Clipping questions - that time of year again!

[blackbess78]

Hi. I have a few questions about clipping, if anyone can help -

I have just bought some clippers, and they have come with a set of fine blades, and a set of medium blades. Which blades should I be using to fully clip my horse, medium or fine?

Does anyone have any tips on best clipping practices e.g. how much pressure etc I should be using. This will be the first time I have ever attempted to clip, and am finding the prospect quite daunting!

I am going to fully clip my horse out, including legs. Is it correct practice to still leave a triangle of hair above the top of his tail?

Many thanks for reading.

 

[Jesstickle]

Well, I would think using medium blades would be short enough for most people but it's mostly preference. If your horse is hairy it might be easier to start with the medium ones for the first clip even if you want to use the fine blades ultimatly as winter coat can be quite greasy and hard to get through to begin with.

With regards to pressure, you don't need to press as such. Just hold the clippers against the side. If you start pressing them in you'll end up with lines everywhere because you won't be able to do it evenly all over!

the triangle at the top of the tail always stays

Oh and legs are quite fiddly and it's easy to catch them when you're trying to get into the nooks and crannies so just go slowly! Your horse probably won't much like being jabbed with a set of clipper blades! Don't forget to have someone on hand to help pick up front legs for clipping armpits as well. It's really difficult to do this well without help I always find!