1. Bath your horse before clipping to lift the ingrained dirt and grime out of the coat. The cleaner your horse, the easier the clippers will cut, which reduces the blades from snagging at the coat, the less risk your clippers will overheat and irritate the skin. Making sure the coat is clean can also reduce dermatographic clip lines on sensitive or thin skinned horses.
2. Hot clothing is a very important after care step for a freshly clipped horse. Not only does it remove any excess hair, clipper oil and grime, it can also help to reduce dermatographia. I find the best way to hot cloth is to use cooled boiled water, then add in a few drops of your favourite hot oil or wash. I personally love the NAF love the skin they’re in Skin Wash or Botanica Cleansing Wash.
3. Avoid using fleece rugs on freshly clipped horses. The fleece can pull the hair and cause extreme irritation and in some cases cause hives. Whilst some people may think a fleece is a good lightweight option to add under a rug as an extra layer, I personally think it is one of the worst options to use after clipping, especially using under rugs. The movement causes the fleece to wriggle backwards and become tight across the withers and chest causing pressure points and potential for rubs and sores. The fleece can also create a lot of static electricity because of the friction it creates on the clipped hair. Not to mention that fleece will attract any loose hair like velcro which will then be abrasive on your horse’s skin. A lightweight liner or slightly heavier weight rug to the one they previously wore before clipping is a much better option for the horses well being.
4. Regular grooming after clipping will help to keep the skin clear of dirt and increase blood flow for a healthy, shiny coat. I personally love the Borstiq brush range. They have a lovely range that really lifts the dirt out the coat and gives it a glossy finish.
5. Book a salt therapy session! Freshly clipped horses that suffer from skin allergies or conditions will get the most benefit out of a session soon after clipping. It allows the salt to get right down the skin to provide the best results possible. Great for those prone to sensitive skin or those with conditions such as CPL.
Elite Equine Salt Therapy 