For body clipping your normal sized horses (as apposed to miniatures), I suggest that you get a larger pair of single speed body clippers. There are many different brands which are available and it is best to talk to other equine enthuses about there preferences.

It may even be an idea to see some in action and get the feel of a pair before you make the initial monetary outlay. Most of the older brands are very good and last for a long time if looked after correctly (I have a pair that is over 20 years old and still run well). You may even be able to 'hire' a pair from a 'friend' for the first clip.

If you are contemplating a 'full' clip then you may also require a smaller pair of 'trimming' clippers for the legs, face and ears. These are usually a lot quieter, lighter and have a smaller blade width. You can get these in single, two or varied speed.

With Miniature Horses, I have found the use of the smaller clippers ideal as you can get a better clip especially using the varied speed clippers. If you are clipping Miniatures on a regular base then the outlay for the multi speed clippers are well worth it.

Next you will need to purchase some clipper blades. Generally you will get one set with the clippers when you purchase them.

The larger body clippers will have a two piece blade, the bottom blade being the 'comb' and the top blade being the 'cutter'. In general the 'comb' will be the bigger piece and goes on the bottom, with the smaller 'cutting' blade fitting on top. The clippers will not cut properly if these blades are not fitted correctly.

The smaller clippers generally are fitted with clip on blades. These are fairly simple to use and come as one piece with the 'comb' and 'cutter' blades being permanently fitted together. As the name suggests they do simply clip on. These blades are available in a 'ceramic' version (the 'cutter' blade is ceramic), but as yet I have found no advantage in using them.

Make sure that you have more than one set of blades on hand, as they tend to go blunt at the most inconvenient times (usually when you have only done half a horse). Most new blades will be sharp upon purchase, but I have gone to use new blades (clip on style) that have been blunt.

When purchasing your blades be aware that they come in different cutting depths. Try to get multiple sets of the same cutting depth so that you avoid uneven clips.

You can get different depth blades for your smaller clippers to help sculpt around your horses face and legs. But this does take a bit of practice.

Your blades will need to be sharpened by a reputable blade sharpener. Make sure that this person has done horse clipper blades before as they are different to sharpening other blades.

It is best if you can store your blades in a blade lubricant, coolant or commercially available blade cleaner. If not clean them thoroughly and wrap in a soft cloth. Remember to clean out as much hair as possible from you blades before storing them, use a soft cloth or old tooth brush for this job.

Cleaning your blades often, while clipping will help to keep them cool, give them a longer life and help your clippers run better. To clean your blades when clipping, it is best to turn the machine off and remove all excess hair as described above. The blades can then be run while partly submerged in a mixture of diesel and kerosene (half and half) or sprayed briefly with a lubricant (such as WD-40). But for the long jeopardy of your blades it is best to buy specific blade cleaners that are available from your clipper retailer.

Like any small appliance, they do require regular servicing to make sure they are in good working order. There is nothing worse than trying to clip a horse with clippers that are not running smoothly. Keep an eye on the electrical lead as this can become frayed and dangerous not only to you but your horse.

A friend of mine was clipping her miniature and wondered why he was jumping around so much, when he was normally very good to clip. She soon discovered that the electrical cord was damaged, and upon further investigation (she got zapped!) found that it was giving out a small electrical current every time the cord touched him!!

So keep a check on the cord as well as the machine. When the clippers are not in use, store them away in a covered container to minimize dust and damage.

Happy Clipping

Tina Williamson
BAppSci (Equine)

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About the Author

Tina is a professional horse trainer and horse lover. She has a degree in Equine Science and is absolutely passionate about everything Horse. Web Master: Please feel free to use this article (unmodified) on your website or in your ezine. Just ensure that my details and the live static link to www.gifts-for-the-horse-lover.com are maintained. Regards Tina
Tina Williamson