Body Clipping??

Hi I really need some advice on body clipping. My horse Shaggy is having some problems ( which I posted about in horse health) and it might lead to him being a non sweater (fingers crossed that it doesn't) and I'm going to need to body clip him. I have no problem with it cause it wil make him confront able but I don't really know how the only clipping i've ever done is the bridle path and around/behind the hoof when I was helping get show horses ready. So any advice it welcome!

First, make sure you have clippers meant for full body clipping. The clippers you typically buy for trimming bridle paths, whiskers, and fetlock hair usually aren't going to do well for a full body clip unless you do it over a period of a few days. Otherwise, you run the risk of burning out the motor or hurting the horse if the blade gets too hot. It's very important to make sure you have blade cleaner ready and handy, spray lubricant, and sharpened or new blades. I keep 2 of each size handy and I body clip with a #10. I know you can get longer blades, but they work best for me - not too long, not too short. Also, timing can be a factor unless you need to do it now for health reasons.

Smartpak has a good article with good tips (from what I saw). Body Clipping 101 » SmartPak Equine Blog

I do it in the winter for my horse and the difference is so noticeable with his level of comfort and how much more quickly he dries and cools down. I've also seen many Cushings horses clipped in the summer and they're much happier as a result.

Thanks for the reply and the link reading it now! And I'm actually going to have to buy clippers since I don't own any. So any advice on Brands would be great and thanks for giving me blade size I didn't even think about that.

If possible its great to have someone that clips on a regular basis to be hanging around when you try for the first time (just helpful for any questions or concerns that may arise during the process)

Your first few times it may not be the prettiest, lots of clipping lines, and uneven spots but as they say practice makes perfect ;) and trust me it gets easier! I personally never get over the hair.... Oh all the hair in very terrible places :p

Here is the brand of full body clippers I own and recommend, never had a issue, but like SEAmom said make sure they don't over heat and stay lubricated.

Clipmaster Body Clipper -variable | GRO4401 | Greenhawk

Best of luck, I love the look of a freshly clipped horse, so clean and tidy and it's so much easier to keep them that way!

I know smartpak lists some good options. I would suggest reading personal reviews from people. For body clipping my one horse once a year and trimming throughout the year, my Oster A5 clippers do a good job. They didn't have any problems when I body clipped him with his thick, winter coat that he grows early every year. I will be buying clippers better suited for trimming small Arabian ears because mine are too bulky and he fights it. I do like the Oster brand, though.
Posted via Mobile Device