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Large Animal

Tips

  1. 01In order to get the desired look when clipping, the animals hair/coat must be clean, broke and manageable
  2. 02The most common mistake users make is not setting up their combs and cutters properly. The cutter MUST be set at least 1/16" back from the tips of the comb or it will not cut!
  3. 03Have the horse as clean as possible. Ideally, bathe the horse with soap and water, and scrub with a brush to get the deep dirt out. Rinse thoroughly. If it is too cold to give a bath, try vacuuming. If these are not options, use a curry comb or a long nylon mane comb (like a curry comb) to get down to the skin and loosen up the dirt and dander. Then brush the horse to remove the loose dirt.
  4. 04The coat needs to be dry. Use a fan to help prevent sweating if the horse is getting hot or to help dry after a bath.
  5. 05Oil is your best friend. It is much better to use a little, more often, then a lot at once.
  6. 06For that crisp cut edge on the hair it is extremely important that your blades are SHARP!!
  7. 07Knowing your animals faults and weaknesses is important prior to clipping.
  8. 08The tension nut is not to be used as a self sharpening device. Do not keep tightening the nut as your equipment dulls. As you shear, turn it a little to make it cut better. The combs and cutters may need replacing if turning the tension nut does not improve cutting.
  9. 09Use a dry bar of soap to mark or outline any clipping patterns, such as a trace, blanket or hunter clip, to insure evenness and uniformity.
  10. 10Use an overlapping stroke when clipping to help prevent lines.
  11. 11You do not have to change both comb & cutter at the same time. You may just replace the cutter when it dulls. This may be done 2-3 times before it is necessary to change the comb.
  12. 12Always start clipping on the off side first and show side last.
  13. 13It is important that you know your animals body parts and how they function when clipping.
  14. 14The unit itself will handle better and feel much lighter if held closer to the head. Be careful not to cover the air holes with your hand.
  15. 15Remember to oil regularly. I like to oil after clipping each area, such as after the neck, again after the shoulder and chest, after the barrel and before the Òtie-inÓ and sheath area. (The Òtie-inÓ is the thin, sensitive area connecting the barrel to the hind leg.) Oiling helps keep the blade cool and helps prolong the life of your blade.
  16. 16Step the front leg back when working on the neck to shoulder area as well as that same side of the chest. It will help open the area up by stretching the skin naturally and provide better access for easier clipping.
  17. 17It will be much easier to shear, and there is less chance of cutting the cord, if the cord is hung over head while shearing.
  18. 18When shaping or sculpturing,it is better to clip a little off at a time and make more passes.
  19. 19Clipping the hair can be fast, to be good at clipping, you must slow down and blend.
  20. 20Make sure to keep the air screen clean. This can be done by removing it, cleaning it under running water and brushing it with a toothbrush.
  21. 21Step the front leg forward when working on the shoulder to barrel area. This will also provide better access to the girth and elbow region.
  22. 22A simple and effective way to clean combs and cutters is to run them under hot water. The lanolin will easily melt off.
  23. 23For show it is always better to clip your cattle more than once as opposed to trying to do it all in one job.
  24. 24When clipping I like to rest the clipper cord around my neck giving the clipper more balance.
  25. 25Do not attempt to sharpen combs and cutters unless you have the proper equipment to do so.
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