How much does it cost to clip a horse in the UK and why should I clip my horse?

Why do I need to clip my horse and how much does it cost in the UK in 2023?

Clipping a horse refers to the practice of using clippers to trim or shave the horse's coat and it can end up being more expensive than your own haircut!  In the UK, to get a pro to clip your horse costs anything from £30 up to over £100 (and that doesn't include calling a vet if required). More and more people are choosing to clip their own horse - more on this later, along with some kit recommendations and pricing guides. 

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Clipping is done for various reasons, depending on the horse's needs and the climate or season. Here are some common reasons why horse owners might choose to clip a horse in the UK:

Regulating Temperature: Clipping is often done in the warmer months to help horses stay cool, especially if they have a thick winter coat. A horse's heavy coat can make it prone to overheating during exercise in hot weather.

Reducing Sweat: A clipped horse can more effectively cool itself through sweat and evaporation during exercise. A thick winter coat can trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort and increased risk of heat-related issues.

Enhancing Grooming: Clipping can give a horse a neater and tidier appearance, which is often desirable for show horses or those in training and competition.  Currently, the Lister Covercote blade that clips to 5mm and gives a natural look is very popular, but these trends change.

Managing Skin Conditions: In some cases, clipping is done to manage skin conditions or to allow better access to treat skin issues or wounds.

Facilitating Faster Drying: After a bath or a workout, a clipped horse will dry more quickly, reducing the risk of catching a chill in cooler weather.

Aiding in Rehabilitation: Horses recovering from injuries or surgery may be clipped to allow better access to the affected area and to prevent contamination of wounds.

Preventing Excessive Winter Hair Growth: In regions with mild winters or where horses are kept indoors, some owners choose to clip their horses to prevent them from growing excessively thick winter coats.

It's important to note that there are different types of clips, ranging from a full body clip (removing all of the horse's hair) to partial clips (leaving some hair in specific areas). The choice of clip depends on the horse's needs, the climate, and the owner's preferences.

Clipping a horse requires skill and care to avoid nicking the horse's skin or causing discomfort. It's often done by experienced professionals or with the guidance of a veterinarian or an experienced horse owner, however this can be expensive – starting at about £30 and going beyond £100 (especially if vets are required). Additionally, proper aftercare, including blanketing and shelter in cold weather, is essential to ensure the horse's comfort and well-being after clipping.

It is a good idea to consider learning to clip the horse yourself.  This will not only save money in the long run, but it is also less stressful for your horse and a possible bonding exercise.  It can also be difficult to get somebody to clip your horse during the busy season, and having the ability to clip the horse yourself means you can also give little trims to keep your horse neat and tidy, as required.

If you decide to clip the horse yourself, you will need:

• A horse clipper.  These are your biggest investment and it is worth getting the right set.  There are some great brands, like Lister, Heiniger and Liveryman, which all come with warranties, and they have good quality blades and are easy to get serviced.  There are also some terrible clippers on the market, imported from overseas and they can be noisy, heavy and have poor quality blades and difficulty to get parts.  You can get ‘all-in one’ clippers, that can serve as a clipper and trimmer, corded clippers and cordless clippers.  You need to consider how many horses you need to clip and the type of hair they have to select the right power clipper.  You also need to consider your horse’s temperament – are they nervous or do they need a quieter machine with lower vibrations?  Clippers start from about £200 and go up to about £450.
• The right blades for your horse’s hair.  Your clipper will come with a blade.  You want to get the right one for your horse’s hair.  How coarse is the hair and what length hair do you want?  At FarmCare UK we are usually happy to switch blades on your clipper to ensure you are buying a clipper with the blade you want.  Please don’t waste your money getting the ‘standard’ blade if this is not what you need.  Blades cost about £35 +!  It is a good idea to have a second blade, in case the first one goes blunt.  Most blades can be sharpened multiple times.
• A trimmer.  If you don’t have an ‘all-in-one’ clipper, then you need a trimmer for the face and legs and smaller, more sensitive areas.  These start at around £40.  There is more choice for trimmers and you can often use them on dogs and other pets too (in lockdown, we used them on our children’s hair!).  If your budget is tight, spend more on the main clipper and go with a cheaper trimmer – there is less difference between the trimmer options.  Of course, if you are using your trimmer a lot, then it is worth investing the top brands.  The Heiniger Saphir is the most popular choice with vets and pros due to its power, reliability and low vibrations – but it is more expensive.  The Heiniger Horse is a fantastic ‘all-in-one’ option if you have a horse with ‘easy hair’.  The Liveryman Harmony Plus is another good option, with less power but much cheaper!
• You will also need oil, which should be applied every 5 minutes, to reduce friction and heat on the blades.  You should also put it on the blades after clipping.

As you can see, setting up your clipping kit is expensive, but you should cover the cost within 1 or 2 years and then be saving money.  You could even offer to clip other people’s horses (people are always looking) and that would help pay for your clippers!

If you want to get a pro, the cost of clipping a horse in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the type of clip, the region or location, the experience of the person performing the clipping, and whether additional services such as bathing or grooming are included. Generally, the cost of clipping a horse in the UK can range from £30 to £100 or more.

Here are some factors that can influence the cost of clipping:

Type of Clip: The cost may differ based on the type of clip you choose. A full body clip that removes all of the horse's hair will generally be more expensive than a partial clip that targets specific areas.

Location: Prices can vary by region in the UK. Services in more urban or affluent areas may be more expensive than in rural or less densely populated regions.

Experience and Reputation: Professionals with more experience and a strong reputation may charge higher fees for their services.

Additional Services: Some clipping services may include additional services, such as grooming, bathing, and trimming, which can increase the overall cost.

Travel Expenses: If the person providing the clipping service needs to travel to your location, there may be additional fees for travel expenses.

Time of Year: The time of year can also affect pricing. Clipping services may be in higher demand during specific seasons, which can influence the cost.

To get an accurate estimate for clipping your horse, it's best to contact local equine professionals or stables that offer clipping services. They can provide you with specific pricing based on your horse's needs and the services they offer. Additionally, it's a good practice to ask for recommendations and check reviews to ensure you choose a reputable and skilled professional for the job.

If you have any questions about getting your own clipping kit, about any of the clippers, or blades, or what might be suitable for your horse, please don’t hesitate to ask.  We are a family run business and we are happy to help.  We stock the most trusted brands, including Lister, Heiniger, Wahl and Liveryman.  Email us at sales@farmcareuk.com

OR CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST QUALITY CLIPPERS AND SPECIAL OFFERS

Some of our favourite clippers are: Lister Eclipse, Heiniger Xplorer Pro, Heiniger Saphir Horse, Liveryman Harmony Plus, Lister Star and Heiniger Xperience.

www.FarmCareUK.com

Clipper Specialist