I seriously do not like the cold. So much so that when I took a break from the Florida winter circuit for the first time in three years, I quickly vowed for my return the next year before the winter solstice even hit. During that fateful winter, I took multiple layers to the barn every day. Everybody who worked with me was used to the trail of sweaters, jackets and vests left hanging around the stable as I warmed up and did chores. I’m sure any horse person is familiar with this scenario: shivering while tacking up your horse, doing your warm-up walk while regaining feeling in your fingers, then having to stop multiple times during your lesson to remove scarves and outer layers.
Our horses often operate in the opposite feeling – their full winter coat keeps them cozy warm during the warm-up, but during an intense workout and hours after the ride, they are heating up, sweating as a result. Many riders choose to rectify this issue by body clipping their horse (mainly) during the winter and adding layers (similar to how we humans manage) when the horse is not working.
A Daunting Task
Body clipping, while common practice, is a daunting task for those just starting out: There is always the risk of serious skin reactions or an unsightly clip job that makes you want to hide your horse in the stable all winter long. Join me for some tried and true tips for the best body clip possible.
Continue reading in the HorseGrooms Community
Bella Nye breaks up her article into three phases: preparation, the actual body clipping and the aftercare. Each phase is important in order to have a clipping masterpiece! Be sure to keep reading on the HorseGrooms Community. Don’t have an account? No problem – sign up for free.
Featured photo courtesy of Arnd.nl.
I began my grooming career at a young age. From the moment my childhood trainer suggested I’d become a professional groom, my destiny was set in stone.
To further my knowledge, I attended and graduated from Centenary University with a degree equine science in 2022. In the following years, I gained experience traveling and show grooming with top-ranked combined driving and dressage trainers, honing my FEI skills. Today, I am a professional groom for Jess Idol of Dynamic Dressage, of Winchester, Virginia, and Wellington, Florida.
