Should You Clip Your Horse?
By Lori Hall-McNary
March 21st proclaimed spring but your horse’s slightly shedding shaggy coat still looks like the dregs of winter. Should you continue brushing the fur ball for hours or take the plunge and body clip him? You may reason show season starts next month and a body clipped horse takes less time to groom leaving more time to ride and tune.
Laurel Monreal, a gymkhana competitor, decided to body clip her Justin Morgan thick, shaggy coat for health reasons. Her gymkhana/trail horse was over-heating in the hot California sun. Laurel had sheared many a sheep and other livestock in her day, but never a horse. She was smart and elicited help from a professional breeder of Justin Morgans who had clipped hundreds of horses through the years. Still, it took the two of them over three hours using heavy-duty clippers. A trashcan later the bay gelding was definitely a horse of a different color. The Morgan looked like a brown gruella and is still changing color as the days lengthen.
Laurel cautions, “You have to clip before the horse starts shedding or you will be clipping off the new hair along with the old. And don’t forget after a horse’s shaved he’ll need extra protection from the elements such as a cooler or warm blanket.”
Depending where you reside and your chosen discipline, you may not want to clip your horse’s entire body. Instead try a trace clip. A trace is a partial clip where the horse sweats the most, such as belly and neck. A blanket clips is more dramatic. You’d shave off all the hair except on the back and loins where a rectangle blanket would sit. Some times the horse’s legs are trimmed but not shaved.
If you decide to clip seek professional help and buy the best pairs of clippers you can afford. You don’t want to end up with a half-shaved horse because your clippers were not up to the task. Oster (1-800-887-6682) and Wahl
Ask your local trainer for a recommendation on clippers or read the article Choose the Right Clippers in the December issue of EQUUS.
With the warming days of Spring ahead think seriously about the pros and cons of clipping of trimming your horse’s hairy feathers—what do you have to loose except a few pounds of winter hair?
About the Author:
Lori is a Southern California champion Gymkhana trainer and a free-lance writer who pens everything from business articles to equine training tips.
Lori believes in diversity: She's earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a minor in Human Resource Management, has an Adult Education teaching creditional and is a certified Interior Accessory Designer and decorator. And yes, she's worked in the field of business and finance, decorating and teaching.
But her true love (next to hubby and kids) is horses. She's been lucky enough to return to the western lifestyle of her youth and resides on a postage stamp size ranch, the Rockin' L & D, where she instructs people and trains equine companions.
Lori may be contacted by email at hallmcnary@earthlink.net.
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
