How to Clip for Show Season

Warm weather brings horse shows and clinics to our weekend schedules! Of course, we want our horses to shine in the spotlight. Clipping your horse in warm weather is one way to groom your horse for a fancy horse show look!

Does your horse need to be clipped for a show?  

There is no mandatory requirement for clipping at any time of year. Clipping your horse should be done for the health and comfort of your horse. It's merely a bonus for horse shows if the clip makes your horse even more gorgeous. 

Many breeds have traditional grooming styles that require some clipping. Some horse breeds have long bridle paths, and the hunters present with clipped muzzles. Note that these are traditions, not requirements. 

What are the clipping options for horse show prep? 

You can do a few touch-ups, a full body clip, or something in between.  

For touch-ups, the summer coat remains. Only trim faces and legs if needed, and any errant hairs that may decide to poke out. Easily tidy your horse with a small cordless clipper like the Chromado, Arco, or Bravura. All use the convenient 5-in-1 clipper blade. Trimming would include the bridle path, which also helps tack fit properly, the jawline, the edges of the ears, the fetlocks, and around the coronary bands. Some horses also have longer hairs around their elbows and chestnuts that could be trimmed, too.

Many show horses with chrome legs are clipped from the hock and knees down. Short hair on the lower legs is easier to keep clean and bright, making show day grooming a snap. And because the hair is shorter, it dries faster. This may reduce the chance of funky skin infections!  

Some horses, especially those in hot climates, benefit from full body clipping. You could do a trace clip in the summer, but that may no look great in the show ring. Differing lengths of hair vary in color!  

Reasons to body clip your horse for the show ring

The primary reason to clip your horse completely is to help your horse with thermoregulation. Horse shows run all day long and are often without shade. A darker horse may be more comfortable with a little less hair! Horses that are overweight also have a more challenging time cooling down and could use the help. Some horses also have anhidrosis, which is the inability to sweat, and shorter coats help with that.

There are also benefits in the grooming department for a fully clipped horse. Grooming takes less time, the hair coat is even, you won't notice sun bleaching as much, and bathing and drying are quick. 

Reasons to skip the full body clip for the show ring

Just as the primary reason to clip your horse in winter is for his health, the same applies to warm and hot weather. If you have a horse with sensitive skin, insect allergies or pink skin under genuine white hair, skip body clipping in the summer.  

Instead, touch up your horse if you plan to show. Depending on your discipline, you can also use your clippers to bang your horse's tail across the bottom, creating a polished look. 

Food for thought about clipping for the show ring

You may have seen the news about some show organizations, namely FEI, the international governing body, not allowing horses with clipped whiskers, eye areas, and outer ears in their shows. This is also true for some European nations, namely Germany and Switzerland.  

Unless you are showing in FEI, the option to clip whiskers and ears remains. Whiskers and eyebrows are vibrissae, sensory hairs that help your horse navigate under his nose, where he can't see. Ear hair protects against the sun and insects.  

Trimming and body clipping for the show ring also removes some protections for your horse. Using fly sheets and fly masks help make up for shorter hair. On chrome legs, fly boots are a must to protect the pink skin from the sun.  

Tips for warm weather clipping for horse shows

Start with a clean horse, fresh clipper blades, and plenty of clipper oil. Dust and dirt damage the blades, and oil is needed to prevent hot blades and tugging on your horse's skin. 

Clip a few weeks before a show. Early clipping lets any changes of hair color even out. Your horse will also gain back some shine as you bump up your currying routine before a show.  

Keep that clipped coat covered if needed! Be sure any fly gear or sheets that you use are clean, too. 

Enjoy the show season on your gorgeously clipped horse! 

For more great tips and tutorials from Liv, check out her website Pro Equine Grooms

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