Horse Clipping
Horse clipping is essential, especially during cold winters when most horses grow wooly coats. For this reason, you need the best cordless horse clippers to keep your equine neat and prevent excessive sweating.
There are plenty of choices regarding hair clippers for horses, so it’s often challenging to identify one that suits your equine best. In this article, we’ve rounded up our seven best horse clippers for body clipping.
What are the Benefits of Cordless Equine Clippers
Cordless equine clippers offer several benefits for horse grooming and maintenance. Here are some benefits:
Portability and Maneuverability
Power cords or outlets do not limit cordless clippers. As a result, it allows you to move freely around the horse without restrictions. This portability makes reaching all areas of the horse’s body easier and maneuvering around sensitive areas.
Convenience
With cordless clippers, you don’t have to worry about finding a power source or dealing with tangled cords. This makes grooming sessions more convenient and efficient, saving time and effort.
Safety
Cordless clippers eliminate the risk of tripping over cables or accidentally cutting them while grooming. This ensures a safer grooming experience for both the horse and the groomer.
Versatility
Many cordless clippers come with adjustable blade lengths, allowing you to customize the cutting length according to your specific grooming needs. This versatility is beneficial when working on different areas of the horse’s body or creating distinct grooming styles.
Flexibility
Cordless clippers can work in various locations, such as in the barn, on the go, or at competitions. This flexibility allows you to maintain your horse’s appearance and comfort wherever you are.
Our Preferred Equine Clipper
Our best cordless horse clipper is the Oster Pro 3000i Cordless Pet Clippers with Size 10 CryogenX Blade. It is a high-performing cordless horse clipper, convenient and durable. It offers reliable clipping power, versatility, and comfort, making it a valuable tool for pet grooming.
Other Top Picks at a Glance
- Oster Pro 3000i Cordless Pet Clippers with Size 10 CryogenX Blade: Best Overall
- Andis 79005 Supra ZR II Cordless Rechargeable Hair & Beard Trimmer: Best for body clipping
- Wahl Professional Animal Arco Pet, Dog, Cat, and Horse Cordless Clipper Kit: Best 5-in-1 cordless clipper
- Oster Volt Cordless Pet Clippers with Detachable Lithium-Ion Battery: Best single-speed cordless clipper
- Wahl Professional Animal KM Cordless 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet and Dog Clipper Kit: Best two-speed cordless clipper
- Oster A5 Hair Clippers for Dog, Cat, and Pet Grooming: Best value for money
- Wahl Professional Animal Arco Equine Horse Cordless Clipper Kit: Best for finish-up clipping
Our Cordless Horse Clipper Reviews
Oster Pro 3000i Cordless Pet Clippers with Size 10 CryogenX Blade: Best Overall
About the Product
The Oster Pro 3000i Cordless Pet Clippers with Size 10 CryogenX Blade allows you to walk around and groom your horse from anywhere. It has a powerful 3,000 SPM motor allowing blades to cut through thick fur and coats.
This wireless clipper has a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that can operate continuously for up to two hours. It has detachable wide blades, a battery, and a charging station.
Key Features
- Includes Cryogen-X blade
| Pros | Cons |
| Allows freedom of movement while grooming | It is a single-speed clipper; you cannot adjust the cutting speed. |
| It has ultra-sharp and durable blades that easily cut through thick fur and coats. |
Andis 79005 Supra ZR II Cordless Rechargeable Hair & Beard Trimmer: Best for Body Clipping
Amazon’s Choice in Hair Clippers by Andis
About the Product
The Andis 79005 Supra ZR II Cordless Rechargeable Hair & Beard Trimmer has a high-speed motor with five speeds that you can adjust between 1800 and 3,800 SPM. It provides excellent sharp performance while making the least amount of noise.
This quiet horse clipper is durable. It offers steady power without the need to plug into a wall outlet. It is small and light for greater versatility. Additionally, it consists of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It has a three-hour runtime with an operational voltage of 100-240 V/50-60Hz.
Key Features
- High-speed motor
- It is rechargeable
- It has a replaceable battery
| Pros | Cons |
| It is easy to clean. | You cannot use it while charging |
| It has a long battery runtime. | |
| It produces low noise. |
Wahl Professional Animal Arco Pet, Dog, Cat, and Horse Cordless Clipper Kit: Best 5-in-1 Cordless Clipper
About the Product
The Wahl Arco is a tried-and-true cordless alternative for accurate cutting in difficult-to-reach areas like ears, faces, and paws, providing groomers, zookeepers, and pet owners with all they need in a cordless clipper.
Its 5-in-1 fine blade offers a practical range of cutting lengths and adjusts between sizes nine, 10, 15, 30, and 40. This clipper has a rechargeable battery with a 75-minute charging time and an 80-minute cordless run time.
This Wahl cordless horse clipper has a charging stand, a charger, four plastic attachment guide combs, a cleaning brush, blade oil, and an instruction manual.
Key Features
- It has a rechargeable battery.
- It has five adjustable speeds
| Pros | Cons |
| It is easy to clean | It is expensive compared to similar brands |
| Provides a range of adjustable cutting lengths | |
| It comes with a soft carrying box. |
Oster Volt Cordless Pet Clippers with Detachable Lithium-Ion Battery: Best Single-Speed Cordless Clipper
About the Product
The Oster Volt Cordless Pet Clippers with Detachable Lithium-Ion Battery is ideal for grooming horses, dogs, cats, and other livestock. It has a cordless design with a single motor running at 2,400 SPM.
It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be easily changed for longer grooming sessions and functions continuously for up to two hours. Additional batteries are available separately. This clipper has wide and detachable blades with a high torque design enabling them to stay cooler for longer.
Key Features
- It has a detachable battery
- It is rechargeable
- Has wide blades
| Pros | Cons |
| It effectively removes matted fur | It has no adjustable motor speed; you cannot adjust the cutting speed as you desire. |
| It has an easily replaceable battery |
Wahl Professional Animal KM Cordless 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet and Dog Clipper Kit: Best Two-Speed Cordless Clipper
About the Product
The Wahl Professional Animal KM Cordless 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper Kit is perfect for body clipping and trimming horses, dogs, cats, etc. It is ideal for horses that are sensitive to noise. It cuts through thick, matted, and coarse coats.
This clipper has a constant speed control feature that automatically produces extra power and torque when grooming through thick fur. It has a two-hour cordless run time, and you can use it with or without a cord throughout the day. It delivers two powerful grooming speeds of 3,700 and 3,000 SPM.
Key Features
- It has a detachable blade
- It has a two-speed high-power motor
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a longer battery runtime | It is expensive compared to similar products in the market |
| It is easy to clean. | |
| Produces high power for easy grooming |
Oster A5 Hair Clippers for Dog, Cat, and Pet Grooming: Best Value for Money
About the Product
The Oster A5 Hair Clippers for Dog, Cat, and Pet Grooming has larger blade sweeps and produces more strokes per minute for quicker clipping. It has a heavy-duty universal motor producing two powerful grooming speeds; 3,000 and 4,000 SPM.
The clipper is perfect for grooming horses, dogs, cats, and other animals. It is compatible with numerous blade sets such as elite cryogen-X, Oster Take Down, and Oster A5 detachable cryogen-X wide blades. Changing blades is quick and simple using the detachable A5 blade mechanism.
Key Features
- Has a powerful heavy-duty motor
- It has a detachable wide blade
| Pros | Cons |
| It is easy to change blades. | It is bulky and noisy. |
| It offers a wide range of blade compatibility. | |
| It is easy to clean. |
Wahl Professional Animal Arco Equine Horse Cordless Clipper Kit: Best for Finish-Up Clipping
Amazon’s Choice for Wahl Arco Cordless Clippers
About the Product
The Arco Equine cordless clipper has Wahl’s renowned 5-in-1 blade. This makes it convenient to have five different blade sizes in one simple-to-adjust blade for precisely clipping horse ears, muzzles, and bridle paths.
This premier cordless clipper is powerful enough to cut through bridleways and fetlocks. It is also quiet enough to keep animals with sensitive hearing at ease. It is lightweight and ergonomically built to fit comfortably in your hand.
The 5-in-1 blade is easily adjustable between sizes #9, #10, #15, #30, and #40 and comes with two detachable batteries. Each battery has an 80-minute run duration.
Key Features
- It is lightweight
- It has adjustable blade sizes
- It has a removable battery
| Pros | Cons |
| It offers five different blade size options for versatility. | It has a low battery runtime; it runs out of charge faster. |
| It effectively cuts through thick fur. |
FAQs on Cordless Horse Clippers
When Should a Horse Be Clipped?
You can clip horses during specific times of the year or under certain circumstances. Here are some situations when horse clipping may be necessary:
Winter Clipping
Horses in regular work during winter may benefit from a winter clip. This involves removing the excess hair the horse grows as a natural insulation layer to help them stay warm in colder weather. Clipping helps prevent excessive sweating and allows the horse to cool down properly after exercise.
Show Preparation
Horses that participate in shows, competitions, or events often undergo clipping to enhance their appearance. Clipping can help define the horse’s musculature, highlight its conformation, and present a neat appearance in the show ring.
Excessive Coat Growth
Some horses may grow excessive hair throughout the year, regardless of the season. Clipping can help manage the horse’s coat and prevent overheating during work or exercise.
Heavy Sweat or Difficulty Drying
Horses that sweat excessively during exercise may benefit from clipping. A clipped horse dries more quickly, reducing the risk of catching a chill or becoming uncomfortable due to prolonged wetness.
Medical Reasons
In certain medical situations, a veterinarian may recommend clipping. For example, if a horse has a skin condition requiring topical treatment, clipping can facilitate easier application and better medication absorption.
Should Horses Be Clipped in Summer?
Clipping horses in the summer is generally not a good practice, except in specific circumstances. Here are some considerations regarding clipping horses during the summer:
Natural Cooling Mechanism
Horses have a natural cooling mechanism in their coats. During the summer, their coats help regulate body temperature by insulating against excessive heat and protecting them from the sun’s UV rays. Clipping a horse’s coat during this time can interfere with this natural cooling process.
Sunburn and Insect Protection
A horse’s coat acts as a barrier against the sun’s rays, providing some protection against sunburn. Clipping the coat exposes the skin to direct sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn.
Additionally, the coat serves as a deterrent against insects and provides some defense against flies and other pests. Removing the coat through clipping can leave the horse more vulnerable to insect bites and irritation.
Dust and Dirt Protection
A horse’s coat helps to repel dust and dirt, keeping the skin cleaner. Clipping can remove this protective layer, making the horse more susceptible to dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants that can irritate the skin.
Maintaining Natural Coat Shine
A horse’s coat naturally reflects sunlight, giving it a healthy shine. Clipping can reduce this natural luster and make the coat appear dull.
Heat Stress Considerations
Clipping a horse in the summer can increase the risk of heat stress, especially if the horse does not get adequate shade, shelter, and access to water. The coat helps regulate body temperature by trapping a layer of air close to the skin, which acts as insulation against heat.
Does a Horse Need to Be Washed Before Clipping Commences?
Washing a horse before clipping commences is generally advisable, although it may depend on the specific circumstances and the condition of the horse’s coat. Here are some considerations regarding washing before clipping:
Cleanliness: Washing your horse before clipping helps remove dirt, dust, sweat, and other debris from the coat, allowing for a cleaner and more even clip. Clipping a dirty or sweaty coat can result in clogged clipper blades, reduced effectiveness, and an uneven finish.
Blade performance: Washing your horse’s coat helps ensure that the clipper blades can glide smoothly through the hair. A clean coat reduces friction, allows for better blade movement, and can result in a more efficient and comfortable clipping process for the horse.
Hygiene: Washing your horse before clipping helps maintain good hygiene. It removes accumulated oils, dirt, and bacteria trapped in the coat, reducing the risk of skin irritations or infections during or after clipping.
How Are Clippers Prepared For Trimming?
To prepare clippers for trimming, follow these steps:
Clean the Clippers
Before use, ensure the clippers are clean and free of hair, dirt, or debris. Use a brush or a small tool provided with the clippers to remove any residue from the blade area and the clipper body.
Blade Maintenance
Check the blades for any signs of wear, damage, or dullness. If the blades are dull or damaged, they may need to get sharpened or replaced. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for blade maintenance or consult a professional for blade sharpening services.
Lubrication
Apply a thin layer of clipper oil to the blades. This helps reduce friction, keeps the blades cool during operation, and extends their lifespan.
Blade Alignment
Ensure that the clipper blades are correctly aligned. Improper alignment can result in uneven cutting and potential discomfort for the horse.
Check the Power Source
If using cordless clippers, ensure the batteries are fully charged and ready for use. If using corded clippers, ensure the power cord is in good condition and securely connected to a power source.
Test Run
Before trimming, turn on the clippers and let them run for a few seconds to ensure they operate smoothly and the blades function correctly. This enables you to detect unusual noises, vibrations, or issues requiring attention.
Adjust the Cutting Length
If your clippers have adjustable blade lengths, determine the desired cutting length for your trimming needs and set the blades accordingly.
How Should Horse Clippers Be Cleaned?
Cleaning horse clippers is essential to their maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here’s how to clean your horse clippers:
- Disconnect the clippers: Before cleaning, ensure that the clippers are unplugged or turned off to prevent any accidents or injuries.
- Remove excess hair: Use a small brush or a toothbrush to remove any hair or debris from the blade area, clipper body, and vents.
- Disassemble if necessary: Some clippers allow the disassembly of the blades or removable parts. If applicable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to disassemble the clippers for a more thorough cleaning safely.
- Cleaning solution: Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a mild detergent or clipper blade cleaner. Alternatively, you can use a specially formulated clipper spray or blade wash.
- Blade cleaning: If the blades are removable, soak them in the cleaning solution for the recommended time or as specified by the manufacturer. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub away any residue or buildup on the blades gently.
- Wipe the clipper body: Take a clean cloth or paper towel dampened with the cleaning solution and wipe the clipper body, removing any dirt or residue.
- Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, ensure that all parts are thoroughly dried. Use a dry cloth or towel to remove moisture from the blades and clipper body. If you removed the blades, let them air dry thoroughly before reassembling.
- Lubrication: Apply a few drops of clipper oil or a lubricant to the blade surfaces and any moving parts. This helps reduce friction and keeps the clippers operating smoothly.
- Reassemble: If you disassembled any parts, carefully reassemble the clippers. Ensure that you securely fit and align all components as they should be.
Why Should Horses Be Clipped?
There are numerous reasons as to why you should clip your horse. These reasons primarily relate to their health, comfort, and practicality. Here are some:
Temperature Regulation
Clipping helps regulate the horse’s body temperature, especially during exercise or in warmer weather. Removing excess hair allows the horse to cool down more efficiently and prevents excessive sweating, which can lead to discomfort and dehydration.
Maintaining Hygiene
Clipping helps maintain good hygiene, particularly for horses that sweat heavily or have long, thick coats. A thick coat can trap dirt, sweat, and debris, making keeping the horse clean and groomed more challenging. Clipping helps reduce the buildup of these substances and makes grooming and bathing more manageable.
Aesthetics
Clipping is often necessary for aesthetic purposes, particularly in the show ring or for horses involved in competitions. Clipping can help define the horse’s musculature, highlight its conformation, and present a neat appearance.
Medical Management
In certain cases, horses get clipped for medical reasons. For instance, if a horse has a skin condition that requires topical treatments, clipping allows for easier access to the affected area and improves the effectiveness of the treatment. Clipping may also be necessary for surgical procedures or when bandaging is necessary.
How Do You Clip a Horse?
Clipping a horse involves several steps to ensure a safe and effective process. Here’s a general guide on how to clip a horse:
Preparation
- Gather the necessary equipment: Horse clippers, clipper blades of desired length, clipper oil, grooming brushes, towel, and a clean, well-lit area.
- Ensure your horse is clean and dry before clipping. Using grooming brushes, remove any dirt, sweat, or tangles from the coat.
Familiarize the Horse
Introduce the clippers to your horse gradually. Allow the horse to see, hear, and feel the clippers, turning them on and off while offering treats and praise to create a positive association.
Choose a Suitable Clip
Determine the type of clip you wish to make based on your horse’s workload, climate, and specific needs. Popular clip styles include full-body, trace, blanket, or modified clips.
Secure Your Horse
Tie your horse securely or have an assistant hold the horse to ensure stability and safety during clipping. Ensure your horse is comfortable and relaxed.
Start Clipping
- Begin with the less sensitive areas, such as the shoulder or hindquarters. Place your free hand on the horse to provide support and minimize any startle reflex.
- Hold the clippers firmly but gently and apply light pressure against your horse’s skin. Use long, smooth strokes following the direction of hair growth for an even clip.
- Take care around sensitive areas like the head, ears, legs, and belly. Use caution to avoid nicking or pinching the skin. Consider using smaller clippers or scissors for these areas.
- Regularly check the temperature of the clippers and the horse’s skin. Overheating clippers can cause discomfort and may require cooling or lubrication breaks.
- As you progress, periodically clean the clipper blades to remove hair and debris for optimal cutting performance.
After Clipping
Once the desired clip is complete, turn off the clippers and remove loose hair from the horse’s coat. Using a towel removes loose hair or clipper oil residue from the horse’s skin. Offer the horse praise, treats, or light exercise to help them relax after the clipping session.
Your Cordless Horse Clipper Shopping Guide
With plenty of options to pick from, here are key factors to consider when shopping for the best cordless clippers for horses:
Corded Versus Cordless
The battery pack for most cordless clippers is usually rechargeable. Some of them also let you use them as corded clippers. With cordless clippers, you don’t have to worry about your frightened horse stepping on the power cable while grooming. They are also typically quieter, which makes them excellent for finishing up on sensitive areas of your horse.
You must plug the power cable for corded clippers into an electrical outlet. Even though these wires are frequently sturdy, you must prevent your horse from stepping on them. Additionally, they can be noisier and vibrate more due to their greater power than cordless clippers.
Blades
There are three primary types of blades commonly found on horse clippers:
- Adjustable blades: These blades have a lever on the side, allowing you to modify the cutting length. Some clippers with adjustable blades also provide plastic guards that enable further cutting length adjustment.
- Fixed blades: These blades are well-secured in place with screws. While removing them and using a different gauge blade is possible, this process can be somewhat tricky. Certain clippers with fixed blades are ideal for a specific gauge, so checking before making any changes is essential. Fixed-blade clippers sometimes come with plastic guards to adjust the cutting length.
- Detachable blades: They can easily snap on and off, facilitating quick and hassle-free blade changes. However, they may not be as sturdy as the other two options, making them more suitable for light trims rather than full clips.
Strokes Per Minute
This refers to the speed of the blade movement. If the blade has a higher SPM, it often suggests that the clippers will handle coarse hair better. However, the clipper blades will heat up faster at a higher SPM. While some clippers have a variable SPM, others have one.
Clip Type
The type of clip you choose for your horse depends on several factors, including your horse’s living conditions, workload, and breed.
Parting Thoughts
That’s it, folks, we hope this article will help you make an informed decision when shopping for horse cordless clippers. We recommend the Oster Pro 3000i Cordless Pet Clippers with Size 10 CryogenX Blade. It is great for general horse clipping, thanks to its powerful 3,000 SPM motor. It’s compatible with Oster A5 blades and has a charging dock and lubricating oil.
Remember, clipping can be a sensitive process for horses, and each horse may have different tolerances. Prioritize the horse’s safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the process. If you are unsure or lack experience, consider seeking guidance from a professional groomer or veterinarian.
