Horse Grooming Tip for April
We all know it is body-clipping time if you work with Gypsy Vanner Horses. If the temperature where you live is above 70 deg F it is time to get rid of that winter coat. Most Gypsy horses have been body-clipped if they are in a hot climate. If they haven’t ever been clipped, they may be afraid of the clippers. I have found if you hold the clippers on them and also give them some love, they will start to understand that the clippers will not harm them. Horses are preyed upon in the wild, so they are naturally afraid of many things. As a groomer it is our responsibility to make this as good an experience as we can. If the big clippers scare the horse, try starting with smaller ones (the ones used to trim the face). The large clippers (the ones used on the body) make a loud noise, so understand that it is a fear reaction, not misbehavior.
A clean, brushed coat is best for clipping. At Gypsy MVP we use a medicated shampoo from EZ-Groom. I find that this shampoo prevents irritation. Always keep your blades cool and clean. This makes your job easier and gives better results for the horse. Keeping the clippers cool and clean is very important. Clippers get hot rather fast, so make sure you check them often. And if they are dirty they are louder and cut slower. After you are done, make sure you give the horse a treat, so it makes it a good experience for the animal. This way the next time you put the horse in a bay for clipping (or any other reason) they will look forward to the experience.
