Clipping template - is someone already doing this?

[dressedkez]

We now have templates for quarter marking - so how about clipping?
Today I thought about giving my horse a blanket clip, and tried to do some lines, but then gave up as normal, and gave him a hunter clip (I can do the line of the legs OK - easy, as you just follow the line of the muscle....)
What I needed was something similar to the old dress making patterns, that I could just stick on the horse and clip around - OK, different size horses, would need different lines, but as about 10 different sizes of rugs fit all (5', 5'3 - up to 7'), so I am sure clipping template patterns could be adjusted in a similar fashion? All very well to say use chalk - but it does not really work - son, suggested use a an exercise sheet (for the blanket clip - but too big, and it does not stick to the horse, as such - wavey lines, rather than straight lines......
Is this something I should be trying to patent, to make me richer than woofwear???

 

[Wagtail]

You could just use an exercise blanket.

 

[Patterdale]

Wouldn't work.

Every clip is different depending on size, condition, muscle tone etc so you'd need a template custom made for each time you clip.

Just practice practice practice! That's the only way to get it spot on.

 

[dressedkez]

As long as you don't pin it on like a dress pattern :O.

Perhaps that is why he would not stand still!!! ouch.......

 

[Littlelegs]

You can get templates for designs, but not standard clips. As Patterdale says, too many variables. Use tape, that's what I do for stencil type designs. And of course, practice.

 

[dressedkez]

Wouldn't work.

Every clip is different depending on size, condition, muscle tone etc so you'd need a template custom made for each time you clip.

Just practice practice practice! That's the only way to get it spot on.

OK - hints and tips then - whilst I can follow the lines for legs - which line should I be following for the blanket (am doing another tomorrow) I am not a complete novice at clipping - have done a couple of horses now for about 10 seasons, but everytime I try to do a blanket, I am either too low or too high - I am better (but not much, I admit) at a trace clip........All help gratefully received.

 

[FfionWinnie]

Masking tape may work. I just go for it personally

 

[Littlelegs]

Do the lines lower than you think, then take them higher, one clipper width at a time. And do the longest strokes possible with the clippers.

 

[**Vanner**]

Definitely is a case of each one is different. Even down to where you aim for with say a blanket. Long back? Move it back a bit. Short back move it forward a bit and generally do an angled front, otherwise I line up to where the mane ends.

 

[Patterdale]

Yep, just about to say that - always go lower than you think and then take it slightly higher.

I start around the tail and above back legs, get that level from standing directly behind view and then work forwards.

 

[yeeharider]

I use chalk to get lines even clip to the line bush out, done, simples.

 

[dressedkez]

Bless - and there I was just about to come and volunteer and clip yours.....I have to say the horse I did today (and all on my own - and he is a ticklish, nasty piece of work) looks rather lovely - but I did take all of the coat of - and now he is shivering with no rugs in a 10 acre field (call the RSPCA.......)
I am now falling foul of the brilliant post of a couple last night, and not liking the advice I am being given......blimey I shall mention bare foot and micronised linseed in a minute.
But, please do tell me those people who are well practiced -what sight lines do you use for a blanket - say from just above the point of stifle level to half way across the chest?

 

[dressedkez]

Yep, just about to say that - always go lower than you think and then take it slightly higher.

I start around the tail and above back legs, get that level from standing directly behind view and then work forwards.

Now that is useful advice thank-you.

 

[dressedkez]

Uhmm - self preservation I thought as the git was trying to kick me, with his shod back feet when I was doing that, ticklish stifle area (thank goodness for the hand held trimmers........)

 

[dressedkez]

How ironic and annoying for me that it DID fix (some) of your problem

Ha ha - todays had his hind shoes firmly affixed - try to take them off with my teeth half way through the clipping hell......tomorrow I am doing the young horse (who has not been clipped before, so all call up the RSPCA on speed dial) does not have hinds on, purely because when the farrier was booked to do them, the handler I had on call, forgot, so the farrier did not do....) Actually he is coping quite well without his hinds - but taking him hunting in a couple of weeks - so that scenario may change?