Horse Clipping 101

by Beth Hendersons

If you have been in the horse world for a few months, you’ve probably already noticed clipping is controversial. Some horseback riders are die-hard clippers, while others will tell you it isn’t good for the horse’s coat. The reality is clipping can be a great tool for some horses and riders but isn’t for everyone. The horse, environment, weather, and level of activity all play a role in making the decision to clip your horse or not. 

Reasons to Clip Your Horse

Clipping your horse can be a good idea if:

  • You have the time and are able to blanket and change blankets based on the season.
  • Your horse is ridden extensively during the colder months.
  • Your horse lives in a barn.
  • You show in the winter.

Make sure to ask yourself these questions before making the decision to clip your horse. If your horse lives outside most of the time and is ridden occasionally in the winter, clipping is probably not the best choice for them.

However, these are not the only reasons people consider clipping their horses. Some senior horses or horses suffering from metabolic disorders may have trouble shedding their winter coat in the spring. Clipping can help remove excess hair as the temperatures warm up and help keep these horses more comfortable. In general, these horses are not clipped during the winter months as they aren’t ridden extensively.

Types of Horse Clips

If you decide clipping is the right choice for you and your horse, you have lots of styles to pick from! Each clip is designed to suit a specific lifestyle and workload. Remember, any clipped horse will need some type of blanketing to supplement the warmth you remove when you clip their coat. We’ve gathered a few of the most popular clips, but there are many many options for horseback riders!

Trace Clip

Horse Clipping 101A trace clip removes hair from the underside of the neck and chest, where the horse is most likely to sweat during exercise. This is the most conservative clip and allows the horse to keep more of their natural coat. Trace clips are ideal for horses who spend a lot of time outside and are not ridden extensively.

Blanket Clip

A blanket clip leaves hair on the legs and on the top of the back, as shown in the picture above. This clip is a great choice for horses ridden regularly, but are also outside for parts of the day.

Full Body Clip

A full-body clip is only recommended for horses in a mild climate as it removes all body hair. You will likely see full-body clips in show rings. This clip allows the horse to dry quickly but requires special care and appropriate blanketing to ensure the horse doesn’t get chilled.

Choosing the Right Clip

Make sure to consider all aspects of your horse, their lifestyle, environment, and use before deciding to clip. If you are unsure, ask your trainer or veterinarian for a recommendation. In most cases, they will suggest erring on the side of caution and avoiding clipping or clipping minimally.

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