04/06/2026
🐴 A Friendly Reminder Before Your Clipping Appointment 🐴
A clean horse is a happy horse.
To ensure your horse receives the best possible clip, all horses must arrive clean, freshly bathed, and completely dry before their appointment.
Lately, I have been presented with horses that are dirty or still wet, with the expectation that I can still achieve a beautiful, professional finish. Unfortunately, that simply isn't possible.
A quality clip starts with a clean coat. If the coat is dirty, greasy, or wet, the end result will be compromised, regardless of the skill or equipment used.
Please note: Dirty or wet horses will not be clipped and the appointment slot will be forfeited. Your horse will then need to be rebooked into my next available opening.
This policy is not only about protecting my equipment, but also about your horse's comfort and welfare.
Dirt, grease, sweat, and moisture cause clipper blades to drag and pull through the coat, and worse, can result in horses getting nicked, making the clipping experience uncomfortable and unpleasant for the horse and for me.
A few common misconceptions:
• A horse that has simply been hosed down is not considered bathed.
• A horse bathed several days ago is unlikely to still be clean enough for clipping.
• A thorough groom is helpful, but it does not replace bathing.
• Coat shine products and pre-clip sprays do not clean the coat.
• Washing a horse shortly before I arrive does not allow enough drying time, particularly in cooler weather or with thicker coats.
After many years of clipping, I can easily tell the difference between a truly clean horse and one that only appears clean on the surface. Dirt, grease, dead skin cells, and sweat build up at the base of the coat against the skin, where brushing alone will not remove them.
✅ For the best results, please:
• Shampoo twice
• Use warm water if possible
• Dont forget the legs, belly, and top of the quarters
• Allow at least 3 hours drying time (longer in cooler weather)
• Keep your horse stabled or clean after bathing to prevent rolling
There is simply no substitute for a proper bath and a good scrub. A clean horse allows me to deliver the quality finish your horse deserves while ensuring the clipping experience is comfortable, efficient, and stress-free for everyone involved.
