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Grooming Guide�
Spring Cleanup
Spiff up your horse for spring riding with these grooming
tips from top trainer Lynn Palm. Part II: Clipping Tips.
Even if you don’t show
your horse, you may wish to
give him a light clip. At the
very least, you should clip a
bridle path to separate the
mane and forelock, providing
a place for the headstall
to sit comfortably. It’s also a
good idea to get your horse
used to clippers in case you or
your veterinarian needs to clip
around an injury.
If you do show, you’ll need
to clip your horse’s muzzle, nostrils, eyes,
ears, and fetlocks. (If you don’t show, leave
these hairs alone, as they help your horse
sense his environment.)
Here, world champion trainer Lynn Palm
demonstrates her gentle clipping technique.
She introduces the clipper slowly. “Every
time we work with our horses — and that
includes grooming — clippers are always a
part of it while they’re learning to accept to
be clipped.” she notes.
Palm suggests investing in a clipper
that has two speeds: a slow speed for the
delicate areas around the head and a faster
speed for the thicker hair on the lower legs.
She also recommends a cordless clipper for
maneuverability, especially if you’ll be working
on a young horse.
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Caveat: If you use a corded
clipper, don’t allow the cord
to drape in front of your
horse’s head, where he might
chew/nibble on it. He could
be electrocuted. Also, keep
the cord behind you, for safety reasons.
Step 1. Introduce sound only. First, Palm
advises, get your horse used to the sound of
the clipper. Turn on the clipper, and simply
move around him. You might need to do
this step for days, weeks, or even months,
depending on how quickly your horse accepts
the sound.
Step 2. Add feel. Second, get your horse
used to the feel of the clipper. To do this,
you’ll first hold the clipper in your hand,
then touch him with the back of your hand
and arm. Start at the shoulder. (Don’t get
near his head, which is the most sensitive
area.) Work back and forth, and up and
down, never touching him with the clipper.
Gauge your horse’s comfort level by watching
where his eyes are looking and his ears
anDREa BaRBER PhOTO
if you show your horse,
you’ll need to clip your
horse’s muzzle, nostrils,
eyes, ears, and fetlocks.
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