fed up objecting or squashes me and clippers beyond repair!!
The irony is my other one is very flighty and spooky,had done nothing when i got him,and have spent years getting him over his dramas and sensitivities.He is an angel to clip and to do most things with now,so am no stranger to sorting out issues and persevering,but this bl**dy cob is really testing my patience!!

As he's not scared I am at a bit of a loss in regards to the usual approaches,hard to get a horse over an issue it doesn't actually have!!

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Have him stand near another while its being clipped to get him used to it


or if all else fails

Sedaline or the vet to sedate is my way to go, my boy is new to clipping and I don't want injury to me or him.

Sedaline is good as you can gradually reduce the amount each time to get him used to it..

 

[NariNags]

For my Idiot I found a lunge line and not giving in worked, Funnily enough it is not the noise but the action of the clippers I think he expects an injection. A couple of days before I groomed him outside with the clippers running then walked him around getting closer and close till I had achieved baby steps (like not running away lashing out or shaking)
Then yesterday I spent 2 hours clipping him and It went like this, attach horse to lunge line hang hay net in yard and have a handy licket ready, armed with clippers and a dandy brush turn on clippers cue big oaf snorting and trying to run off like yours he's a bolshie git (hence the lunge line as he cant escape) horse then walks in circles whilst clippers are on and i'm brushing him with free hand (lunge line and clippers in far hand) when halts to voice licket and move closer rinse and repeat till he sniffs clippers any pulling away or oafish behaviour back on a circle away from me ( and he was a idiot at times testing boundaries went up once and tried tanking ) From then I moved to brushing him with he clippers on the brush then resting the clippers on him cue more idiot behaviour this time turning his feet around me with the clippers still on his neck then when still clipping him big praise \( I'm sure that I would be locked up if anyone walked passed) then turning on and off the clippers not standing still means more moving where I wanted him to then did the other side which was obviously going to eat him so went back to stage one again then finished him off. Hes a funny one as he was fine with me clipping his face but neck shoulder nope.
Nari

 

[devonlass]

Have him stand near another while its being clipped to get him used to it


or if all else fails

Sedaline or the vet to sedate is my way to go, my boy is new to clipping and I don't want injury to me or him.

Sedaline is good as you can gradually reduce the amount each time to get him used to it..

Funny enough he was stood next to my other one just two days before while I fully clipped him.Was looking a bit wary every now and again but not too bothered.I did take it as a good sign,which I suppose it was mostly.

I have been wondering about something like sedalin (think it's called domosedan or similar??),just not sure would have enough effect depending on his mood as generally he fights any form of sedation,also think it has to be administered under the tongue,he's very good at knowing when people are up to something and again becomes difficult just because he can:rolleyes3:

If he carries on making it a battle then as you suggest it might be as well to just get vet to sedate.Vet is out for jabs mid october anyway so is right time of year and if I can get majority of the clip done like this year and vet just sedates from the word go he might not fight it and might last long enough to finish off.

Just so frustrating as know he really not that worried,just taking advantage and throwing his weight around because he knows he can and because he's a mardy git on the ground when the mood takes him!!

 

[irishcob]

Devonlass - if you are in Devon as your name suggests (!) you might want to put him forward as a demo horse for the Monty Roberts demonstration at The Grange in Okehampton on 1st November.

Monty and Kelly are dab hands at turning around clipper phobic horses, and have helped hundreds of horses and owners over the years. You can apply on line at http://www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk/do-you-have-a-horse-suitable-for-demonstrations.html

Best of luck with however you proceed

 

[MiniMilton]

I don't think desensitising him with an electric toothbrush is any use. My horse would happily allow me to trim his face and whiskers with the electric trimmer. The sensation of the clippers is much stronger and caused him to have a freak attack. Put the actual clippers on his neck and shoulder every day. It'll make a big difference

 

[Kikke]

Sounds like my welsh cob, aren't they a delight.

Yes putting in the time would be my first answer and the my second would be just keen on sedating that's what I do with mine. She almost falls over from the amount and still fights it but if I time it correctly I only have to do it twice during the winter and so people may shoot me for that but to me it's acceptable.

 

[jhoward]

Devonlass - if you are in Devon as your name suggests (!) you might want to put him forward as a demo horse for the Monty Roberts demonstration at The Grange in Okehampton on 1st November.

Monty and Kelly are dab hands at turning around clipper phobic horses, and have helped hundreds of horses and owners over the years. You can apply on line at

http://www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk/do-you-have-a-horse-suitable-for-demonstrations.html

Best of luck with however you proceed

She can't said cob also doesn't load ...now knowing sais cob I have to say dl im pmsl....i do being a slightly more helpful friend have trimmers ...or we could trying messing with his mind and I will sit on him see if that helps...

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Think this is a "cob" thing OP........ my traddie has tantrums about things when he feels like it and/or he thinks he'll get away with it. Like, he'll spook at something one day and totally ignore it the next.

He hates having his legs clipped; we've tried all the touchy feely stuff, have even tried a Chifney (OK so am waiting for the fluffies to audibly gasp here), to no avail. THEN one day we tried just filling up my pockets with cubes and then, slowly-ever-so-slowly, dribbling them into a bucket so they made a noise and he then started to think about the pleasure of filling up his guts and friend with clippers could get in PDQ and clip the blimmin' things' legs.

OK so some will say that's "rewarding" good behaviour, but hey it works for us!

 

[Pinkvboots]

If it is just his front end his bad with I would use some pony nuts or similar to just get it done, over time you will probably find you wont need them anymore.

 

[devonlass]

Sounds like my welsh cob, aren't they a delight.

Yes putting in the time would be my first answer and the my second would be just keen on sedating that's what I do with mine. She almost falls over from the amount and still fights it but if I time it correctly I only have to do it twice during the winter and so people may shoot me for that but to me it's acceptable.

Delight would be one word for them,although not the first that springs to mind:wink3::tongue3:

I am halfway to deciding to do exactly the same as you for next year.Will just do the bits I can do and get vet to sedate to complete the job,luckily jabs are due anyway around this time of year so not a huge issue or extra expense.
Couldn't do a whole clip as doesn't stay under for long enough but now I know I can do some of it beforehand might be an option.

She can't said cob also doesn't load ...now knowing sais cob I have to say dl im pmsl....i do being a slightly more helpful friend have trimmers ...or we could trying messing with his mind and I will sit on him see if that helps...

Lol I was just going to reply and say the same.There are 3 things this horse really doesn't 'do'.Loading (same thing not afraid just decides he'd rather not!!),clipping and the vet.
A very understanding,clever vet,and a fierce vet nurse sorts the latter problem,the loading isn't an issue as we don't travel anywhere,and the clipping well that's our current battle.

Jay,believe you me if you had been in the country at the time you would have been top of my calling list!! Feel free to come play all the mind games you want with him once your back,trimmers would be good too:wink3::smile3:

Think this is a "cob" thing OP........ my traddie has tantrums about things when he feels like it and/or he thinks he'll get away with it. Like, he'll spook at something one day and totally ignore it the next.

have even tried a Chifney (OK so am waiting for the fluffies to audibly gasp here), to no avail. THEN one day we tried just filling up my pockets with cubes and then, slowly-ever-so-slowly, dribbling them into a bucket so they made a noise and he then started to think about the pleasure of filling up his guts and friend with clippers could get in PDQ and clip the blimmin' things' legs.

Oh I'm sure it's a cob thing,one of the reasons I always said I'd never have one lol

I do feel obliged to say that in every ridden way he's the most well behaved horse ever.100% safe as houses in every way,literally has never put a foot wrong no matter who is on him.
Shame his manners and behaviour on the ground are not always quite as exemplary:redface3:

He laughs in the face of a chifney,waste of time still drags people around all over the place,in fact I think it makes him worse.

Sadly although a typical cob and greedy,he is not food orientated enough to use that as a bargaining chip.Sometimes if he's hungry enough it will distract him to begin with,but still doesn't keep him still enough to do a decent clip,and more often than not after a short time he will decide he's done eating and that it's far more fun to make my life difficult:rolleyes3:


Thanks again for all the replies folks,I'm sure i will get there in the end.She say's in a falsely optimistic manner:tongue3:

Friend of mine tonight suggested waxing him,not sure if she meant to remove the hair or just to get my own back lol

 

[Alyth]

When I was trying to teach mine to clip without sedation I just took the clippers out every day. Before tacking him up every day I plugged them in. (Walking towards his stable door he was on the defensive) Progressing to resting the clippers on his shoulder. Then taking small bit off here and there. He eventually got so bored with the routine that he gave in. Now he's a saint (apart from his ears) Horses usually only see the clippers a few times a year and we expect the horses to stand quietly while we take off the whole lot.

This is great! A perfect example of 'advance and retreat' far too often we rush in to do a job without any thought of giving the horse a chance to acclimatise or desensitize to something strange....humans need to learn patience and think about things from the horses point of view. How would you feel if an alien rushed in grabbed you and tried to cut off all your hair? For an example!!!!)) Take a bit of time for his mental wellbeing!

 

[marley and danni]

my racehorse was the same but this year a total change... only difference was i had a friend by his head with her hand behind his eyes... acting like BLINKERS!!! worked brilliantly!

 

[devonlass]

This is great! A perfect example of 'advance and retreat' far too often we rush in to do a job without any thought of giving the horse a chance to acclimatise or desensitize to something strange....humans need to learn patience and think about things from the horses point of view. How would you feel if an alien rushed in grabbed you and tried to cut off all your hair? For an example!!!!)) Take a bit of time for his mental wellbeing!

If you actually read my original post i have been de-sensitising him,and he has let me clip most of him without too much fuss.
Bear in mind also this horse is 15 years old and been there done it many,many times,including being clipped so it certainly is not new or 'alien' to him.
His mental wellbeing is not an issue (not sure I will be able to say the same for mine if I don't get that last bit of hair off though lol) as he is NOT scared,and this isn't just my opinion,heart rates do not lie!!

As for how would i feel if someone grabbed me and cut off my hair? well i work mental health love that's par for the course,only they tend to rip it out by the root rather than be polite enough to just cut it:wink3:

On a more serious note thanks for your thoughts but you shouldn't make assumptions regarding my ability or patience (I can assure you I have enough of that when required) or the horse,they are not all the same and some are definitely more cunning than others!!

my racehorse was the same but this year a total change... only difference was i had a friend by his head with her hand behind his eyes... acting like BLINKERS!!! worked brilliantly!

Lol I tried this already by taping up a rising fly mask on the sides just so he couldn't see downwards and see when i was getting to his front end.Git just pretended he was suddenly blind and started walking around bumping into things,on purpose i suspect:rolleyes3:

Good plan though in theory and glad it worked for you!!

 

[jhoward]

Lol at the blinkers the images of him bumping about are hilarious...will be over at the weekend to help if not just laff lots.

 

[devonlass]

Lol at the blinkers the images of him bumping about are hilarious...will be over at the weekend to help if not just laff lots.

Seriously,he started walking up and down the pen just randomly bumping into things (the fence,Marb,the gate etc).I only taped up the sides so he could see perfectly well straight ahead,bl**dy drama queen:rolleyes3:

Yeh the laughing will be really helpful mate,thanks for that!!

Mind you if you still have that eye patch suspect i will be doing some chuckling myself:tongue3: