Clipping made easy with Liveryman

Here's what you need to know before starting to clip your horse:

• Make sure your clippers are in good condition, you have plenty of clipper oil, any batteries have been charged and your blades are sharp and in good condition. You should never use blunt or damaged blades as this may cause pain or discomfort for your horse.
• Make sure that your horse is clean and dry. It is recommended to give your horse a bath the day before clipping to help remove any dirt or grease from the coat. If you are unable to bath your horse before clipping you should give your horse a good groom to remove as much dirt as possible, however, you should not use any coat sprays or lotions prior to clipping or during clipping as these can clog the blades and cause blunting. Cleaning your horse will help to prevent any discomfort by helping prevent the blades getting clogged, it will also help your blades to last longer.
• Determine the clip type you desire prior to clipping: trace clip, blanket clip, or full clip, each with unique advantages. You should consider the clip type based off of your horse's individual needs, take into consideration the work load and routine. You can use your finger against the direction of the hair to map lines as a guide of where to clip to.

• Tie your horse in a safe, secure spot and ensure they are comfortable and relaxed.
• Commence by showing your horse the clippers, turn them on and let the horse get used to the noise. As you begin clipping, do small areas to ensure a smooth and even result, applying consistent pressure to avoid patchy spots. If you are taking hair off of the head or legs it is a good idea to use the Harmony Plus with a wide blade for large areas, swapping to the narrow blade for more intricate areas. A top tip for blending is to use the Liveryman Harmony Plus Grading Comb Pack.
• Remember to apply clipper oil every 10 minutes to keep the blades lubricated, this will help to prevent over heating, pulling and keep the blades from going blunt prematurely.
• After finishing clipping, brush your horse thoroughly. We recommend hot clothing your horse with a no rinse wash after clipping to ensure all loose hairs have been removed and to keep your horse comfortable.
• Next, ensure that your horse is warm and cozy with a rug on, before returning them to their stable.
• Finally, thoroughly clean your clippers. Remove any hair and dirt with a small brush, you can use clipper blade wash to clean off your blades, helping to prevent rust. Ensure you clippers are dry before putting them away in a case and store them in a cool, dry environment.