Whether you're clipping for comfort, cleanliness, or competition, the key to a flawless finish isn’t just the clippers—it’s your entire routine. From proper coat prep to post-clip aftercare, every step matters when it comes to getting a smooth, even clip and keeping your horse’s skin healthy.
In this guide, we’re breaking down 5 practical, easy-to-follow horse clipping tips that can help you achieve a professional-looking result every time. Whether you're new to clipping or a seasoned pro, these tips will help streamline your routine and enhance your results—especially when paired with our favorite products for clean, hydrated, and comfortable skin.
1. Start with a Clean Coat
Before you begin clipping, it’s essential to start with a clean coat. Dust, sweat, and oils can clog your clipper blades and lead to drag, uneven lines, or skin irritation.
If the weather allows, give your horse a thorough bath the day before with a gentle shampoo, like our Green N' Clean Shampoo. Clean coats help clippers glide smoothly and reduce friction.
Pro Tip: If bathing isn’t an option, spray your horse with our All-In-One Grooming Spray and wipe with a clean cloth to remove dirt and dander. It’s a quick, waterless solution that lifts grime without drying the skin—perfect for winter clipping or last-minute grooming.
2. Prep the Coat with the Right Products
A clean coat is just the beginning—coat prep before clipping is what sets you up for success. Hair that’s soft, detangled, and hydrated reduces static and flyaways, helps blades glide evenly, and minimizes clipper lines.
If bathing is an option, we recommend using our Green N Clean Shampoo before your clip. It’s formulated with natural surfactants that gently remove dirt without stripping the skin’s oils. The result? A soft, manageable coat that’s easy to clip and feels great afterward.
For dry grooming or added glide, apply our All-In-One Grooming Spray after brushing. The blend of coconut oil, witch hazel, and vegetable glycerine makes it easy for the clippers to move smoothly through thick or long coats. Bonus: it smells amazing and won’t leave a greasy residue.
3. Use Sharp Blades and Maintain Your Clippers
Even the best grooming spray can’t compensate for dull blades. Sharp, clean clipper blades are essential for a smooth and irritation-free clip. Dull blades pull hair, create uneven lines, and can lead to skin discomfort.
Tips for clipping success:
- Always clip against the direction of hair growth.
- Use long, steady strokes for an even finish.
- Clean and oil your blades regularly during the clip.
- Monitor blade heat to prevent burning the skin.
Maintaining your clippers not only improves the quality of your work, but also extends the life of your tools.
4. Clip in a Calm, Well-Lit Environment
Lighting and atmosphere matter more than you might think. Poor lighting can lead to missed spots, while rushing or clipping in a stressful environment can make things harder for both you and your horse.
Choose a quiet, well-lit space with good footing. If your horse is new to clipping, consider breaking the process into short sessions. Taking your time helps avoid going over the same area repeatedly, which can cause irritation.
For areas that require precision—like legs, faces, or custom patterns—brush the hair against the grain first or chalk out your lines for better visibility.
5. Soothe and Protect the Skin After Clipping
Clipping removes the coat’s natural barrier, which can leave skin exposed, itchy, or irritated—especially during dry or cold weather. A proper post-clip skincare routine for horses can make a big difference in how your horse feels.
After brushing off loose hair, lightly mist your horse with our All-In-One Grooming Spray. It hydrates the coat, soothes irritation, and supports the skin’s natural recovery. Witch hazel calms inflammation, while essential oils like cedarwood and sweet orange refresh and protect the skin.
This quick step helps reduce post-clip itch and adds a nice, healthy shine to the coat—without any heavy build-up.
The Takeaway:
Getting the perfect horse clip isn’t about speed—it’s about
thoughtful
prep, using the right products, and taking care of the skin.
Clean coats, well-maintained blades, and post-clip hydration all contribute to a smooth finish and a comfortable, happy horse.
Whether you're body clipping for a show or trimming for comfort, the products you use matter. Our All-In-One Grooming Spray and Green N Clean Shampoo are designed to support healthy skin and coats before, during, and after clipping—making your job easier and your horse’s skin healthier.
🧴 Shop Our Favorite Clipping Essentials:
- All-In-One Grooming Spray Cleans, conditions, and soothes the skin in one easy step.
- Green N Clean Shampoo A gentle, effective cleanser that leaves coats soft, shiny, and easy to clip.
