Choose the best clipper for your horse

A horse clipper is essential if you’re caring for a horse that works or trains. In fact, you don’t need to clip horses that don’t do these activities. Horses are clipped to protect their health: if they have a thick coat, they sweat more and take longer to dry, which often makes them more susceptible to colds. But, what tool do you need, and what considerations do you need to bear in mind when it comes to choosing one?

What do you need to keep in mind when buying a clipper?

There are several key aspects that are important to consider before selecting a particular option. As a starting point, you need to look at three criteria: the type of clipper, the horse’s features, and how often and how much it will be used.

Type of clipper

There are different kinds of clippers, but they mainly differ with regards to their purpose. The main difference between them is that they remove or maintain different areas of the horse’s coat. These are the most common options:

  • Pony: Hair is clipped on the neck and chest.
  • Hunter: The entire body is clipped, except extremities and the saddle area.
  • Chaser clip: Focused on the stomach and the lower part of the neck, although it varies quite a lot from one horse to another.
  • Blanket. Similar to the above clip, but more of the hair on the stomach, neck, and chest is removed. Easily recognizable because the horse looks like it is wearing exactly that garment.
  • Full: Used for winter competitions and for horses with a heavy workload.

Frequency of use and amount of hair

The type of clip will heavily influence the clipper you need. The main factor is the amount of hair you want to remove. Clipping one horse once in a while is not the same as clipping several horses on a daily basis. As such, the power and size of the machine are two fundamental aspects to get right.

So, follow these recommendations:

  • Use small, wireless horse clippers, like the Artero Raktor, if you are only tidying up specific, small areas.
  • Opt for machines that have a little more power and a battery to clip the body, mane, and tail.
  • Buy small, high-powered corded clippers if you’re a horse riding enthusiast with several horses under your care.
  • Lastly, choose a professional model if you have a heavy workload and you need a lot of power.

Your budget is another important factor, especially because professional clippers are significantly more expensive that battery-powered clippers. In this case, the purpose of your machine is the best criterion for deciding, as it will help you decide whether the investment will pay off.

How does your horse impact your choice?

We mentioned that your horse’s size and the amount of horse hair you are going to remove will determine what kind of machine is right for you. Of course, clipping a small pony once in a while is not the same as clipping a racehorse that competes all through the year.

What’s more, your horse’s personality is an important factor:

  • If it is nervous or young, choose a quieter model with less vibration. In general, it is better to go for wireless devices, as any uncontrolled movements from the horse could mean it ends up getting tangled.
  • If it is a calm, serene, veteran horse, don’t hesitate to use more powerful devices.

Also, the condition of the hair is another crucial aspect. If it has long hair caked in mud, grease, or dirt, you will need to go for more powerful models when it comes to buying your clipper. You can also apply this two-part guideline:

  • Full or considerable clip: Medium or very powerful machine.
  • Small clip or just touch-ups: Lightweight model.

If you opt for the new A5 range, you have the option to alternate between wide and narrow blades on the same device. It is, therefore, more versatile and efficient.

The importance of clipper maintenance

After every use, you must clean your machine very well and follow the maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If you do so, the clipper will last longer and will be in better condition. This is important for three reasons:

  • Thanks to the increased durability, you save money.
  • You improve the horse’s experience, as it is a more pleasant clip.
  • You finish quicker.

So, selecting the right horse clipper is fundamental. Your horse’s wellbeing, the productivity of your work, and the end condition of the hair depend on it. Focus on the amount of hair that you are going to clip, how often you will use the clipper, and the type of animal to make your decision about which one to purchase. Remember that at Artero, we have a wide variety of clippers and blades that can be adapted to your every need. Care for your horse with quality products!