Question 1

How much does horse clipping cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the clip, the size of your horse, the condition of the coat and how settled they are on the day. We confirm the price when you enquire, before anything is booked, so there are no surprises afterwards.

Question 2

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Send a quote request with your yard postcode, the clip you are after and how many horses there are. We will come back with a price and what dates are possible. If you would rather talk it through, get in touch and we will arrange a call.

Question 3

Do you offer a discount for several horses?

Accepted Answer

Ask when you enquire. Several horses clipped on one visit saves travelling for everyone, and any multi-horse arrangement will be set out clearly in your quote rather than buried in the small print.

Question 4

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Insurance details will be published here once they are confirmed, and we are happy to be asked before you book. We will not display a cover claim until it has been verified.

Question 5

How long does a clip take?

Accepted Answer

As a rough guide, most clips take somewhere between three quarters of an hour and an hour and a half. A full clip on a big horse with a thick coat takes longer than a bib clip on a settled pony, and a nervous horse is never rushed.

Question 6

What if my horse cannot be clipped safely on the day?

Accepted Answer

Then we stop. Everyone’s safety, the horse’s included, comes before finishing the job. We would rather do part of a clip and come back another day than risk an accident, and we will talk through the options with you.

Question 7

When does clipping season start?

Accepted Answer

Winter coats start coming through from around mid-September, and most clipping happens between September and March. October and November are usually the busiest weeks.

Question 8

How often will my horse need clipping?

Accepted Answer

Most horses are clipped two or three times over a winter. Some need a tidy-up every four weeks or so, depending on how fast the coat grows and how warm they are kept.

Question 9

When should the last clip be?

Accepted Answer

Opinions differ. Traditionally the last full clip is at the end of January, but plenty of owners clip into March without any effect on the summer coat. Greys and double-coated natives may need their last clip earlier so the summer coat comes through cleanly.

Question 10

Can a horse be clipped in summer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if there is a reason — a very heavy coat, a horse struggling in the heat, or a cushings-type coat on your vet’s advice. In that situation it is worth a conversation with your vet first, then with us about how much to take off.

Question 11

Does my horse need clipping at all?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A retired pony or an unworked native often manages perfectly well with their own coat. If your horse sweats heavily in work and takes hours to dry, or is miserable when ridden in a thick coat, a clip will usually help.

Question 12

Which clip suits a horse in light work that lives out?

Accepted Answer

Usually a bib, Irish or low trace clip. Each takes the hair off where a horse sweats most while leaving protection over the back, so you are not committed to heavyweight rugging all winter.

Question 13

What is the difference between a blanket and a chaser clip?

Accepted Answer

Both leave hair on the legs and over the back. A chaser also leaves the hair along the top of the neck, which suits horses that do not wear a neck cover.

Question 14

Which clip suits a first-timer?

Accepted Answer

Something small — a bib or Irish clip is a sensible start. It gives you and your horse a calm first experience, and you can always take more off in a few weeks.

Question 15

Can clipping help an overweight pony?

Accepted Answer

A careful clip, sometimes leaving the pony unrugged with shelter, is one of the tools used to help natives lose weight over winter. That is a decision to make with your vet, not something to guess at.

Question 16

How should I prepare my horse?

Accepted Answer

A clean, completely dry coat is the single most important thing. For a bigger clip, bath the day before and keep your horse in overnight. For small clips, a thorough groom is often enough.

Question 17

Can I use coat shine or dry shampoo?

Accepted Answer

Please do not. Products in the coat make the clippers slip and leave lines, and they blunt blades quickly. A clean, dry, product-free coat always clips best.

Question 18

What do you need on the day?

Accepted Answer

A dry, well-lit, level space to work in, somewhere safe to tie up, and a haynet for your horse. We will confirm whether a power socket is needed for the yard when we arrange the visit.

Question 19

Can you clip a nervous horse?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes — with preparation, patience and a smaller clip rather than a battle. Please be honest about how your horse behaves around clippers. If a horse is genuinely dangerous to clip, we will say so rather than pretend otherwise.

Question 20

Can you sedate my horse?

Accepted Answer

No. Sedation is a decision for your vet, who will decide whether it is appropriate and prescribe or give it. Injectable sedation has to be given by the vet, and oral sedation your vet supplies can only be given by you or your employees. Please tell us when you book if your vet is arranging sedation, so we can line up the timing.

Question 21

Can clipping spread ringworm or other skin problems?

Accepted Answer

Ringworm can be passed on shared equipment, so blades and clippers are cleaned and disinfected between horses. Please tell us about any skin condition before the visit — sometimes it is better to wait until your vet is happy.

Question 22

Will my horse need a rug after clipping?

Accepted Answer

Most clipped horses do, especially in cold or wet weather, but it depends on how much hair has come off. A bib or trace clip can leave enough coat for some horses to manage without a rug.

Question 23

How do I know my clipped horse is warm enough?

Accepted Answer

Slide a hand under the rug behind the withers. It should feel warm and dry — not cold, and not sweaty. Check under rugs every day, and particularly after a cold night.

Question 24

What should I do straight after the clip?

Accepted Answer

Wipe over with a hot, damp cloth to lift loose hair, rug up if the weather calls for it, and check your horse again an hour later to make sure they have settled.

Horse Clipping FAQs

Booking and prices

Timing

Choosing a clip

Preparing for the visit

Nervous horses and sedation

Hygiene and skin

After clipping

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