Post Clipping Skin and Hair Care for Horses
There’s nothing fancier than a shiny horse in the sunshine! Shine comes from good grooming and natural oils. But after clipping your horse, there is usually a color change and some missing shine. Don’t worry! There’s a lot we can do to help your clipped horse stay shiny.
What is a horse’s “natural oil” anyway?
That show ring shine on horses comes from sebum. Sebum is the oil that his skin produces, which serves a few purposes. The purpose of sebum is to protect the skin from the sun and microbes.
Yes, those natural oils on your horse are part of his immune system!
In the winter, those oils also help your horse stay waterproof. They allow winter weather to glide off your horse’s coat, keeping him dry underneath.
Many factors determine a horse’s level of shine and sebum, some of which are out of your control. Your horse’s genetics determine a lot of things – including how naturally shiny he is.
You won't be able to change genetics, but you can influence other factors. How much time are you spending with your curry comb and grooming tools? Is your horse’s diet balanced and rich in omega fatty acids? Is he fit and active? Are you stripping any of his natural oils away with harsh shampoos and frequent bathing? Is his coat bleached out by the sun? Consider all of these things throughout the year as you groom your horse.
Before you clip!
A lot of your horse’s bloom and shine after a body clip start long before your clippers come out. Prepping your horse correctly for a body or trace clip can help the glow remain throughout the clipping process.
The key to a successful clip is starting with a clean and shiny horse. Almost oily, to be exact. A thorough grooming, followed by a bath is the best thing to do. Choose your shampoo wisely! Using harsh detergents, non-horse shampoos, stain removers, or blueing shampoos will strip your horse of his natural shine. The coat will be dull before you even start clipping!
The best shampoos to use are gentle, and you don't need a lot of product. It does not matter if stains persist. Stains are clipped away.
Rinse thoroughly, and use a follow-up conditioner if you like.
Once your horse is on his way to being dry, using sheen products or grooming oils will help condition his coat. Sheen products, depending on how much additional alcohol they contain, may dry your horse’s hair. Grooming oils, however, are conditioning. Both can help the clippers glide through and produce a clean and crisp coat.
Keep these things in mind while you are clipping!
Using sharp clipper blades is key to a successful clip. When used on a clean horse, the blades will give you an easy clip, with no tugging, digging, or clipper lines. Sharp blades are more comfortable for your horse, and the coat is smooth when you are finished.
While you are clipping, stop every 5 minutes to brush off your blades, use some Blade Ice Coolant, and wipe the blades. Then add Blade Oil! Oil keeps the motor and blades working well and reduced the heat produced. You absolutely must have clipper oil.
Post clipping tips and adding back the shine.
Now that your horse is gorgeous in his new hair design, it’s time to take care of his skin. Most horses want a good roll and lots of scratching.
Letting him roll is just fine! Follow up with a thorough curry comb and brushing session. There may be lots of stray hairs and dander that remains on your horse.
Some horse owners choose to bathe their horses again. If your horse is naturally oily, you may be able to use a mild shampoo. If your horse is a bit dry and dull, skip the shampoo and use warm water and conditioner.
Have you heard of the old trick of adding mayonnaise to your horse’s coat after clipping? The fats and oils in mayonnaise condition the hair and make him smell pretty bad. It’s good for the coat, not good for noses. You do need to rinse it out the next day.
Alternatively, using grooming oils to add some shine is less time consuming and not as aromatic as mayonnaise. Just as you used them before a clip, you can use them afterward as well. The easiest way to apply them afterward is on a washcloth. Buffing them in prevents you from using too much, and your horse gets a nice massage, also.
Continue to use your curry comb as your primary shine maker, as well. Groom your horse before and after you ride. Any sweat that your horse produces needs to dry and be curried off to prevent a salty and dull coating on his coat.
It may take a few days or longer for your horse’s real shine to return. As his coat starts to grow back, you will begin to notice a difference.
When should you clip if you are going to a show or clinic?
If you would like your horse to look his best for a show or clinic, plan on clipping at least two weeks before the event. Those days give your horse some time to start shining again, and any accidental lines or unevenness can grow out a bit. Remember that old saying about the difference between a good clip and a bad one? Two weeks.
For more great tips and tutorials from Liv, check out her website Pro Equine Grooms.
