How
do I go about clipping a difficult or young horse?
This really depends on
whether the horse has been clipped before and whether
it is showing signs of nervousness or aggression.
If it is a case of getting
the horse's confidence, then time spent now introducing
the clippers to the horse will pay off in the long run.
If clippers or trimmers are introduced as a part of
the grooming routine, the horse will soon relax as he
gets used to the noise.
In the case of an extremely
sensitive or apprehensive horse, we tend to use trimmers
first, and then move on to the larger clippers. In the
event of a horse not coping with large clippers, we
have had a lot of success with an American re-chargeable
clipper, called the Laube Lazor. It is capable of doing
full clips and even hogging manes and has the benefit
of two speeds. On the slow speed the sound is very dull
and quiet and can be completely camouflaged by the sound
of a radio. On full speed it is still quiet and there
is little vibration. The blade is interchangeable and
can be used with a narrower blade as a trimmer.
As with all young horses, if the education has been
given patiently and correctly at the beginning of a
new experience, there should be no reason for clipping
to become an issue. It is obviously more difficult,
when an older horse is bought and comes with a clipping
problem. We apply the same methods as if the horse is
a youngster, but even more patience is needed. Sometimes,
a horse is never able to overcome the fear that has
been associated with clipping, and in these circumstances,
if clipping is absolutely necessary, we advise contacting
your veterinary surgeon to discuss sedation. If the
horse is well rugged in the early autumn, this will
help suppress the coat growth, so that clipping can
be kept to a minimum.
I am using the Laube Lazor on Billy as he is particularly
difficult to clip. TIP - Plait mane over first, put tail
bandage on.
For Further information: on clipping, buying a set
of clippers and clipper maintenance, visit www.clippersharp.com
or contact
Clipper Sharp Clipper Services, Southwoods Farm, Culmstock,
Collumpton, Devon, EX15 3JX.
Tel: 01823 681076,
Fax: 01823 681076 or email: richard@clippersharp.com
