Clippers

How do I trim my horse properly with the right clipper?

First of all, you need a quiet spot and a relaxed horse. It may be advisable to let the horse let off steam before clipping, so that he doesn't become agitated. Remember, however, that the horse must not be sweaty or dirty to be clipped. A filled hay net can help calm him down.

Set the clippers at a 30-degree angle and shear in long, even strokes against the grain. For even clipping, we recommend overlapping the clipping bands. Start clipping the horse's sensitive areas, i.e. croup, trunk and neck. Finally, you can use a narrower clipper to trim the more delicate parts of the body, such as the legs and head.

For nervous horses, light sedation can be used. As long as the sedation is effective, start with the sensitive parts of the body where the horse must remain motionless.

Hippo Tonic's QR-P800 cordless finishing clipper is ultra-light and ergonomic, specially designed to fine-tune a horse's clipping. Its ceramic blade, adjustable from 0.8 to 2 mm, guarantees a smooth finish and precise gradations. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (approx. 4 h charging time via USB cable), it offers total freedom of movement. The kit includes four interchangeable counter combs (3, 6, 9 and 12 mm), a cleaning brush, fine oil and a charging cable, ensuring all the versatility needed for tailor-made cuts.

See the ideal cordless trimmer for your horse

Our clipping guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to properly clip your horse.

What types of clippers are available for horse clipping?

The choice of clipper depends on the horse's ability to stand still and the duration of clipping. The size of shearing required also plays a role. The areas of the horse's body to be clipped also factor into the decision.

For the trunk, neck and rump, clippers with large cutting surfaces and long operating times are ideal. You can choose between universal clippers with cable and cordless clippers with battery. You'll find both variants in our online store, suitable for all types of mowing.

Clippers with a small cutting surface are particularly recommended for stencil patterns, but also for heads and legs. They're usually battery-powered, so no cables get in the way when you're mowing. When buying a lawnmower, you need to consider not only the size of the blade, but also the number of strokes. The number of cycles indicates the speed at which the mowing blades move. The higher the number of double cycles per minute, the faster the mowing. This can be particularly advantageous when mowing large areas, such as hedge mowing or all-round mowing.

HIPPO TONIC finishing combs for the A5 COMBO clipper transform your cordless clipper into an ultra-precise finishing tool, ideal for horses' manes and coats. Made from carbon ceramic steel, they deliver a 1.5 mm cut thanks to 19 teeth on the blade and 26 teeth on the comb, guaranteeing a clean, even cut. Easy to install, they are designed to ensure an impeccable finish when grooming and maintaining the equine coat.

Find out more about finishing combs for a perfect cut

What type of clipping suits my horse and his coat?

Different shearing patterns play an important role beyond their aesthetic function. First and foremost, they help the horse to dry more quickly in areas where it sweats a lot, while other parts of the body are kept warm and protected by the remaining coat. The choice of clipping depends on use, the horse's age, hair condition and attitude. In all, there are seven types of clipping:

• full shearing
• hunting shearing
• coat shearing
• draft shearing
• irish shearing
• blanket shearing
• light shearing

Full shearing, in which the horse is completely stripped of its coat, should really only be done if justified. For example, if the horse is in full winter training, but at the same time develops a very thick coat. Or if the horse is not losing its thick, long coat in summer due to a metabolic disorder. With light clipping, only the lower neck and chest are clipped, leaving the rest of the coat in place. This simple shearing is particularly suitable for horses that spend a lot of time in stalls and need their remaining coat to stay warm.