As autumn leaves bid adieu, taking the horse-riding season with them, riders worldwide pull out their clippers, bracing for that inevitable seasonal ritual. But hold your horses! (pun intended). Why are we doing this? Tradition? Fun? Or is there a more, let's say, hairy reason behind this? Let's embark on a journey to discover the whys and why-nots of horse clipping.[1]
If you're like me, staring at the CLIPPERMAN CLIPPER OIL and contemplating life's deepest questions, you might wonder: "Why do we even clip our horses?"
Why Clip, You Ask?
Ah, clipping! Not just an excuse to show off your brand-new CLIPPERMAN DRAGON CLIPPER. (Admit it, you're itching to use it.) Clipping is much more than a spa day for your horse, my friend. It’s a science… well, sort of.
When the chill of winter starts sneaking in, and scarves become our new best friends, our equine companions grow their winter coat[3]. This might sound like nature's own comfy sweater, but it can be problematic for horses that have the luxury (read: duty) of being ridden during the colder months. Here's the mane issue:
- Sweating: An active horse wearing winter’s finest fur can quickly turn into a sweat factory. Wet and cold is a cocktail no horse should have to endure. And let's be real; no one wants a chilly, grumpy horse.
- Cooling: After a good workout, our four-legged friends need to cool down without feeling like they're inside a sauna. And trust me, overheating isn't a good look on anyone, especially not on a horse.
- Appearance: Let's not kid ourselves. A well-clipped horse looks like a million bucks. Imagine them trotting, sleek and shiny coat glistening in the winter sun. It's like the equestrian version of a shampoo commercial.
Blogging about horse care[5], I've realized that most riders oscillate between the 'To Clip or Not To Clip' conundrum. But before you make that weighty decision, let's dive a bit deeper into the art of clipping.
Clipping: The Art and The Science
Now, if you think clipping is just randomly running a trimmer over your horse's body, think again. There's a method to the madness! Several types of clips cater to a horse's workload and the local climate[2]. But more on that in the next section.
For now, know that clipping requires a good deal of prep. Starting with... yep, you guessed it, oiling your clippers. And if you're in the market for one, might I recommend the CLIPPERMAN CLIPPER OIL? This specially formulated lubricant ensures your clippers are always at the top of their game, prolonging blade life and ensuring a smooth clip. You can thank me later.
And if you're still on the fence about clipping, remember this: a well-clipped horse is a comfortable horse. So, next time you’re humming and hawing over whether to clip, ask yourself: Would you want to run a marathon in a fur coat? Probably not.
Types of Clips: Tailored to Perfection
As promised, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the different types of clips. Because just like humans have different hairstyles (from the chic bob to the quarantine-induced mullet), horses too have an array of clipping styles that serve different purposes. Let's trot through them[6].
- The Full Clip: As the name suggests, it's a complete do-over. Ideal for horses that undergo rigorous training in winters. It ensures they don't overheat. A nifty CLIPPERMAN JEWEL TRIMMER can be a lifesaver here.
- The Hunter Clip: Perfect for horses in moderate work. It leaves hair on the legs and a saddle patch, which offers protection from reins and stirrups. Handy for those outdoor rides.
- The Blanket Clip: This leaves a "blanket" of hair on the horse's back and loins, acting as, well, a natural blanket[7].
- The Trace Clip: Designed for horses in light to moderate work, this clip removes hair from the lower half of the horse, thus where they sweat the most.
Remember, the key to a perfect clip is a sharp blade and a steady hand. So, equip yourself with the best - perhaps the CLIPPERMAN JEWEL TRIMMER?
Post-Clipping Care: Because It's Not Over 'Til It's Over
So, you’ve embarked on the clipping quest and emerged victoriously with a splendidly clipped steed. Give yourself a pat on the back. But wait, we're not done just yet. Post-clipping care is crucial[8].
For starters, ensure you’ve got the CLIPPERMAN CLIPPER CLEANING SPRAY on hand. This will help keep your clippers in tiptop shape and ready for future use. You wouldn't want them catching rust or worse, becoming a breeding ground for germs, would you?
For your horse, the post-clip routine is more about comfort. A good brush-down is essential. You might even want to give them a bath if weather permits. This will help remove any leftover clipped hair and soothe their skin. And remember, a clipped horse can feel the cold more. So, depending on the type of clip and weather conditions, a blanket might become your horse's new best friend.
Lastly, show off! Let your horse strut its stuff in the pasture. After all, they've just had a makeover and are looking fabulous[9].
Fancy Feet and Glorious Grooming Gadgets
Now that your horse looks like a million bucks from the neck down, let’s focus on those hooves. Think of them as the high heels of the equine world[10]. They need their fair share of attention.
If you're anything like me, you've probably spent a small fortune on gadgets and tools for grooming. And why not? The CLIPPERMAN A5 #10W GERMAN STEEL BLADE SET is a pure work of art. Not only does it give a precise cut, but it's also versatile enough for different hair types. Talk about value for money!
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
You wouldn’t wear a designer dress with flip-flops, would you? The same principle applies to your horse. The right bridle or hoof care product can make all the difference, turning a regular ride into a majestic parade[11].
Speaking of accessorizing, let’s talk rugs. Especially with the unpredictable weather, having the right rug can be a godsend. Take the SHIRES WARMARUG THERMAL SYSTEM 100, for instance. This innovative rug system ensures your horse remains at a comfortable temperature no matter the weather. It's like equipping your horse with a Swiss army blanket![12]
Conclusion: Why Stop at Clipping?
So, there we have it. Clipping is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring your horse remains comfortable, especially during those long winter months. But why stop there? Dive into the world of horse care accessories. From the perfect jodhpurs to the finest hoof care products, pampering your horse (and yourself) has never been this fun[13].
Remember, a well-groomed horse is a happy horse. And a happy horse leads to a happy rider. So, clip, groom, accessorize, and ride on!
Asked by You: Clipping Conundrums Cleared!
We've noticed a flurry of questions coming in about horse clipping. Here are some of the most frequently asked ones, answered in style:
When should the last horse clip be?
Well, timing is everything, darling. The last horse clip should ideally be around late winter to early spring, ensuring that by the time summer arrives, the horse’s summer coat can grow in comfortably. Just think of it as getting a final trim before debuting your summer bod on the beach[14].
What time of year do you clip a horse?
Most horse enthusiasts choose to clip during the autumn and winter months. As temperatures drop, our equine buddies grow a thicker coat which, while warm, can become too sweaty during workouts. And nobody, I mean, nobody likes the feeling of post-gym sweat drying on their body[15].
Why do horses get clipped in the winter?
Ironically, we're keeping them warm by clipping them in the cold! It might seem counterintuitive, but a thick winter coat can trap sweat when the horse is active. This can make it harder for them to dry and lead to them catching a chill. By clipping, we're ensuring they remain comfortable and dry quicker after a workout or a gallop in the snow[16].
Is September too early to clip my horse?
September can be a tad early for a full clip, but it all depends on your horse's coat and activity level. If your horse has already grown a thick coat and gets sweaty easily, a light clip might be in order. Otherwise, it's usually best to wait a bit longer. Always remember, it's like deciding to wear a sweater in early autumn – you've got to gauge the temperature[17].