Choosing the Right Horse Clippers: Liveryman Black Beauty vs Liveryman Harmony Plus for Tricky Areas
When it comes to clipping your horse, especially in those tricky areas such as the face, legs, and skin folds, having the right clippers can make all the difference. This guide compares the popular Liveryman Black Beauty clippers and the Liveryman Harmony Plus, helping you decide which is best suited for your needs.
Understanding Your Horse's Needs
Before diving into specifics, it's crucial to understand your horse’s unique needs. Horses have varying coat types, from fine and short to dense and long, and they also have sensitive areas that require special care.
Liveryman Black Beauty Clippers
The Liveryman Black Beauty clippers are renowned for their performance and versatility. They offer several features that make them ideal for horse clipping.
- Lightweight and Easy to Use: These clippers are lightweight and easy to handle, ideal for professionals who must clip multiple horses consecutively without fatigue.
- Adjustable Speed: Allows you to adjust speed, particularly useful for sensitive areas like the head or legs, reducing noise to comfort nervous horses.
- Cool Operation: Designed to cope with continuous use without overheating, ensuring a smooth clipping experience.
- Versatile Blades: Comes with A2 medium blades (2.5mm) and can take A22 fine blades (1.5mm) for flexibility.
Liveryman Harmony Plus Clippers
The Liveryman Harmony Plus is another excellent option, noted for its versatility and ease of use, especially suited for those with one horse and an easy coat.
- 2-in-1 Machine: Can be used as both a clipper and a trimmer, handling full body clipping with a wide blade and trimming with the A5 snap-on blades.
- Quiet and Lightweight: Quieter and lighter than full-size clippers, ideal for nervous horses and those with weaker hands, with less vibration adding to comfort.
- Pre-Tensioned Blades: Blade tension is pre-set, beneficial for those new to clipping; however, blades cannot be re-sharpened and require replacement when dull.
- Battery and Mains Option: Can be used with a rechargeable battery for up to 90 minutes or with a mains lead, offering usage flexibility.
Clipping Tricky Areas
When it comes to clipping tricky areas like the face, legs, and skin folds, here are some tips and how each clipper can assist:
Face Clipping
Use a quiet and lightweight clipper to avoid startling your horse. The Liveryman Harmony Plus, with its quiet operation and light weight, is particularly suitable for this task. Ensure the clipper blades are directed away from the eyes and avoid clipping whiskers, eyebrows, or lashes, as these are sensory organs crucial for navigation.
Leg Clipping
For clipping the legs, especially around the tendons and skin folds, the adjustable speed of the Black Beauty clippers can be very useful. Slowing down the speed helps in smoothly navigating tight areas.
The Harmony Plus, with its A5 snap-on blades, excels in hard-to-reach areas like the chestnuts, back of pasterns, and other sensitive leg sections.
Skin Folds and Elbows
Clipping skin folds and elbows requires careful handling. The "push and slide" method, where you stretch the skin to access these areas, is effective with both clippers. However, the Black Beauty's ability to adjust speed can make this process even smoother.
Conclusion
Both the Liveryman Black Beauty and Harmony Plus clippers offer distinct advantages for clipping tricky areas on your horse.
- For Professionals and Multiple Horses: The Black Beauty clippers are ideal due to their powerful motor, adjustable speed, and ability to handle continuous use without overheating. They are versatile, suitable for various coat types and clipping tasks.
- For Single Horses and Easy Coats: The Harmony Plus is an excellent option. It is quieter, lighter, and more cost-effective, perfect for those with one horse and an easy coat. Its 2-in-1 functionality and pre-tensioned blades increase convenience.
By selecting the right clipper based on your needs and your horse's needs, you ensure a safe, comfortable, and effective clipping experience.
Additional Tips
- Ensure your clipper blades are properly aligned, adjusted, and oiled to avoid uneven cuts and clipper marks.
- Clip in long, smooth strokes against the hair growth to minimize clipper marks and achieve a level cut.
- Use grooming gloves or a cloth to wipe away any stray hairs after clipping, and consider adding conditioning grooming oil for a final touch.
Explore More with Just Horse Riders
Interested in enhancing your horse riding experience beyond just clippers? Explore our Jodhpur Collection, check out our Horse Riding Boot Collection, or add the perfect pair of gloves from our Horse Riding Gloves Collection.
Nurture your horse with our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements or surprise your equine friend with treats from our Horse Treats And Gifts section.
For clippers, accessories, and more, visit the Just Horse Riders homepage. You'll find everything you need to cater to your equestrian needs.
