As we head into September and the days start to shorten, you may already notice changes in your horse’s coat. This is the perfect time to start thinking about clipping! Clipping isn't just about keeping your horse looking smart; it’s also about their comfort and performance.
Before reaching for the clippers, it's important to consider what type of clip is best suited to your horse's workload, condition, and living situation. Remember, it’s always best to remove the least amount of coat in the first clip. If you take off too much too soon, you could find yourself spending extra time and money on rugs, feed and stabling to keep your horse warm. As your horse's fitness and workload progress over the winter, you can always remove more hair at the next clip.
During the colder seasons, horses are typically clipped every 3 to 6 weeks. Horses that are worked regularly may require more frequent clipping, while those with lighter workloads or that live outdoors may be clipped less often. Some horses many only need one or two clips over the winter, while others may need more frequent attention to keep their coats manageable.
Here’s a guide to the most common types of winter clips, each tailored to the horse’s workload and how they are managed in colder weather. Of course, there are many variations, especially when it comes to clipping the head and legs. Any clip can be adapted to suit your individual horse’s needs which where custom clips come in useful!
Table of content
Clips for Light Work
These minimal, partial clips are ideal for horses or ponies that are in light or occasional work and may live indoors or outdoors. They're also great for horses who feel the cold or struggle to maintain body condition. Rugging may be necessary for horses that aren't particularly hardy, such as older or less-conditioned horses.
The Bib Clip
- A bib clip is simple partial clip running down the underside of the neck to between the front legs. This small clip is perfect for horses that sweat minimally, or serving as the first trim for young horses to introduce them to the process of clipping.
Neck And Belly Clip / Low Irish Clip
- A Neck and Belly Clip is an extension of the bib clip that runs from under the jaw to include the girth area to the middle of the belly. An ideal, smart but functional clip for horses that get a little warmer during light work. Sometimes called an Apron Clip, variations can include clipping the top of the forelegs.
- Another variation of this clip is the Low Irish, where the belly clip extends to the stifle, in a long, sweeping line.
Below images by @Smart Clip
Clips for Light to Medium Work
If your horse is in more regular work, the following clips and close variations are ideal for horses that sweat more. whilst retaining a good coverage over the back and quarters. Rugging will usually be necessary to replace the extra coat that’s been removed, especially in colder weather.
The Irish Clip and Low Trace Clip
- The traditional Irish Clip is a diagonal clip running from the horse’s jaw to the middle of the underbelly, including the tops of the forelegs and between the front legs.
- Another clip with similar features is the trace clip. Originally developed by carriage drivers, this clip follows the lines of the traces of a harness across the midline of the body. It extends along the belly to includes the top and back of the hind legs. Despite becoming popular for driving, this clip is perfectly suited to ridden horses too.
Below images by @Smart Clip
Clips For Moderate to Hard Work
The following clips are ideal for horses in regular, steady work, such as winter competitions or light eventing. Horses with these clips are typically stabled with turnout during good weather, making rugging essential to help them maintain their body temperature.
The Trace Clip
- A medium trace clip removes hair from the underside of the neck, chest, belly, and lower flanks, making it a great option for horses in moderate work during the winter. The clip lines midway across the body to help reduce sweat while still retaining warmth across the larger muscles of the back.
- A high trace clip, that takes off more hair and extends further up the sides, is ideal for horses in heavier work. Both clips offer a balance between comfort and coat management during colder months.
The Blanket and Chaser Clip
- The Chaser Clip is traditionally coined from its use for steeplechase horses. It is very similar the blanket clip but includes more coverage to the neck than a trace clip and usually includes clipping the full head and ears.
- The Blanket Clip in contrast includes the entire neck to be clipped, leaving a blanket shaped covering to the area of the back where the saddle would sit and over the quarters, like an exercise sheet. The head can be either half or fully clipped, depending on your preference. Horses in regular hard work, such as eventing or hunting, will benefit from these partial clips. As more of the winter coat is removed, horses will need to be well rugged, especially if turned out during the day.
Below images by @Laura Rose Equine Services
Clips for Horses in Very Hard / Fast Work
Horses in high-intensity work, such as racing or frequent hunting, will need more extensive clipping to stay cool. These horses are usually stabled full-time and may require an exercise sheet when being ridden. Rugging with neck covers is often needed, even in mild weather.
The Hunter Clip
- In a traditional hunter clip, the hair on the body of the horse is clipped but may include a saddle-shaped patch on the back to offer some cushioning underneath the saddle. The legs are left unclipped to protect them during jumping or cross-country work and usually includes a smart inverted V shape of hair left above the tail.
The Full Clip
- Full clipping involves clipping the hair from the entire body, including the head and legs. with optional hogging of the mane. Whilst full clipping is more common in summer, full winter clips are usually reserved for horses in high-level competition, for winter showing classes for a seamless finish. Full clips may also be done as the last clip as spring approaches for horses that have been partially clipped. This helps to remove the lines from the previous clip or uneven colouration to freshen up before the summer coat comes fully through.
Choosing the Right Clippers for the Job
We often get asked, “Which clippers are best for my horse?”. When selecting clippers, it’s important to consider the type of clipping you plan to do. Not all horses need to be fully clipped. Their workload, coat density, and living conditions all play a role.
For horses that only need a partial clip and have lighter coats (such as thoroughbreds) for 1-3 clips a season, a medium-duty clipper might be more than adequate. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with a horse that requires more frequent clipping, full clips, or those with a medium-dense coat, a heavy-duty set will make the job much easier and quicker.
For super sharp lines and clipping delicate areas, a cordless trimmer is prefect for all touch up tasks and finer details. Take a look at our combo deals here to save you money when you buy a clipper and trimmer together.
By tailoring your horse's clip to their needs, you can keep them comfortable and looking sharp all winter long! Need help choosing the best clipper for you? Give us a call to chat with our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team or drop us a message here.
