Horse owners are constantly concerned with their cherished animal’s diet, nutrition, and physical activities. All of these factors are important, but your pets should also be groomed regularly. Like humans and any other animal, Horses require a periodic shave to keep their manes in shape. That is why investing in the best horse clippers is critical.
To help groom your horse, you should use horse clippers, which are specially designed instruments. Just as we take great care when selecting the best horse diet for our horse, it is critical to know which product will serve as the best horse clipper for your pet.
This article will introduce you to the best clippers for horses that we discovered and provide a buying guide for you.
Quick Comparision
Contents
Why do You Need a Horse Clipper?
The main topic is if horse trimming is a necessary activity, and if it is, why do you need a horse clipper for it? Trimming is not only essential for grooming your pet’s appearance, but it is also necessary for its health.
Trimming your horse’s coat assists him in regulating his body temperature and helps him prevent excessive sweating in the summer and winter. It also aids in the identification of wounds on your horse that would otherwise be concealed from view.
Now that you understand why trimming is vital for your pet let’s compare horse clippers and trimmers. To begin, while horse trimmers merely aid in the grooming of your horse, clippers aid in the filling of wounds.
Furthermore, clippers may be used to not only cut your horse’s coat in various styles but also to run through its mane and groom its tail and legs. As a result, it is critical to select the finest horse clippers since who doesn’t appreciate an excellent and tidy horse?
If you’re serious about enhancing your horse’s look, we recommend purchasing a grooming package to go with your horse clipper. Our top selections for the best horse grooming kits are listed below.
How to Choose the Best Horse Clipper?
When buying clippers, selecting the appropriate tool is just as crucial as knowing the proper trimming technique. As a result, we’d want to set out the fundamentals of what to look for in a horse clipper before getting into product reviews.
Blade Size
Each clipper includes two blades. The bottom blade, also known as the comb, feeds the hair through so it’s ready for cutting, while the top moving blade, also known as the cutter, cuts the hair through each pass.
The thickness of the comb determines the kind and length of the cut. The correct sort of horse clipper blade can now be identified only after the purpose of the amount has been defined. For example, getting a tighter cut in hotter regions and a thicker edge will be necessary, but in cooler climates, a medium-sized knife would suffice.
The most modern clippers include removable blades, allowing you to alter them according to the desired cut. In addition, in an adjustable-blade type, a lever on the side moves the cutting blade closer to or further away from the outside edge of the comb, allowing you to get varied cuts with the same clipper.
Motor Types
Clippers differ from ordinary horse foot nippers in that the sort of motor put therein determines their performance. There are three sorts of engines, each with its unique function.
- Rotary motors are the most popular kind. The motor is powered by an electric component and a revolving disc. The disc will revolve and provide power to the blades by utilizing electricity. The motor’s speed may be adjusted by a switch, making it simple to operate. If you need a quiet horse clipper, this may not be the ideal solution for you.
- Pivoting motors are simple in design, consisting of a single hand and a magnet. Because the interest is fixed, the blades and hands move. Because this motor only has one arm, it pushes the edge in one direction; then, a spring pulls it back in the other direction. This motor may not be ideal for a shorter trim since it risks ripping off fur during the cut.
- Magnet motors, which have a magnetic field and a direct driving shaft, provide the most tunable clippers. Unlike the pivoting engine, the magnet field here may control the back and forth motion of the blades. As a result, they are ideal for both light and heavy-duty clipping. They also produce less noise and heat than rotary motors.
Motor RPM
The pace and severity of a clipper’s cut are determined by the number of rotations made by the engine. A typical rotary motor, for example, rotates at 10,000 RPM and is stepped down by gears. On the other hand, a greater RPM generally produces more noise and heat, which a fan must balance out to keep the motor cool.
As a general rule, a higher-speed motor is required for heavy-duty clipping, while a lower-speed engine is needed for light-duty clipping. When it comes to heavy-duty clipping, a magnetic motor should be used since it has a faster speed, creates less heat, and makes less noise.
Size of the Clipper
When cutting hair off delicate areas of your horse’s body, such as its neck and face, the size of a clipper becomes critical. A larger clipper is usually uncorded and challenging to manage, whereas a smaller clipper is corded.
When trimming a horse’s neck, you must be extremely careful not to startle your beloved. Thus a tiny trimmer should be used so that the main focus may be placed on the horse’s movements.
Noise and Heat
As previously said, a horse may be fearful of the trimming procedure. A clipper that produces more noise and heat may frighten your pet. As a result, a clipper with a pivot or magnetic motor should be utilized while doing a light-duty activity. Furthermore, if you choose a rotary type, make sure it has a fan to reduce the heat created.
Standard Horse Body Clip Styles
If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably chosen to attempt body clipping your horse. You only need to pick on a clip style now. You can select a haircut style for your horse in the same way as you can for yourself.
Trace (Chaser) Clip
Depending on the quantity of hair eliminated, this style can be “low” or “high,” but it requires trimming beneath the chin, around the neck (bottom and some of the sides), the whole abdomen, and most of the flanks. It is an excellent alternative for horses in mild to moderate training who live outside since it leaves the back, legs, and face unclipped.
Blanket Clip
As the name implies, this clip makes your horse appear like he’s wearing a quarter sheet. The hair on the neck, abdomen, flanks, and up and over the withers is removed. It is a good choice for horses with painful backs (it keeps those muscles warm), leaving the legs and face alone.
Hunter Clip
It is a popular choice among fox/field hunters who gallop great distances over various terrain. All hair is removed except for the legs and an English saddle pad-sized patch over the back. This design allows for optimum cooling while yet protecting the legs from natural elements and jumps.
Full Body Clip
This look is precisely as it sounds. Because you cut the entire horse, this should be saved for horses that do a lot of hard labor in the winter and go to warmer locations regularly for shows or other activities.
Strip (Belly) Clip
It is also known as a Pony Clip, but the style is the same. Under the chin, on the underside of the neck, between the front legs, and along the length of the belly are all areas where hair is removed. It’s a simple clip that’s suitable for light work.
Top 9 Best Horse Clippers Reviews
The availability of a removable blade, in our opinion, makes it very easy to clean and maintain the clipper, resulting in a longer-lasting product. However, while the device promises a relaxed feeling, it may soon heat up during heavy-duty clipping.
With the Andis clipper, you have the option of a detachable blade, which comes with an extra Ultra Edge Size T-84 blade. This great clipper also comes with a heavy-duty 14-inch cable that allows you to cut and move about freely.
Its removable head design also enables charging without the use of tools simple. The Andis ProClip2 also stands out in our perspective due to its broad compatibility with 30 blades in the United States alone. It also comes with a one-of-a-kind protective cover to protect it from shattering.
Its lithium-ion battery has a battery life of about 90 minutes. Its rotating motor also assists in adjusting the speed for various types of trims. The 5-in-1 changeable blade is, in our opinion, the most intriguing feature.
This function allows the clipper to be used for a variety of short and heavy trims. In addition, we considered Wahl's customer service to be superior to that of any other firm in the market.
The Bravura is best suited for light-duty shaving, such as cutting the horse's bridle path, ears, nose, and fetlocks. The adjustable blade comes in sizes 9, 10, 15, 30, and 40, allowing for a wide range of cutting lengths.
Its speed switch may also automatically alter the RPM when cutting hair from various regions of your horse's body.
This device, too, has an adjustable lever that allows you to select the best blade size from 30, 15, or 10 options. For us, the most intriguing element of this clipper was its extraordinary capacity to produce 7200 strokes per minute without its metal heating up! This characteristic distinguishes the clipper.
The most attractive feature of this clipper, in our opinion, is how Oster actively listened to user reviews and created a much more balanced clipper. It's also shatterproof and around 30% lighter than its predecessor. The clipper also includes an adjustable tension knob for fine adjustments and an excellent ventilation system powered by a quiet and superb engine.
Oster's package includes a cleaning brush, a grease and intake screen, one top and one bottom blade, and one clipping machine.
It may be used for light-duty trimming that demands precision by setting the switch to a speed of 2100 rPM, and it can also be used to cut rough coats by setting the pace to a maximum of 2700 RPM. The clipper also has a removable blade and is interchangeable with all Oster A5 blades. Oster's chew-proof motor was the most fantastic feature revealed to us. However, the product is a little hefty, making it tough to handle. It can also get hot at times, which can be uncomfortable for your horse.
This little clipper is a force to be reckoned with, capable of shearing even the most challenging coats. Because the clipper has a six-speed performance motor, it can easily handle high-noise challenges. As a result, it is appropriate for both slower, quieter trims and quicker louder trims. The TAKEIT motor stays cool at all speeds when it comes to heat.
The clipper's body is polymer-coated. It also includes an ergonomic grip for improved control and less vibration interference. The clipper has a speed of 2400 RPM and a voltage of 110V.
The TAKEIT clipper is included in a cleaning brush, a bottle, two carbon brushes, and a travel bag. Although this clipper may be used for various tasks, we believe that its universal motor makes it unsuitable for extended use.
If your horse has a softer coat, this clipper can do the light-body cutting as well. Like the others from Wahl, this clipper has an adjustable lever that allows you to modify the size of the blade while trimming.
This clipper is an excellent buy because of its 2-year guarantee and Wahl's customer service. It is, nevertheless, helpful in trimming your horse's coat in cooler weather.
Clipping Tips to Keep Your Horse Slim and Trimmed
Body clipping takes a lot of work to get right, and it’s lovely if your first attempt isn’t excellent. Clipping is a valuable skill to master, and your friends will most likely be requesting you to clip their horses for them soon.
Set the Scene
Choose a low-traffic time of day at the barn for body trimming, and ensure that your horse is in a comfortable and familiar environment. The less tension you have, the better! (Aside from Monkey, treats are helpful.)
Slow down
When body trimming a horse, patience is essential. It’s easy to become upset if your horse doesn’t stand still, has a thick coat, is afraid of clippers, or just takes forever to accomplish your preferred clip style. Allow enough time to avoid feeling pressured, and remember to take pauses. They are beneficial to both you and your horse.
Begin Slowly
You don’t want to start with the face if you’ve never clipped before. Begin with low, less visible places until you’ve mastered the technique. In addition, adjust your blade to a lower setting that does not remove as much hair at first. You can always go back and cut it shorter, but pasting your horse’s coat back does not work.
Make Your Canvas Shiny
Your horse is your “canvas” in this situation. Before you begin cutting, make sure his skin and coat are clean and healthy. Brush him thoroughly to avoid clogging your blade with dirt, grime, or hair knots. Poor coat condition will also cause your knife to dull faster.
Tighten it up
It might be tough to trim “flabby” regions like the neck and chest. Pulling the skin taut in the immediate clipping region will make things go much faster.
Use Caution
Sensitive areas include the ears, face, and underbelly/flanks. Take your time, be cautious, and pay attention if your horse exhibits indications of suffering.
Keep it Quiet
Noise, especially buzzing clippers, may be a significant stressor for horses. Choose a quieter clipper and consider using Pomms Equestrian Ear Plugs to help your horse rest if he is easily irritated or startled by noises.
Be Wary of Blade Heat
Cutting through dense horse coats is complex, and blades can become hot if used too forcefully or too long. The fact that the clipper body you’re holding is fantastic doesn’t indicate the edge is. Check it several times while clipping, and take regular rests with your clippers.
Upkeep Your Machine
If you’re going to buy decent clippers, make sure you take good care of them. Clipper lubricant, clipper oil, blade sharpening, and blade coolants (such as the Oster Kool Lube I mentioned before) all assist in extending the life of your clippers and make them work better in the long term.
Take Rest Periods
Whether your horse is acclimated to body cutting or not, it is best to take frequent pauses. Nothing says you have to complete the task in one hour–or one day. Take your time, swap sides regularly, and take mental and physical breaks along the way.
Go Against (or With) the Grain
If you want a close-to-the-skin cut, run your clippers against the direction of the hair. You can clip with the hair if you wish to minor trim (i.e., more hair stays).
Pack your belongings
Clipped horses must be covered in colder weather, so make sure you have the necessary liners, sheets, and blankets before you clip. Last year, one of my fellow boarders trimmed her horse without having any blankets available. Our barn owner saw her poor pony freezing outside, dug up a loaner blanket, and immediately phoned the owner to inform her that she needed to buy a blanket right now.
Seek Assistance
Remember that it is OK to seek assistance. No one is perfect, and every horse owner requires help from time to time! If you’re new to clipping, have a helper on hand to assist with holding your horse, etc.
FAQs
You might still have some questions about Horse Clippers, so here are some answers.
What are the most excellent horse clippers?
Because of their variety in their clipping experience, the Andis Ultra-Edge and the Andis Proclip stand out as the best horse clippers on the market. The Wahl Professional Cromado Horse Clipper, on the other hand, isn’t far behind.
Horse clippers come in a variety of brands and styles. As a result, it is critical to establish a criterion for what is required in a clipper. For example, if you want to cut your horse’s mane in hotter areas, you may need a different clipper than you would in cooler climates.
What are the best cordless horse clippers?
Two of the most excellent cordless horse clippers on the market are the Wahl Bravura and the Wahl Professional Chromado Horse Clipper. Corded and cordless clippers are available. Only once you’ve determined why you need a clipper in the first place can you choose the ideal clipper for you. While some clippers are superior for deep-cutting entire coats, others may be better for trimming specific areas like ears, fetlocks, and the bridle path.
What are the quietest horse clippers?
The Andis Pro Clip horse clipper is one of the quietest horse clippers on the market. If you’re prepared to spend more money, the Oster Clipmaster is also a feasible alternative.
Noise is one of the most important aspects that consumers consider when purchasing a horse clipper. A loud clipper is not only annoying to you, but it may also frighten your horse, especially if the mane has only recently been subjected to cutting.
What is horse clipping?
In the winter, horses’ coats thicken, and their skin generates more oil to protect them from damp and cold weather. This hair keeps the horse warm, but it may also be unpleasant and even harmful if the horse is overworked to the point of profuse sweat.
Sweat combines with the grease in the coat to form a film that mats the thick hair. The thick skin takes a long time to dry and cannot keep a horse warm in this matted form, leaving the horse susceptible to chills, leading to sickness.
As a result, hair is cut along the underside and sides of the neck, shoulders, and belly but left unclipped on the legs and torso. The trace clip is famous because it eliminates hair from the regions of the horse’s body where it perspires the most. Some individuals prefer to cut a short swath of hair, while others prefer to clip hair halfway up the horse.
When is the ideal time to cut a horse’s mane and tail?
You should trim your horse as soon as his increasing winter coat becomes an impediment to his job. If he’s sweating more than usual, it’s time to remove it. You may then maintain track of it throughout the winter — some horses require more frequent inspections than others. There is some dispute regarding when the final clip should be done before the spring, but the conventional view is that clipping should be avoided after the end of January.
What should I know about horse clipper blades?
First and foremost, use caution when touching them. Though horse clippers are designed to be as safe as possible for both humans and horses, they nevertheless include sharp blades that might cause harm.
Horse clippers generally have a lower blade (the comb) and a moving blade (the cutter) that work together to cut the hair.
The comb feeds hair through the clipper’s end while the cutter travels back and forth to cut it. The length of clipping performed by the blades varies. If you’re unsure, the number 10 blade leaves hair 1/16 long and is one of the most common medium blades.
Some clippers let you alter and modify the blades, while others don’t. If this is essential to you, make sure to check the precise model before purchasing.
Clipper blades must be sharpened and lubricated regularly. Most local appliance repair shops can sharpen your knives. You may also do it yourself if you have your blade sharpening equipment.
What should I know about horse clipper input and output?
When comparing horse clippers, manufacturers frequently specify “strokes per minute” (SPM). Don’t place too much stock in this figure because manufacturers typically measure it differently.
SPM, on the other hand, is commonly referred to as the speed of the clippers. The faster the clippers can cut hair, the higher the SPM. Faster-moving blades that don’t pull the hair as much when cutting might be helpful in places like the ears.
Conversely, the quicker the blades travel, the hotter they might become. Faster blades may also lack the torque needed to cut through thick hair, such as bridle pathways or matted winter coats. Input/output, like most things, is a tradeoff.
What’s the difference between horse clippers vs. dog clippers?
The fact that clippers are labeled for animals does not imply that they are strong enough to body clip your horse. Many dog clippers, for example, are designed for lesser operations, which is understandable.
Other manufacturers, such as Wahl, produce clippers that are suitable for both. Check that the clippers you’re buying are appropriate for the animal you’re cutting.
If you have horse clippers and want to cut your dog’s hair, go ahead. Just be cautious if you’re grooming a small or delicate dog with very heavy-duty horse clippers. The instrument should be appropriate for the task.
Conclusion
Finally, riding is meant to be enjoyable, and I don’t know anyone who considers hanging around in the cold waiting for a sweaty horse to dry enjoyable. (I know it doesn’t work for me!) Body clipping is a simple solution that enables your horse to dry faster and be more comfortable when exercising in chilly weather.
Remember that if you choose to body clip your horse, you will need to take extra measures during blanketing. If you are not willing to take on that duty, it is better to let your horse’s coat alone.