Leg Clipping/ Scissoring

[Dyllymoo]

So after some desensitising J to new clippers (low vibration/ sound) on his legs, and him being a super star I clipped his back leg just a little (so not even close to the skin) and he wasn't having it. It then took a very long time for me to even be able to run the clipper down his leg without clipping.

We kept it calm and he wasn't stressed as such but he was upset.

Old owners confirmed he went to them with mites and couldn't have his legs clipped so they scissored them instead. She said you can clip him anywhere else but there (which is true as I can do his bridle path without even tying him up!). I've no real idea how to do that as his leg hair is so thick.

Any suggestions?

I wanted to try and clip his legs down a bit as its hard to keep them from getting the scurfy build up.

I will keep going with the desensitising but obviously I pushed it too far too quick. Last time his legs were done he was nose twitched which I don't want to do really as its not a medical emergency I guess.

 

[Auslander]

If you're game for scissoring, the easiest way to get heavy feathered legs sorted, is to chop everything to about 1/2 and inch long without using a comb. Hack it all off, but be very careful not to get too close to the skin, or you won't be able to get a decent finish with the comb and scissors. Once you've reduced the volume, it's not such a huge job to comb/scissor. It'll still take ages though - but will be worth it in the end. FWIW I think you get a much nicer more natural finish with a comb and scissors, as opposed to clippers

Do you know how to do the comb and scissor bit - I can do a little how to video later if it would be helpful, as Alfs legs need finishing off

 

[Dyllymoo]

Auslander that would be amazing if you could. Ive got time this week to do his legs so thought I would try scissoring.

Need to find some sharp scissors as well!

 

[AFB]

Never used them but what about the old fashioned hand clippers (non electric) if you can still get them?

They've got to be easier that scissors & a comb surely?

ETA: This kind of thing, not sure if you can find them in the UK
https://tacktraders.com/hand-operated-horse-clippers-manual-clippers/

 

[Dyllymoo]

Thank you, I have seen those but not sure if they would be easier or not. I will try scissors and if it goes wrong maybe those....

 

[MereChristmas]

Never used them but what about the old fashioned hand clippers (non electric) if you can still get them?

They've got to be easier that scissors & a comb surely?

ETA: This kind of thing, not sure if you can find them in the UK
https://tacktraders.com/hand-operated-horse-clippers-manual-clippers/

I had a set of these years ago. I am not sure if it is relevant but I am left handed and managed to chew the hair into the clippers. Fortunately the horse didn’t seem bothered. I found the clippers ages after when packing for house moving. They were completely rusted.
I hope you have more success than I did which ever method you choose.

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

I do what Auslander does. While I try and keep on top of it, if I've been lazy and not done his legs for a bit I hack it off, especially round the back of the fetlock then finish with scissors. Mine is a Welsh D, I try and keep on top of it so its less effort when it needs doing. Probably not BHS but I make sure the scissors are decent as well, nothing worse than hacking over the same piece each time

Its probably not a professional looking finish but as we mainly hack its not terrible, some times go better than others

I think id possibly get his backs off with clippers but not a chance with the fronts if he's sober, he's funny with scissors sometimes as well. When he's sedated for the dentist I take advantage and clip the lot off

Couple of scissors photos below, it could be a bit neater but a hes a bit silly about it (nothing nasty) and b I tend to get bored!

 

[Pippity]

Do you know how to do the comb and scissor bit - I can do a little how to video later if it would be helpful, as Alfs legs need finishing off

I'd appreciate it, too! I generally just hack it all off and roughly neaten it up, but a guide to how to get a better finish would be appreciated!

I don't clip because her summer coat is longer than any clipper blades I can find, so it'd be a nightmare to try to even it all up.

 

[Auslander]

I shall drag the beast in and do a vid, tomorrow possibly!

 

[mini_b]

Please! Would like to see how to do it nicely rather than hacking at it

 

[IrishMilo]

It look ages (literally a whole winter's worth of desensitising and positive reinforcement) but I can clip my boy's legs now. Try to do a bit every day with him - I didn't do anything special. Started by just touching his shoulder with them. If he stood still he got a treat and I turned the clippers off, and if he moved I'd keep the clippers on until he stood. It's a slow job but worth it! He can still occasionally snatch the front legs away as he's quite ticklish - I wedge his leg in between my knees (as a farrier would) and use quite firm strokes.

 

[Dyllymoo]

It look ages (literally a whole winter's worth of desensitising and positive reinforcement) but I can clip my boy's legs now. Try to do a bit every day with him - I didn't do anything special. Started by just touching his shoulder with them. If he stood still he got a treat and I turned the clippers off, and if he moved I'd keep the clippers on until he stood. It's a slow job but worth it! He can still occasionally snatch the front legs away as he's quite ticklish - I wedge his leg in between my knees (as a farrier would) and use quite firm strokes.

Yep thats basically what I did. Every morning for around 10 mins (or less if he stood still). Think it will just be repetition and consistency. He is already less stressed but did just move away so less than previously when he kicked out and his adrenaline went through the roof and there was no reasoning with him.

Hopefully by next year we can clip his legs with no stress

 

[tatty_v]

My boy doesn’t have big feathers but I cannot get the clippers anywhere near his legs so I tidy then up by randomly hacking the hair off with the scissors and then tidying up with a close shave, which I think is designed for whiskers etc (not that I’d ever take those off!) but it gives a nice finish that doesn’t give away my scissor game too much... (pre and post in this pic!)


I do leave them fairly fluffy still though so I am looking forward to a proper video on how to do it!

 

[GoldenWillow]

Keep going with the desensitising, I had a cob who was dangerous to clip with sedation and managed to desensitise him, ok it took a couple of years and his legs were the last bit that he became happy and relaxed but we did get there.

In the meantime I used scissors on his feathers I did used to start off with good intentions of using a comb but usually resorted to just hacking it off. The good news is that they grow quickly and he only sported the chopped look for a week or so.

 

[M&M&G]

I scissor cut heavy feathers and we both quite enjoy it. I invested in some heavy duty but fairly small 'kitchen devils' - man enough to cut chicken bones should do it!

 

[Auslander]

Ok - it's not the best video, as my assistant hasn't zoomed in enough, but hopefully it'll give you the gist. Keep the comb moving slowly, angle it slightly, and cut off everything that pokes through the comb.

I love these scissors, as the blades are very thin, so you can get close to the comb - although I did have to delay the video for a while, whilst I stopped the copious bleeding from that soft bit of skin between thumb and forefinger!

 

[Dyllymoo]

Ah that is brilliant! Thank you so so much. What scissors have you got?

Oucchhhh! I hope you are ok ?

 

[Auslander]

Ah that is brilliant! Thank you so so much. What scissors have you got?

Oucchhhh! I hope you are ok ?

I'm fine - merely a flesh wound!

They are these ones - ironically, they have safety blades...https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00V4UUZFU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Fransurrey]

I bought a dog grooming kit to trim my boy's feathers (full, thick volume). I start by removing the bulk by cutting with the straight scissors, then use thinning scissors to get a natural finish on the back of the leg. Curved scissors are handy for following the fetlock contours (my kit has left and right handed). Comb is also included.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fancyli-Gr...2204031&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-6&tag=googhydr-21

 

[Auslander]

More or less finished article. Ill go over them again with a narrower comb, if I can be bothered!

 

[tatty_v]

Thank you @Auslander, that explains where I’ve been going wrong! (Pulling comb out too far and not keeping it against the skin and continuously moving it). Is it weird that I’m quite looking forward to having a go at this at the weekend?! Do you apply the same technique around the fetlock?

 

[Auslander]

Thank you @Auslander, that explains where I’ve been going wrong! (Pulling comb out too far and not keeping it against the skin and continuously moving it). Is it weird that I’m quite looking forward to having a go at this at the weekend?! Do you apply the same technique around the fetlock?

Yes - exactly the same. It's really easy if the horse will let you drape its leg over your thigh withthe foot hanging down a bit - you can really get into the contours then. My old horse used to let me, but Alf prefers all 4 feet on the ground!

 

[Dyllymoo]

Thank you so much for the video. I borrowed (and probably blunted) a pair of scissors from my friend this morning and had a quick go on his front leg. It took an age but im pretty pleased with it. Its not finished but I was getting cramp and J wanted to go to sleep.

Looking forward to finishing it off tonight and hopefully starting his hind legs as they are super duper fluffy!

 

[Dyllymoo]

I've just searched for this as his legs are SOOOOOO hairy at the minute and I'm struggling to make it look half decent. Need to get back on it I think and spend a while tonight sorting. I did attempt to see how he would be after I clipped him Saturday morning on his legs but he wasn't having any of it, so I need to work more on the desensitising but stick with scissoring for now. Just need to keep on top of it as well, especially in winter he has grown so much fluff!

 

[Sarys]

Ok - it's not the best video, as my assistant hasn't zoomed in enough, but hopefully it'll give you the gist. Keep the comb moving slowly, angle it slightly, and cut off everything that pokes through the comb.

I love these scissors, as the blades are very thin, so you can get close to the comb - although I did have to delay the video for a while, whilst I stopped the copious bleeding from that soft bit of skin between thumb and forefinger!
View attachment 52431

What’s the comb you are using?

 

[Auslander]

What’s the comb you are using?

Bog standard wideish toothed comb, probably from Amazon

 

[Sarys]

Bog standard wideish toothed comb, probably from Amazon

Thanks.