Horses - Why do we clip them?

Horses having evolved over millions of years have as a result adapted well to the various weather patterns and climatic conditions in which they live. In Northern Europe generally by the end of October most horse and ponies will have grown a good full winter coat in order to protect themselves from the cold and wet weather conditions of winter. This coat will be considerably thicker than the short sleek summer coat.

That is fine of course if our horses are going to experience a natural outdoor life for which nature has prepared them. However with the modern trend of stabling, feeding concentrated foods, and providing artificial warmth, we human change all that, and the natural protection provided becomes not so necessary. In fact for horses which are to be worked either by hunting, competing, or just plain exercise during the winter months it can be positively harmful.

Horse carrying a thick winter coat will quickly overheat from fast work or in exceptionally mild weather conditions, which can often be the case especially in the southern parts of the UK with the result that they sweat excessively to compensate. This creates a unhealthy state of affairs for a number of reasons which briefly are as follows

• Distress during working
• Possible loss of condition
• Difficulty in getting fit for working
• Parasite control - more difficult with a thick coat
• Getting a horse which has exercised dry before it chills
• In addition there are associated difficulties such as Grooming problems with a full coat.
• Keeping clean those who enjoy "wallowing" in mud

Horses which are to have their winter coats removed are usually clipped in October (this is known as the first clip) and a further clip is performed around time of Christmas, with a third, if required, done in early February. These are the normal times for clipping, but be mindful that no two years are the same and weather conditions are abnormal.

Clipping is something to think about, don't just rush into it. Horses should be clipped for a reason! Remember a clipped horse requires just as much time if indeed not more, as well as additional expenditure, so think before you clip!

There are a number of various "clips" you can opt for and these will depend on which suit your circumstances best. Gear the “clip” to the nature of the work your horse will be required to do. To commit the "sin" of clipping off more coat than required, is considered “very bad management”, apart from which it will cost you a good deal more in extra feed, hay, bedding and rugs to keep the animal comfortable!

Details of the various clips will be found under “Various types of Clips for Horses”

In the unfortunate event of causing clipper burns to an animal it is recommended that generous applications of Cortisynth ointment is applied to the irritated area until healing has been fully completed. Clippers burns are viewed as a sign of carelessness!

When using a clipper if it is a mains appliance ensure the cable is clear of any obstacles and not in the way of your feet. Get your self well organised, and have a safe and secure place to put the machine when not in use even if only for a few moments. Many clippers are fitted with a "hanging loop" Use it and hang your clipper up when not using it! A clipper which accidentally falls to the ground may easily result in either a broken blade, broken casing, or internal damage all of which apart from terminating the clipping can also be costly!

PEASRIDGE

Repair & service all makes of clippers and trimmers
and professionally sharpen all types of blades

Tel: 01424 882900 or E-mail info@peasridge.co.uk

Whilst every care has been take to ensure the accuracy of the information given both in the written text and pictures created, neither PEASRIDGE nor any of its staff can accept any responsibly of any type for injury or damage inflicted by or caused to persons or animals by any operator or a third party who has made reference to this web site. Owner/Operators of all such appliance should satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any statements made, and if they are unsure on any point consult the manufacturer direct.