Clipping Your Horse
Midnight Blue Equestrian is the premier equestrian clipping specialists throughout, Wellingborough, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire,...
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MIDNIGHT BLUE EQUESTRIAN
MIDNIGHT BLUE EQUESTRIAN
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Types of clips & advice
As a rider, you want your horse to feel as comfortable as possible at all times, whether they’re out in the field or you’re competing in an event together. Having a horse who is both relaxed and happy will make riding and training easier, as well as giving you peace of mind. One of the big decisions you will need to make for your horse is whether or not to clip them, which is something that can have a major impact on their comfort. Choosing to trim their coat can make life much easier, but it needs to be approached and managed in a way that’s best for their welfare.
As a rider, you want your horse to feel as comfortable as possible at all times, whether they’re out in the field or you’re competing in an event together. Having a horse who is both relaxed and happy will make riding and training easier, as well as giving you peace of mind. One of the big decisions you will need to make for your horse is whether or not to clip them, which is something that can have a major impact on their comfort. Choosing to trim their coat can make life much easier, but it needs to be approached and managed in a way that’s best for their welfare.
Light or Occasional Work
Below are examples of clips that are ideal for horses and ponies in light or occasional work that may live in or out. They are also suitable for horses that may feel the cold or struggle to hold body condition. Rugging may be necessary if the horse or pony is not particularly hardy and needs to maintain body condition or is a veteran.
Bib
Simple clip running down underside of the neck to between the front legs
Neck & Belly
The same as the bib clip but extending between the forelegs to include the belly and under the jaw.
Apron
The same as for the bib clip but includes clipping a little further to the girth area and the top of the forelegs.
Neck, Belly & Forelocks
As the neck and belly clip but includes the top of the forelegs, as in the Apron clip.
Clips For Light Work
These clips are ideal for equines in regular, light work. These clips will require the horse to be rugged to compensate for the removal of the coat unless the weather is particularly mild. The clips for horses in light work aim to remove the hair from the areas that sweat the most but retain much of the coat to keep the horse warm.
Irish
Forming a soft diagonal line from the horse’s jaw to the middle of the underbelly. Includes clipping the top of the forelegs and between the forelegs removing most of the hair from the belly.
Low Trace
Like the apron clip but extends along the belly in a low line to include the top and around the back of the hind legs. A little curve is cut in where the hair swirls on the flanks.
Moderate To Fast
Suitable for horses in regular, steady work and occasional fast work for winter competitions etc. Horses with this clip are generally stable kept with just a few hours of turnout in good weather per day. Rugging is essential for this clip and will require a variety of rugs as the horse will not be able to maintain his own body temperature. Extra rugs will be required if the weather conditions are very bad.
Medium Trace
As the low trace, but with the line of the clip being higher up towards the mid-section of the horse’s body. Occasionally the medium trace will include clipping the lower half of the horse’s head as well.
High Trace
As the medium trace clip, only the clip line is higher up the body, over the mid-section.
Hard / Fast Work
For horses that are in regular, hard work such as regular competitions, hunting, eventing etc. Horses with these clips require the same level of rugging as the moderate working horses. Horses in hard work may not generally be turned out during the day but would need to be kept from the elements if they do have a limited time of turnout. Rugs with neck covers are ideal.
Chaser
Originally used for steeplechase horses. Similar to the medium trace clip but more of the neck is clipped including the full head and ears.
Blanket
Like the chaser clip but with the neck completely clipped out. The head may be half clipped or fully clipped.
Hard Work
Horses in regular, fast competition work, racing or regularly hunting. These horses are usually stabled full time and may require an exercise sheet when taken for exercise. If turned out, they will need a neck cover with their rug, even in mild weather. Horses with these clips need to be carefully monitored for body condition to ensure they are not losing energy just keeping warm.
Hunter
The coat on the body is removed leaving just a saddle shaped outline in the saddle area and an inverted V-shape above the tail. The mane may also be hogged. The legs are left unclipped to give a bit of protection when jumping.
Full
The whole body, head and full legs are clipped. This clip is favoured in the spring for horses in high end competition.
Common Questions
Why do I need to clip my horse?
Everybody has their own reasons for clipping their horse and while some reasons are purely from an aesthetic point of view most horses are clipped for health reasons or to help regulate their temperature.
Can I clip in winter?
During the winter a horse’s natural coat helps to protect them from the elements and keep them warm throughout the cold winter months. This is great for horses that live outdoors with little or no exercise. For most horses, this thick winter coat can have the opposite effect. When your horse gets sweaty the sweat can mix with the natural greases in his coat which will cause the hair to become matted. This matting can not only become uncomfortable for your horse but over time will start to smell. It’ll also make it harder for him to keep warm because the matted hair will not only take longer to dry but will also clump together and therefore allow the cold air to get in through the gaps.
Can I clip in summer?
During the warmer summer months it’s much easier to get rid of the sweet by washing your horse down after exercise and then allowing him to dry naturally. That said in some breeds (such as those native to colder conditions as well as some cobs) that have thicker summer coats allowing them to dry naturally can take a very long time, on top of that if they’re worked regularly then their thick coats can put them at risk of overheating.
Clipping for shows?
We all know how much hair your horse can lose when he’s moulting, while different horses will lose different amounts of hair it can be particularly frustrating if your horse deposits all of his unwanted hair over you! To help stop this happening a lot of people will clip their horse just before he starts to moult.
Clipping With Cushings
If your horse is suffering from conditions such as Cushing’s or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (known as EMS) then clipping him all year round will help him to maintain a normal body temperature. You don’t need to give your horse a full clip, even a chaser or trace clip will allow him to cool enough. It doesn't have to be a full clip every time, our team can help advise the best option for your horse.
Book A Clip
Book one of our standard clips below. If you cant see the one you want or you are looking for a bespoke option just fill in our contact form at the bottom. One of our team will be in touch shortly to discuss your requirements.
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