Clipping native and hairy breeds

By the Horse Clipping Equipment team · Checked 2026-10-25

Breed suggests questions, not a prescribed clip. Consider the actual coat, work, living conditions and response to equipment. Dense hair and feathering also affect the professional help and equipment needed.

Least necessary change

Note sweaty areas after typical work and drying time. Discuss a small partial clip before assuming a hairy horse needs substantial removal. Retained coat is part of the care plan.

Blade suitability

Read the maker's intended coat use and confirm compatibility. Grade names alone are insufficient. If the machine struggles, stop and investigate instead of tightening repeatedly.

Legs separately

Feather removal is a separate decision from body clipping. Ask your vet about sore, crusted or concerning skin first. Hair removal does not establish the cause of a skin problem.

Keep records

Record the pattern, blade and how the horse coped. Discuss bib and Irish patterns or a trace clip, and plan checking as weather changes.