Stress Free Horse Clipping
I can say, with confidence, that it’s often more stressful for the clipper (YOU) than the clippee (YOUR HORSE). Granted, some horses take some reassurance around clippers, and there are loads of things you can do to make clipping stress-free for everyone!
First things first when you are clipping your horse
Your horse needs to be desensitized to clippers. But not just clippers, sometimes it’s the cord. Hint – cordless varieties are super easy to use and remove the OMG IT’S A HORSE EATING SNAKE factor. Some tips for making clippers friendly and not deadly:
- Start small. And start the desensitization process long before you might actually need to use clippers.
- Introduce the clipper as just something that’s in your grooming box. Keep it turned off, rub it around on your horse.
- Praise often. Then praise some more. Then praise some more.
Some horses are afraid of cords. Perhaps a cordless model?
- Then turn it on well away from your horse. This might happen days or weeks after you first show your horse the clippers and rub them on your horse.
- Do the massive praising thing again.
- At this point, lather, rinse and repeat as necessary until your horse equates the clippers as a way to get praise. This might take 5 minutes or 5 weeks.
- Then proceed to try the turned on clippers on your horse. You may need to rub them around a bit, or you can try clipping right away. Your horse’s body language should give you an idea what’s up.
- The most important thing is to have your horse trust you and clippers. It takes time and patience and praise for some horses.
Do the work to prep your horse and clippers. This gives you a FAST and easy clip session. Which means less stress for everyone.
So let’s fast forward to actual horse clipping day.
Most importantly, the key to stress-free clipping is to keep your horse comfortable. This is not only temperature but his basic needs, also. Keep these things in mind:
- Use coolers as you complete sections to keep him warm if the weather is bad.
- Keep him standing on mats or squishy ground if you can. Just a bit more comfortable than a hard surface. You may be there a while.
- Let his belly be full. Hungry horses are fidgety horses. Add a hay net for distraction if you like!
If the weather is chilly when you are clipping, consider a cooler to cover the fresh parts as you work. If you need an excuse to buy a new cooler, this is it.
- Allow pee breaks! And poop breaks! Some horses don’t like to pass manure in the cross ties, they would rather do their business and be able to step away from it.
- Keep his exercise and turn out the same if you can. Turn out is probably his favorite, so if I’m sacrificing one of the other, I’ll skip a ride. This also means he won’t be sweaty for our clipping date.
- Address any itchiness. Clip a section, curry comb that section. When you are done – a nice roll in a sandy spot is a huge relief! You know where the tickle spots are, and the stray hairs can magnify that.
And what about you?
- So this basically boils down to being prepared. Here are some tips for keeping it stress-free – for you!
- Get prepared in advance. Clippers charged? Plenty of clipper blade oil? Blades are sharp and rust-free? The best tips EVER for clipping prep are here.
- Dress accordingly. Go for a mix of hazmat suit and the latest Paris runway fashions. I find that after clipping, I like to change clothes, so have a back up set with you.
- Don’t clip hungry. This turns into hanger. This turns into your horse looking like you clipped him with a blindfold and two rusty spoons.
- Keep your beverage lid ON.
This looks like a water bottle with a lid, to prevent hairy sips of refreshment. It may, or may not, contain “adult water”.
- Stay out of the wind.
- Take your time.
If you are just learning, remember that it grows out. If you are a veteran clipper, remember that it grows out.
Have some fun while you are clipping!
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- Cordless 5-in-1 clipper for precise finishing work on horses
- Adjustable blade (#9, #10, #15, #30, #40) for flexible trimming
- Lightweight design for easy control and less hand fatigue
- Dual batteries with quick swap for extended grooming time
- Quiet, low-vibration motor for sensitive horses
- Ideal for bridle path, face, ears, muzzle, and fetlocks
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- 2-speed motor (6000 & 8000 RPMs)
- 4-hour cordless runtime + corded option
- 5-in-1 Diamond Pro blade stays cool and sharp
- Textured housing for comfortable control
- Travel lock for safe transport
- LED screen with speed, battery, and maintenance info
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- Powerful motor glides through coats
- Textured grip for better control
- Up to 3 hours cordless + corded option
- Digital display with battery + maintenance alerts
- Travel lock for safe transport
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- Upgraded brushless motor (3,700 & 4,500 RPMs)
- Textured housing for secure, comfortable grip
- Constant Speed Control powers through thick or matted coats
- Corded + cordless use with quick-charge battery
- Up to 2 hours cordless runtime
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- #10 Prime Series German high-carbon steel blade for durability
- LOCKGUARD tech prevents hinge closure for easy blade changes
- Lightweight, slip-resistant design for better control
- Constant Speed Control powers through all coat types
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- Powerful, quiet motor with 7,200 SPM and reduced heat
- Adjustable cutting lengths (#30, #15, #10) for versatile clipping
- Lightweight design for controlled grooming and finish work
- Ideal for fetlocks, bridle path, face, ears, and detailing
- Includes adjustable blade, blade oil, and cleaning brush
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- Includes #10 wide Prime blade
- LOCKGUARD technology for secure blade hold
- Two speeds (3,000 & 3,700 RPMs)
- Two lithium-ion batteries, up to 3 hours each
- Wide blade version of the KM Supera
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- Powers through all coat types with 3 high-speed settings
- #10 Prime Series German high-carbon steel blade for durability
- LOCKGUARD technology prevents hinge closure for easy blade changes
- Replaceable drive tip system for quick, simple maintenance
- Rubberized no-slip grip for comfort and full control
- Lightweight design built for all-day grooming use
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- Powerful motor up to 6,000 SPM with cool, quiet performance
- Up to 2 hours cordless runtime with Lithium Ion battery
- Quick-adjust blade (#10, #15, #30) for flexible cutting lengths
- 15-minute quick charge gives ~10 minutes of extra use
- Ergonomic design for comfort and control during grooming
These wildly powerful shears are great for thick coats, and when I say thick, I mean it.
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- Keeps blades lubricated for cooler, smoother cutting
- Helps blades stay sharper for longer use
- Recommended after each use for best performance and longevity
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- 2-minute hospital-grade disinfectant for fast, effective cleaning
- Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact
- EPA-certified formula for trusted disinfection
- Safe for grooming tools and workstation surfaces
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Choose your favorite blade from a #7 to a #40 for body clippers like the Velocity, Supera, or KM Series.
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- Glide-through cutting for smooth, efficient clipping on all coat types
- Easy detachment and adjustment (#9, #10, #15, #30 & #43)
- Always cool-running blade set for consistent performance
- Ideal for bridle path, ears, muzzle, fetlocks, and finish work on horses
Use code LIV for savings at wahlpro.com!
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Use code LIV to save at wahlpro.com
Thank you!