Clipping Your Horse: When to Clip and How to Rug a Clipped Horse

Clipping Your Horse: When to Clip and How to Rug 

Clipping your horse can be a game-changer when it comes to managing coat thickness, reducing sweat build-up, and keeping your horse comfortable during work. Whether you're clipping for competition, comfort, or coat maintenance, knowing when, why, and how to clip properly is essential.

In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of clipping, different clip styles, and expert tips to ensure a smooth and safe clip for your horse.

Clipping removes a horse’s natural winter coat, which means clipped horses will require appropriate rugging to stay warm and comfortable during colder weather.

Clipped horses often need warmer horse rugs in winter, especially overnight or in wet and windy conditions.
Not sure when your horse actually needs a rug? Read our guide on when to rug your horse in Australian conditions

Why Clip Your Horse?

Horses naturally grow thicker coats in winter, which can make them hot and sweaty during work. Clipping helps by:

•  Preventing excessive sweating – Reduces drying time and avoids chills.
  
  
•  Making grooming easier – Less mud, dirt, and sweat build-up.
  
  
•  Keeping your horse comfortable – Ideal for horses in regular work.
  
  
•  Helping skin conditions – Allows better air circulation and prevents bacterial infections like rain scald.
  
  
•  Enhancing appearance – A neat, clipped horse looks smart for competitions and events.
  
  

 Tip: Clipping is not just for winter—some horses are clipped year-round to prevent overheating, especially in humid climates.

When to Clip Your Horse

The best time to clip your horse depends on their workload, coat growth, and local climate.

• First clip: Usually done in early autumn (March–April in Australia) when the winter coat starts to come through
• Second clip (if needed): Mid to late winter (May–July) to maintain a manageable coat for the remainder of the season

If your horse sweats excessively year-round, a light summer clip can help keep them cool and comfortable.

Different Clipping Styles & Their Uses

Choosing the right clip depends on how much work your horse is doing and their living conditions.

1 Trace Clip (Partial Clip)

(A popular choice for horses still in regular work)

 Best for: Horses in light to moderate work.

 What it removes: Hair from neck, chest, and belly, leaving the back and legs covered for warmth.

Why it works: Reduces sweating while still allowing natural insulation

Horses with a trace clip will still need rugging in cooler weather, particularly overnight.

2 Blanket Clip 

 Best for: Horses in moderate to heavy work.

 What it removes: Hair from neck, chest, and flanks, leaving a "blanket" shape of hair on the back.

Why it works: Helps prevent overheating while maintaining warmth where it matters most

Typically requires medium-weight rugs during winter, depending on conditions.

3 Hunter Clip

 Best for: Horses in full work or competition.

 What it removes: Everything except the legs and a saddle patch for warmth and protection.

 Why it works: Maximises cooling during exercise while allowing some protection under the saddle

Horses will generally need consistent rugging, especially overnight and in colder regions.

4 Full Clip (Competition Clip)

(Ideal for winter working horses and performance horses)

 Best for: Horses in intensive work or showing.

 What it removes: All hair, including the legs and head.

 Why it works: Provides maximum cooling during work but removes all natural insulation

Requires full-time rugging in winter, often with heavier fills depending on temperature.

 Tip: If you’re unsure, start with a trace clip — you can always clip more, but you can’t put the coat back!

How to Clip Your Horse: Step-by-Step

What You’ll Need:

• Sharp, well-oiled clipper blades
• Clipper spray for lubrication
• A quiet, well-lit area
• Chalk or marker to outline your clip
• A helper (if needed)

Step 1: Preparation

• Wash your horse or brush thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and grease
• Ensure the coat is completely dry — dirt and moisture will quickly blunt blades
• Let your horse get used to the clippers by turning them on nearby before starting

Step 2: Start Clipping

• Begin on one side of the neck and clip against the hair growth in long, even strokes
• Follow your marked lines to maintain a neat, even clip
• Work methodically in sections towards the body, flanks, and legs
• Regularly check blade temperature — hot blades can cause discomfort

Step 3: Finishing Touches

• Use smaller trimmers for delicate areas like the face and legs.

• Brush off any loose hair and check for uneven patches.

• Apply a coat conditioner or antiseptic spray to soothe the skin.

 Tip: Keep your horse relaxed with regular breaks, treats, or a hay net to keep them occupied.

Post-Clipping Care & Rugging

Once clipped, your horse loses much of their natural insulation — which means they will feel the cold more quickly, especially overnight or in wet and windy conditions.

In wet conditions, a breathable waterproof rug or rainsheet is essential to keep your horse dry while preventing chills.
Explore our waterproof horse rainsheets for Australian conditions

Choosing the correct rug becomes essential to maintain comfort, condition, and overall wellbeing.

Layering rugs can be a great option in changing conditions — allowing you to adjust warmth as temperatures rise during the day.
Learn more about layering horse rugs for winter

Choosing the Right Rug After Clipping

• 100g rugs – Suitable for mild conditions or lightly clipped horses
• 200g rugs – A great all-round choice for most clipped horses in cooler weather
• 300g rugs – Best for colder regions, fully clipped horses, or when temperatures drop significantly

See our Horse Rug Weight Guide to choose the right fill for your horse

Practical Rugging Tips

• Monitor your horse’s warmth daily — clipped horses can feel the cold quickly
• Layering rugs can work well, allowing flexibility as temperatures change
• Waterproof and Breathable rugs are essential to protect against rain, wind, and overnight chills

General Care

• Check for irritation — some horses may develop clipper rash, use a soothing spray if needed
• Keep your horse dry and comfortable — especially after work or rain

Final Thoughts

Clipping your horse can improve comfort and performance, but it also increases their need for proper rugging.

Choosing a well-fitting, appropriate-weight rug ensures your horse stays warm, comfortable, and in good condition throughout winter.

Explore Horse Rugs for Your Clipped Horse

• Mini horse rugs – designed specifically for miniature horses and ponies
• Standard horse rugs – suitable for most horse breeds
• Clydesdale horse rugs – generously sized rugs for large horses and draft breeds