There are many different reasons why people might clip their horses. Even though a long, luscious coat keeps horses warm and dry when the weather gets cold, that same coat can trap moisture after a long winter ride. A neatly clipped body ensures that a horse can get dry and warm before heading back out to pasture. Show horses also routinely get clipped to keep their ears and coronet clean and tidy and their manes, tails and whiskers under control. Some horse owners also need to use clippers to properly bandage an injury.
Regardless of why you clip your horse, choosing the best horse clippers for the job is important. For cordless clipping with power that lasts as long as you need it to, the Wahl Professional Animal Creativa Cordless Horse Clipper is a great choice.
What to know before you buy horse clippers
Types of clippers
Clippers come in light, medium and heavy-duty types. These categories are as much about their construction as they are about the amount of clipping you intend to do.
If you routinely show your horse in all seasons and require full-body clipping multiple times a month, heavy-duty clippers are best for you. For those who need to clip around the saddle for a pleasure ride once or twice a week, a lightweight clipper should be fine.
Level of noise
Some very sensitive or young horses struggle with the noise of clippers, especially when clippers are near their head and ears. It’s important to desensitize your horse to the sound of clippers well before trying to clip them, but it’s also good to look for the quietest clippers you can find to make the experience easier for everyone.
Corded or cordless?
Horse clippers with cords are generally more powerful, but cordless clippers are great for horse shows when power outlets are scarce. Some people choose to buy both — one for the barn and one for the show trailer.
Horse clippers features
Accessories
The most basic horse clippers come with just one adjustable blade. Other horse clippers might come with accessories like multiple blades, combs, clipper oil and brushes in a hard-sided carrying case.
Again, which accessories you need really depends on how frequently you plan to use your clippers. To get started, you will at least need clipper oil and a small brush to clean hair off.
Multiple speeds
Multiple speeds are great for horses who need some training to get used to clippers. They are also good for fine detail work on the legs and ears.
Rechargeable batteries
The best cordless clippers come with long-lasting, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Heavy-duty cordless clippers that take standard disposable batteries might die in the middle of a clip.
Ergonomic design
The design of the clipper body makes a big difference when you are clipping a big horse. Look for horse clippers that fit comfortably in your hand. This prevents wrist fatigue and helps you move the clippers more confidently, resulting in a calmer horse and a more professional trim.
The size of the clippers matter, too. If you have smaller hands, a large corded clipper is going to be challenging for you. Likewise, people with larger hands might not be able to get a good grip on thin, lightweight clippers.
You can learn more about the features of horse clippers at the BestReviews buying guide for horse clippers.
Horse clippers cost
As with most things equine, horse clippers are not cheap. Look to spend between $90-$300 for a decent set of clippers.
Horse clippers FAQ
What are the different types of horse clipping styles?
A. There are several ways you can clip your horse. It all depends on how you use your horse, the climate and your horse’s personal comfort. The most common styles include:
Full: All hair is removed from the entire body (including legs)
Hunter: All hair is removed except for where the saddle sits
Blanket: The hair halfway up the neck and down the middle of the body and belly is removed
Chaser: Hair on the face, underneath the neck and under the belly is removed
Trace: Hair underneath the neck and belly is removed
How do you care for horse clippers?
A. Extend the life of your clippers by starting with a clean horse. Dirt can quickly dull the blade and make your clipping job harder.
If you are clipping your entire horse, choose the right size blade for the job and clean it as you go. You can use coolant on the blade if it heats up. Make sure to brush away the hair and oil the blade periodically, too.
When you have finished clipping, clean all the hair out of the blade and off the clippers. Then you can oil the blade.
You should also deep-clean your horse clippers periodically. Completely remove the blade and wash thoroughly. Replace any blades that are dull or rusty for best results.
Store your clippers in their case or in a clean, dry environment to prevent rust.
Which horse clippers should you get?
Best of the best horse clippers
Wahl Professional Animal Creativa Cordless Horse Clipper: available at Amazon
Our take: Whether you are in the barn or at the show, these cordless clippers are a great portable grooming tool.
What we like: The blade is easily adjustable and the operation is quiet. Because they are lightweight and cordless, it’s easy to take these clippers everywhere. These clippers come with grooming accessories, too.
What we dislike: Some users said their horse needed more power for full-body clips.
Best bang for your buck horse clippers
BEETRO Electric Horse Clipper: available at Amazon
Our take: These are affordable, powerful clippers designed to tackle the challenges of horse hair.
What we like: Featuring a 500-watt motor, these horse clippers are great for full-body clips through coarse hair. They come with a sharp, sturdy blade, six speed settings and a carrying case full of accessories.
What we dislike: These clippers are noisy and a bit on the heavy side. They also tend to heat up quickly.
Honorable mention horse clippers
Oster Clipmaster Grooming Clippers, Large Animal: available at Amazon
Our take: If you can’t spend big bucks, but don’t want the cheapest model either, these clippers are a good middle ground.
What we like: The blade on these clippers is easy to adjust and the power is good for a full clip. They are sturdy and can even clip manes and come at an affordable price point.
What we dislike: There is only one speed setting and the clippers tend to run hot.
Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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