YES! Absolutely! Clipping horses doesn't just have to be kept for the winter months. Some types of horses and ponies can seriously benefit from being clipped all year round, particularly if they tend to grow thick heavy coats in the winter.
When should you not clip a horse?
A horse's coat tends to grow quickest between September and December and so, during this time, it is best to clip your horse every 3-4 weeks. Most people will stop clipping their horse at the end of January because this is when most horse's tend to start growing their summer coats.
How many times a year do you clip a horse?
The average horse will need clipping every 3-5 weeks until Christmas to keep on top of hair growth. Following Christmas you shouldn't really have to get out your clippers too often, just once or twice depending on the horse.
Do you clip horses in winter?
Your horse can usually be clipped for the first time each year during October. The winter coat continues to grow, but usually not as thickly as the original unclipped coat. One or two additional clips may be necessary during the winter, but the coat should not be clipped after early to mid-January.
Can I clip horse in February?
Owners that show often leave their last clip to February, just before the season starts. However, other show horses are clipped all year round. Some people simply feel that there is no such thing as a last date to clip. You can clip all year round with no problem!
18 related questions foundCan I clip my horse in December?
As the coat tends to grow very quickly between September and December you may need to clip every 3 to 4 weeks. For most people find two to three clips per winter is ample. You wouldn't want to clip much later than February so not to interfere with the summer coat coming through.
Should you clip a horse in spring?
There's a good chance that a springtime clip will help him regulate his body temperature a bit more as spring warms up. The main thing is to take off the hair that's making him sweat.
Why do they shave horses in the winter?
Trimming horses will help them dry more quickly, which minimizes the risk of sickness after sweating in low temperatures. What is more, the winters are warmer and warmer lately and the thick coat is no longer needed to survive a couple of winter months.
Why would you shave a horse for winter?
Horses can be clipped for several different reasons, but most commonly it is related to health and comfort reasons. One such health condition where horses are clipped is Cushing's, a disease that can cause a horse to not shed its winter coat properly.
How do you clip a horse for winter?
Strip Clip (Under-Belly and Neck Clip)
This is a good clip for horses that are used for light work, or who live out during the winter. Only the areas under the neck, chest, and between the front legs to the girth area are clipped to allow for quick drying times, but also to provide protection against the elements.
What to do after clipping a horse?
Wipe the surfaces down with a clean cloth. Then oil the clippers and blades and place both neatly back in their case. Store them in a dry place so that they don't rust. In the days following the clip, it's important to keep the coat and skin well-conditioned.
Where do you start clipping a horse?
I always start clipping on the bottom of the shoulder muscle. I avoid clipping the face, elbow area, legs and stomach area until I feel the horse is comfortable. Depending on the horse, I will clip one side completely, then the other. For some horses, I switch sides and areas to keep the horse relaxed and comfortable.
Can you clip a horse in January?
For traditionalists, clipping after the end of January risks damaging the summer coat and is a definite no no. Groom Emma Mason sends her clippers off for servicing in early February, having done her final clip of the year in late January.
Should you clip a horse with sweet itch?
Often horses benefit from all year round clipping and sweet itch sufferers are no exception! Think: remove the itchy coat that is holding all the scurvy dandruffy bits inside followed by a thorough wash down.
Why do English riders shave their horses?
Sweat mixes with the grease in the coat to create a film that mats the thick hair. The thick coat is slow to dry, and it can't keep a horse warm in this matted state, leaving the horse vulnerable to chills that can lead to illness. That's why body clipping may be important.
Should I clip my horse in summer?
Does my horse require a summer clip? Some, like thick-coated cobs or heavier breeds, require year-round clipping for their comfort. If your horse is on the hairier side, we would recommend a clip to allow them to cool off, which is important when the sun is out.
What does it mean to curry a horse?
The horse is rubbed or "curried" to help loosen dirt, hair, and other detritus, plus stimulate the skin to produce natural oils. The currycomb is usually used in a circular motion to work loose embedded material. Alternatively, you can use multiple short but swift strokes, following the direction of hair growth.
Do all horses need to be shaved?
Should You Clip Or Not? Body clipping is always optional, and most riders don't bother. Sometimes horses are given several months off over the winter season, so there's no point. Other times, horses are ridden more lightly, so they don't wind up sweating that much either.
Can I clip my horse in June?
YES! You can clip your horse in the summer, and I have actually done it! Some of us like to keep our horse's legs clipped year-round, but the rest of our horse? There are some benefits, and some drawbacks, too.
Can I body clip my horse in March?
These clips are quick and easy to do and can be touched up on an as-needed basis. Start with a low trace and you can always take more off if you find your horse is sweating in areas you have not yet clipped. Personally I would then full or hunter clip the horse in March, to be ready for the event season.
Should you clip horses legs?
For cobs and heavy horses, the clipping of legs can be a huge relief. The dense leg hair can encourage mites and other skin biting insects, which in turn lead to various skin infections.
Is clipping a horse cruel?
Myth #1 Clipping horses is cruel.
MEH, this is mostly a myth. It's actually cruel to ignore your horse's health and comfort. Some horses don't need to be clipped. Without certain allowances like blankets, skipping a clip is mostly fine if your horse won't get too hot.
Do you have to bathe horse before clipping?
2 If it's warm enough, bath your horse thoroughly before clipping him to remove dirt and excess grease from his coat. If the weather is too cold for a full bath, spot cleaning particularly grimy areas, hot clothing or a thorough groom will remove the worst of the dirt.
Should I wash my horse after clipping?
After clipping your horse:
A good grooming and possible rinse following a body clip can help ensure an itch-free feeling.
