Winter is fast approaching, and that means clipping season has begun! Clipping your horse helps to manage sweat, comfort and coat condition during the colder months. When horses continue work during winter, their thick coats can trap sweat, causing them to overheat during exercise and then chill afterwards. A well-chosen clip will help keep your horse comfortable, easier to groom and healthy when working in winter.
Benefits of clipping include:
- Improved temperature regulation during work
- Reduced drying time after work
- Lower risk of skin irritation from sweat buildup
- A tidy, professional appearance for shows
Remember, once clipped your horse will need suitable blanketing and shelter, since their natural insulation is reduced.
Types of Horse Clips
There are so many different types of clips that have been around for years! Below are the most common clipping patterns and in which situations they're best used.
Full Clip
Best for horses in heavy work and kept mostly indoors.
The entire coat (including the head, neck and body) is removed. Leg hair and squares where the riders leg sits on their side are sometimes left on for protection. This keeps the horse cool during intense work, but also requires very careful blanketing and stable management. The ideal choice for competition horses in winter.
Hunter Clip
For horses in regular, intensive work, but still turned out.
All hair is removed except for the legs and saddle-shaped patch on the back to prevent rubbing. The head is usually clipped as well to help reduce sweating around the ears. This clip offers excellent temperature control, whist retaining protection in key areas.
Blanket Clip
Ideal for horses in moderate work over winter and turned out daily.
Hair remains over the back and hindquarters - shaped like a blanket - while the neck, chest and belly are clipped. This helps the horse stay warm on their back, but cool underneath while exercising.
Trace Clip
Perfect choice for horses in light to medium work with daily/permanent turnout.
Only the underside of the neck, chest and belly are clipped - the parts that sweat the most on a horse. It's easy to maintain and perfect for horses that still live outside.
Chaser (Irish Clip)
Practical for outdoor horses in work.
Hair is removed from the lower half of the neck and body, while the top half remains. This keeps the horse warm over the back, while allowing airflow and sweat release. Ideal for horses living outside and that are ridden outdoors.
Belly/Strip Clip
Great choice for light work or for young horses.
Only a narrow strip along the belly and under the neck is clipped. It's minimal yet helps reduce sweat buildup. Excellent for ponies or lightly ridden horses.
How to Clip Your Horse — Step-by-Step
Preparation
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Bathe or thoroughly groom your horse the day before clipping.
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Make sure your clippers are clean, sharp, and oiled.
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Mark your clip lines with chalk if you're not doing a full body clip.
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Have rugs ready for aftercare.
Clipping Technique
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Start at the shoulder — a forgiving area, and be careful how your horse reacts.
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Clip against the hair growth in long, even strokes.
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Keep the skin taut to avoid lines.
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Stop frequently to clean and oil your blades o prevent them overheating.
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Use light pressure and move steadily to avoid “tram lines.”
Aftercare
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Wipe your horse down with a damp cloth or brush to remove loose hair. Applying a hot cloth body & skin wash, such as this one from Grooming Deluxe, is a great way to enhance shine after a clip.
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Rug immediately after clipping to prevent chills
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Check skin for irritation or rubs.
Recommended Clippers You’ll Find at EquiZone
Here are some of our most popular models — perfect for every clipping style:
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Heiniger Xtra – Powerful yet lightweight; ideal for full or hunter clips.
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Heiniger Xplorer Cordless Clipper – Quiet and cordless; perfect for nervous horses.
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Wahl KM Supera Cordless Clippers – Great for face, legs, or touch-ups; compact and easy to handle.
