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Last clip of the season...or is it?

Last clip of the season...or is it?

Historically the final clip of the season is done before the end of January as it has previously been feared that clipping any later than this interferes with the summer coat coming through, specifically on show horses.

Nowadays it wouldn't be uncommon to see horses in show rings at the top of their game sporting a full clip, eventers pinging around Badminton Horse Trials with hunter clips and hairy cobs clipped out in the height of summer.
So, the issue is not about time of year, but about timing your clips throughout the summer coat growth period.

Here are some top tips to help you navigate year-round clipping to maximise coat quality:

  • Horses actually change their coats 4 times a year, not just the 2 that we notice in Spring and Winter

 

  • Watch for those early loose hairs, this will indicate when shedding will start and give you a good chance to clip prior to the coat really shedding where you may end up taking the tips off a smooth summer coat and making the new growth rough.

 

  • If you are clipping out the remainder of a winter coat (say moving from a blanket clip to a full clip) for your last pre-coat change clip, do make sure that the coat is as clean as possible as longer hair tends to hold more grease and dirt. Washing in winter can be tricky so a good amount of elbow grease can be used in a rigorous groom during winter and a proper full bath in summer.

 

  • Be prepared – even clipping all year round needs careful appreciation of the season and weather. Sun rays are more harmful to a horse that is fully clipped in the height of summer so they may need a UV fly rug during the day and likewise in winter removing layers of warm coat will require extra rugging to keep your horse warm.

 

  • If you are clipping out the face, do this first or have a spare set of blades so they are cool on sensitive areas. The same goes for the girth area where the skin is generally more sensitive.

 

  • If you are clipping for appearance at the end of the winter season, ask yourself if your horse really needs that extra clip? Sometimes just running clippers over with a guard on will take off the 'cat hairs' (longer hairs that grow through along the jawline, neck, chest and underbelly) and really smarten and rejuvenate an old clip.

 

  • A tail tidy, mane pull or tidy, heel clip or trim and a good old fashioned 'hot cloth' session will finish off your clip efforts perfectly. You can use eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils in hot water too, it smells amazing and removes the final traces of grease.

 

  • Once you have finished your last winter clip make sure you send your clippers for servicing and blades for sharpening – thus avoiding the mad rush in the Autumn! Summer clipping is generally less arduous on the clippers and with correct care should get you through the rest of the year.

 

  • Don’t forget to administer any calmers, or top up calmers should you need to prior to clipping.

 

  • Maybe invest in some lighter clippers or trimmers for ‘in-between’ tidy ups, they are generally easier and quicker to handle

 

If you want to find out more about types of clips, read our clipping blog here.

Share your clipping hints, tips, picture and videos on our social media with #farmstableuk

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