| So you have decided you want to clip you horse, well | | | | inconvenient times (usually when you have only done |
| what's next? | | | | half a horse). Most new blades will be sharp upon |
| If you are going to do the job yourself (most areas | | | | purchase, but I have gone to use new blades (clip on |
| have professionals who for a fee will clip your horse | | | | style) that have been blunt. |
| for you, but where's the fun in that!) then you will | | | | When purchasing your blades be aware that they |
| obviously need to get a pair of clippers. There are | | | | come in different cutting depths. Try to get multiple |
| quite a few different types of clippers available on the | | | | sets of the same cutting depth so that you avoid |
| market today. | | | | uneven clips. |
| For body clipping your normal sized horses (as | | | | You can get different depth blades for your smaller |
| apposed to miniatures), I suggest that you get a larger | | | | clippers to help sculpt around your horses face and |
| pair of single speed body clippers. There are many | | | | legs. But this does take a bit of practice. |
| different brands which are available and it is best to | | | | Your blades will need to be sharpened by a reputable |
| talk to other equine enthuses about there preferences. | | | | blade sharpener. Make sure that this person has done |
| It may even be an idea to see some in action and get | | | | horse clipper blades before as they are different to |
| the feel of a pair before you make the initial monetary | | | | sharpening other blades. |
| outlay. Most of the older brands are very good and | | | | It is best if you can store your blades in a blade |
| last for a long time if looked after correctly (I have a | | | | lubricant, coolant or commercially available blade |
| pair that is over 20 years old and still run well). You | | | | cleaner. If not clean them thoroughly and wrap in a soft |
| may even be able to 'hire' a pair from a 'friend' for the | | | | cloth. Remember to clean out as much hair as possible |
| first clip. | | | | from you blades before storing them, use a soft cloth |
| If you are contemplating a 'full' clip then you may also | | | | or old tooth brush for this job. |
| require a smaller pair of 'trimming' clippers for the legs, | | | | Cleaning your blades often, while clipping will help to |
| face and ears. These are usually a lot quieter, lighter | | | | keep them cool, give them a longer life and help your |
| and have a smaller blade width. You can get these in | | | | clippers run better. To clean your blades when clipping, |
| single, two or varied speed. | | | | it is best to turn the machine off and remove all |
| With Miniature Horses, I have found the use of the | | | | excess hair as described above. The blades can then |
| smaller clippers ideal as you can get a better clip | | | | be run while partly submerged in a mixture of diesel |
| especially using the varied speed clippers. If you are | | | | and kerosene (half and half) or sprayed briefly with a |
| clipping Miniatures on a regular base then the outlay for | | | | lubricant (such as WD-40). But for the long jeopardy of |
| the multi speed clippers are well worth it. | | | | your blades it is best to buy specific blade cleaners |
| Next you will need to purchase some clipper blades. | | | | that are available from your clipper retailer. |
| Generally you will get one set with the clippers when | | | | Like any small appliance, they do require regular |
| you purchase them. | | | | servicing to make sure they are in good working order. |
| The larger body clippers will have a two piece blade, | | | | There is nothing worse than trying to clip a horse with |
| the bottom blade being the 'comb' and the top blade | | | | clippers that are not running smoothly. Keep an eye on |
| being the 'cutter'. In general the 'comb' will be the bigger | | | | the electrical lead as this can become frayed and |
| piece and goes on the bottom, with the smaller 'cutting' | | | | dangerous not only to you but your horse. |
| blade fitting on top. The clippers will not cut properly if | | | | A friend of mine was clipping her miniature and |
| these blades are not fitted correctly. | | | | wondered why he was jumping around so much, |
| The smaller clippers generally are fitted with clip on | | | | when he was normally very good to clip. She soon |
| blades. These are fairly simple to use and come as | | | | discovered that the electrical cord was damaged, and |
| one piece with the 'comb' and 'cutter' blades being | | | | upon further investigation (she got zapped!) found that |
| permanently fitted together. As the name suggests | | | | it was giving out a small electrical current every time |
| they do simply clip on. These blades are available in a | | | | the cord touched him!! |
| 'ceramic' version (the 'cutter' blade is ceramic), but as | | | | So keep a check on the cord as well as the machine. |
| yet I have found no advantage in using them. | | | | When the clippers are not in use, store them away in |
| Make sure that you have more than one set of blades | | | | a covered container to minimize dust and damage. |
| on hand, as they tend to go blunt at the most | | | | |