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

Clipping your horse can be a game-changer when it comes to managing coat thickness, reducing sweat buildup, 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 many clipped horses will require appropriate rugging to stay warm and comfortable during colder weather.

Clipped horses often require warmer rugs during colder months. Our guide to best winter horse rugs for Australian conditions explains how to choose suitable winter protection.

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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.

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When to Clip Your Horse

The best time to clip depends on your horse’s workload and climate.

• First clip: Usually done in early autumn (March–April in Australia) when the coat starts thickening.

• Second clip (if needed): Mid to late winter (May–July) to maintain a shorter coat for the remainder of the season.

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

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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) This is my personal favourite for older horses still in 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.

 Keeps key muscles cool while allowing some natural insulation.

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.

 Keeps back warm while preventing overheating.

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.

 Ideal for horses stabled at night or rugged well outdoors.

4 Full Clip (Competition Clip) My preferrence for winter working horses

 Best for: Horses in intensive work or showing.

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

 Perfect for eventers, show jumpers, and dressage horses but requires full-time rugging.

 Tip: If you're unsure, start with a trace clip—you can always clip more later!

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How to Clip Your Horse: Step-by-Step

 What You’ll Need:

 Clipper blades (sharp and oiled)

 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 and grease.

• Ensure they are dry and clean, as dirty coats dull clipper blades.

• Let your horse get used to the clippers by turning them on near their body before clipping.

Step 2: Start Clipping

• Begin on one side of the neck and clip against the hair growth in long, even strokes.

• Follow your pre-marked lines to keep the clip even.

• Clip in sections, working towards the flanks and legs.

• Keep checking the clipper 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 missed patches.

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

 Tip: Keep the horse relaxed with breaks, treats, or a hay net to munch on.

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Post-Clipping Care & Rugging

 Monitor your horse’s warmth – Clipped horses need extra rugging to compensate for lost insulation. Choosing the correct rug weight is also important when rugging clipped horses.

Later you link this to your Horse Rug Weight Guide.

 I find layering horse rugs works well, allowing you to remove a top layer during warmer daytime conditions.

 Check for irritation – Some horses get clipper rash, so apply a soothing aloe or tea tree spray if needed.

 Keep them dry – Waterproof rugs protect against rain and cold weather.

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Final Thoughts

Clipped horses often require appropriate rugging to replace the warmth lost when their winter coat is removed. Choosing a well-fitting rug helps ensure your horse stays comfortable during colder weather.

Explore horse rugs designed for your 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 designed for large horses and draft breeds.