10 tricks to clip safely
1. In any case (a very quiet horse, a very tight timetable…), you must not clip more than two hours in a row. First of all, to respect your horse. Two hours clipping in an only session is already a very long time. And also as a safety measure. The clipper gets hot and the combs become burning in the end, when you reach the head or the limbs. Result: The horse feels attacked, he defends himself and an accident can happen.
2. Don't go into an hourly logic. This is the best way to put yourself into dangerous positions, to stress the horse and to cause an accident. Do what you can in two hours and start again the following day.
3. Take care that your horse is standing correctly on his four feet. To this extent, always keep a hand on the small of his back when you are at forelimb level. If you are towards the hind legs, keep your hand on the croup point. From these two points, you will be able to feel the muscles stretch, proof of the will to move a limb.
4. Never squat. In that position, you have no chance to escape in case of problems. On the contrary, if it is necessary to bend down for belly and legs, lean on a bent leg while the other one is stretched backward : it is surely more tiresome but securing.
5. If you lower your head, set upright regularly to avoid vertigo.
6. Help yourself with your free hand to stretch skin in the areas where it has folds.
7. To clip the croup and the hind legs, don't you ever stay behind. Stay on the side keeping the coccygien area on your side and clip the other one.
8. To make the feet, take the hoof in your palm, without blocking it.
9. To make the cannons, take the foot at fetlock and pastern level by leaving the foot in the air. Stretch the cannon skin with the hand holding the fetlock.
10. To clip the limb inner area, stay on the opposite side. Don't try to slip under the belly… If you have to squat, raise a limb with your hand. But don't forget: a quiet horse can have a reaction of fear or irritation as well.