Horse Clipping 101: How and When to Clip Your Horse

Ever wondered why some horses sport a sleek, clipped coat in the middle of winter, while others keep their full, fluffy fur? Clipping isn’t just about appearance—it’s about keeping your horse comfortable, healthy, and performing at his best. But knowing when (or if) to clip comes down to factors like breed, activity level, climate, and turnout routine. Let’s break down when to clip, how to do it correctly, and how to choose the best clipping pattern for your horse.

What is horse clipping?

Horse clipping is the process of trimming or removing part or all of a horse’s coat using clippers. It helps regulate body temperature, keeps the horse more comfortable during work, promotes healthy skin and coat, and is sometimes done for appearance—such as when preparing for a show. Most clipping is done in the fall as the thick winter coat grows in to keep active horses from overheating during exercise.

For horses that work hard in the winter, body clipping allows heat to escape more efficiently during exercise, reducing sweating and preventing moisture from getting trapped in the coat. This helps them cool down faster and avoid post-workout chills on cold days.

When should you clip your horse?

Depending on your climate, the best time to clip your horse is typically September or October. During these months, the days shorten, causing your horse’s winter coat to come in. Avoid clipping too early—without a fully developed winter coat, your horse may struggle to stay warm.

Not every horse needs to be clipped, but here are some instances where clipping your horse makes sense:

• High activity level: If your horse exercises regularly throughout the winter, a thick coat can cause excessive sweating, making cool-down longer and increasing the risk of chills. Clipping helps regulate body temperature and keeps your horse comfortable during exercise.
• Access to shelter: Horses with reliable access to a barn—especially a heated one—won’t need their full winter coat for warmth. Clipped horses typically require blanketing, so choose a clipping pattern that pairs well with blankets. 
• Thick coats: Some horses grow particularly thick coats that trap moisture and make drying difficult. Clipping helps prevent overheating, excessive sweat buildup, and skin irritation.
• Cushing’s disease: Horses with Cushing’s (PPID) often struggle to shed their coats properly, resulting in a thick, curly, or patchy coat year-round. Clipping helps keep them cool and more comfortable.
• Anhidrosis: Clipping horses that struggle to sweat properly, especially those in warm climates, can help improve airflow and cool them down more efficiently.
• Skin conditions: Clipping can be helpful for horses prone to skin issues like rain rot or fungus. It helps moisture evaporate more quickly and makes treatment easier.
• In the summer: If your horse has a thick coat, works hard in hot weather, or lives in a humid climate, year-round clipping can help keep him cool, especially in sweat-prone areas. Be sure to protect clipped horses with fly spray and equine sunscreen during summer.

When NOT to clip your horse

In some cases, it’s better to leave your horse’s coat natural. Clipping a horse in these situations could compromise his ability to stay warm:

• Light or infrequent exercise: If you don’t ride or work your horse consistently in the winter, there’s usually no need to clip. A full coat will provide natural insulation for thermoregulation.
• Living outdoors: Horses that spend most or all of their time outside rely on their winter coat for protection against cold, wind, and wet weather. Clipping removes this natural barrier.
• Limited monitoring ability: If you can’t check on your horse regularly to adjust blankets, it’s safer to leave his coat natural so he can self-regulate body temperature.
• Low cold tolerance: Some horses get cold easily and need consistent blanketing in the winter. If your horse struggles to stay warm even with a full coat, clipping may not be the best choice.
• Older horses: Senior horses often have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Unless there’s a medical reason (like Cushing’s), it’s usually best to leave their coat alone.
• Later in the winter: Clipping too late in the season can interfere with spring coat growth, leaving your horse with an uneven or patchy coat. It’s best to do the final winter clip before shedding starts, usually in January or February.

How to clip a horse

Clipping your horse can be a smooth and efficient process with the right preparation. Choose a calm environment—outdoors, if possible, or indoors if it’s raining—and ensure your horse is relaxed before you begin. Proper prep makes the job easier, extends the life of your clippers, and keeps your horse comfortable throughout the process.

What you’ll need

Before clipping, gather all your supplies within easy reach but out of your horse’s way. One must-have accessory? A cheap painter’s suit from your local hardware store—sized up for comfort—to keep loose hair off your clothes! Here’s what else you’ll need:

• Clean, oiled clippers
• Spare set of new or freshly sharpened blades
• Extension cord (if needed)
• Grooming chalk
• Blade oil, coolant spray, and cleaning brush
• Blade wash in a shallow tray
• Two towels (one for the clippers, one for you)
• Sponge for post-clipping cleanup
• Braiding bands to keep the mane out of the way

1. Prepare your horse

Start by giving your horse a thorough bath with quality shampoo, using a curry comb to scrub away dirt and dander. A clean coat makes clipping faster, prevents dulling your blades, and keeps your horse more comfortable. Let your horse dry completely before clipping—wet hair also dulls the blades and creates an uneven result.

For an extra-smooth clip, spray your horse with ShowSheen and let it dry before starting. This helps the clippers glide effortlessly through the coat. If your clip pattern includes areas near the mane, tie back the mane to avoid accidentally clipping it.

2. Choose the right clippers

Invest in a good pair of body clippers—they’ll last for years with proper care. Regular whisker trimmers aren’t built for body clipping, but they can be used for light detail work in hard-to-reach areas.

Be sure to use the correct blade numbers for the job. The higher the number, the closer the clip, with #40 blades being the closest clip (used for surgical prep). 

• For body clipping, use a T-84 wide blade or an #8.5 blade.
• For the bridle path and other details, use a #10 or #15 blade.

Before you start, ensure your clippers are working properly and the blades are sharp. Then, oil the blades and turn on the clippers to distribute the oil.

3. Mark the clipping pattern

Once you’ve chosen your clip style, mark the lines on your horse’s coat with grooming chalk. This helps guide your clipping and ensures clean, even lines. You may be able to skip this step once you’re comfortable freehanding the lines. 

4. Introduce the clippers

If your horse is unfamiliar with clippers, let your horse see and sniff them while they’re turned off. Then, rub them against his shoulder so he gets used to the sensation. If he responds well to that, turn on the clippers nearby to desensitize him to the noise. Once he’s comfortable, start clipping in a low-sensitivity area, like the shoulder.

5. Clip your horse

Begin clipping according to your chosen pattern, starting with the body, then evening out the details. For a polished look and a comfortable experience for your horse, follow these tips:

• Always clip against the direction of hair growth using long, even strokes.
• Keep the blade flat against the skin to avoid uneven patches or skin irritation.
• Gently stretch the skin in looser areas to ensure an even cut.
• Clippers heat up fast! Every few minutes, turn them off, brush off excess hair, and apply blade oil and coolant spray before continuing.

6. Wipe down your horse

When you’re done clipping, remove loose hair with a warm, damp sponge, then brush and curry for a healthy, shiny coat. If needed, blanket your horse to keep him warm after clipping.

7. Clean and store the clippers

Proper clipper care ensures they last for years:

• Use the brush to remove hair from the clippers and blades.
• Wash the blades in blade wash and dry them thoroughly.
• Apply oil to the blades before storing them in a protective case or box.

How to trace clip a horse

A trace clip is ideal for horses in light to medium work. This clip removes hair from the belly, chest, and neck, helping the horse cool down while still leaving enough coat for warmth.

• Low trace clip: Best for horses in light work, this clip removes less hair and provides mild cooling.
• High trace clip: Extends further up the horse’s sides, offering additional cooling for horses in medium work.

To trace clip your horse, outline the clipping area, starting at the lower neck and extending a straight line across the body. Near the hind leg, shape a half-moon curve, then continue the straight line across the hindquarters. Begin by removing hair from the lower neck, belly, and hindquarter, then refine the leg lines for a smooth finish.

How to clip a horse’s face and legs

Before clipping your horse’s face and legs, check any show regulations—some disciplines have specific rules around trimming face and leg hair.

When clipping the face, use quiet, small trimmers to keep your horse comfortable. Trim the cheeks and jawline carefully, using your hand to shield the whiskers to avoid cutting them. Around the eyes, gently clip while covering the eye and whiskers with your hand. Lastly, fade the muzzle into the trimmed areas for a smooth transition.

Clipping the legs can highlight muscle tone, help monitor injuries, and keep legs cooler and cleaner. When working on the front legs, extend the leg forward to create a clean, even cut. For the hind legs, extend the leg backward. Follow the natural muscle lines to guide your clipping. When trimming the inner legs, use a smaller trimmer to avoid accidentally catching loose skin.

How long does it take to body clip a horse?

Expect to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour clipping your horse—or longer, depending on the clip style and your horse’s behavior. To maintain a short coat, you’ll need to re-clip every two to six weeks, with frequency varying based on how quickly your horse’s hair grows.

How much does it cost to clip a horse?

If you lack the time or experience, or if your horse is sensitive to clipping, hiring a professional groom is a great option. The cost typically ranges from $75 to $200, depending on the clipping pattern and the size of the horse. If using a professional service, make sure to bathe and dry your horse beforehand to ensure a smooth, even clip.

Types of horse clipping patterns

Clipping patterns vary based on a horse’s workload, living conditions, and the level of warmth they need to retain. Some styles remove more hair for horses in heavy work, while others strike a balance between cooling and protection. Here’s a breakdown of the most common clipping patterns:

Full body clip

A full body clip removes all hair except for a small patch under the saddle and two small “spur” squares. Ideal for horses that compete year-round, this clip keeps them cool and sleek during intense training.

Image courtesy of Metze Equine, LLC.

Hunt clip

A hunt clip leaves the legs and a small saddle patch unclipped, offering extra warmth while removing hair from sweat-prone areas. This style is popular among fox hunters and riders who keep their horses show-fit throughout the winter.

Trace clip

A trace clip removes hair from the lower sides of the body, following the path where carriage traces (the long branches that attach a horse to a carriage) would run along the horse’s side. A high trace clip extends higher up the body for added cooling. This pattern suits horses that spend their days outside but are stabled overnight.

Irish clip

An Irish clip starts behind the ears and angles down to the mid-belly, removing hair from the neck, chest, and shoulders. It’s a great option for eventers or for keeping horses cool during high-intensity training.

Strip clip

A strip clip removes hair in a wide strip along the underside of the neck, chest, and belly, leaving the rest of the coat intact. This clip is often used for lesson horses or those that live outside but still work regularly.

Blanket clip

A blanket clip leaves the legs and a large “blanket” of hair on the back, similar to a hunt clip but with more coverage for added warmth. It’s a good choice for horses that spend a lot of time outdoors while still removing hair from areas that sweat the most.

What type of body clipping is right for your horse?

Unless your horse is actively competing at higher levels of hunters or eventing, a full-body clip is likely unnecessary. Instead, consider your horse’s lifestyle. Does he live indoors or spend most of his time outside? How thick is his coat, and how well does he handle the cold? His exercise routine also plays a role—horses in heavier work often benefit from more extensive clipping to prevent overheating.

No matter which clipping pattern you choose, proper post-clip care is essential. Have clean, well-fitting blankets ready before you clip, adjusting them as temperatures fluctuate. Check out our full guide on horse blanketing to learn how to blanket your horse appropriately.

When clipping in warmer months, protect exposed skin with fly spray and sunscreen, and use a rain sheet for turnout in wet conditions. Your horse may also burn more calories staying warm without his natural coat, so consult your vet on whether your horse’s diet needs to be adjusted.

From bathing supplies and clippers to insect protection and blankets, The Farm House has everything you need to clip your horse like a pro. Browse our collection of grooming essentials to keep your horse comfortable and looking sharp all year long.

You might also like:

• How to Measure Your Horse for a Blanket
• How To Groom Your Horse for Competition (Step-by-Step Guide)
• Do Horses Sweat? Understanding Equine Perspiration