Best Clippers for Young Horses

Preparing a young horse to be clipped is time well spent. Horse clippers are often noisy, and can frighten even the most well-handled animal, if introduced too quickly. It's wise to plan ahead when you know that you will need to clip your young horse. Preparation is key to ensure that the experience is as stress free and easy as possible. Always allow plenty of time to introduce the clippers to the horse. Its best to use a quiet set of trimmers to start the learning process.

Vicky Goody

Written by Victoria Goody
Last updated on 26/10/2022


What to consider when choosing horse clippers for young horses?

There are several clippers that are more suitable for young horses, most importantly the noise and vibration levels are the key when researching the right horse clipper to use for the first time on a young horse.

Trimmers are by far the quietest and can be introduced as part of the daily grooming routine. Even if they are not always used for trimming, they can be turned on and placed on the coat, around the ears, head, heels etc, so that the horse is accustomed to the noise and sensation.,

Once the young horse is happy to stand, and is totally relaxed with the trimming process, a larger clipper can be introduced. Use the same technique to introduce the horse to the larger clipper. De-sensitising is key to gain trust and confidence from the handler.

If the young horse appears worried in any way, repeat the daily exercise of turning on the clippers and placing all over the body before clipping the hair. Once the young horse is happy with the noise of the clippers being turned on and off, and confident with having the clippers placed over all parts of the body, then it will be time to move on to clip with confidence.

If at any time the young horse becomes worried, check that the clipper blades are not getting too hot - oil regularly to keep them well lubricated and the heat to a minimum, as well as ensure they are not blunt and pulling at the hair. These are the most common reasons for horses to become unsettled and fidgeting.

Our tips for clipping young horses:

  •  Always have a handler nearby to give assurance to the young horse
  •  Choose a quiet time in the yard for clipping
  •  Avoid turnout and feeding times
  •  Clip where you would usually groom if possible so there is no change
  •  Keep a radio handy, its useful to have music or other noise in the background
  •  Allow plenty of time, and start with trimming before moving onto body clips

Depending on the nature and character of your young horse we would suggest choosing from either
the Light Duty or Medium Duty range of horse clippers.

The Light Duty Range are by the quietest and our top recommended range to consider when choosing a set for the young horse or pony. They have least vibration, and most models are cordless which is helpful when moving around a young horse or pony.

The medium duty range can also be used, but they do operate at a higher noise and pitch. If your young horse is confident and quiet when preparing for clipping, then this range could also be considered.

In the Light Duty Range we would recommend the following clippers:


Heiniger Saphir Horse

 The Heiniger Saphir Clipper is completely cordless with a battery integrated into the handpiece. The main grip circumference measures 13cm and the weight is 425g. They are available to buy here.

Why do we think these are the best horse clippers for young horses?
  • Quiet horse clipper with minimal vibration.
  •  Smooth running staying cool even when clipping for a long period of time.
  •  Good selection of snap on blades in varying grades
  • Can be used as a trimmer as well as a clipper (with a narrow blade)
  •  Measures: 21cm from the tip of the blade to the base.
See More on the Heiniger Saphir Horse


Liveryman Harmony Plus

The Liveryman Harmony Plus is completely cordless with a battery integrated into the handpiece. The main grip circumference measures 15cm and the weight is 490g. They are available to buy here.

Why do we think these are the best horse clippers for young horses?
  • Very quiet horse clipper with minimal vibration
  •  Cool-running technology
  • 4 hours additional clipping time when used with the battery pack which has a 4 hour re- charge time
  •  Extensive range of snap on blades (A5 system) available, including a narrow blade for trimming
See more on the Liveryman Harmony Plus


Liveryman Bruno Horse

The Liveryman Bruno Horse is a mains clipper that can also fit on the Liveryman Lithium ion battery pack that the larger Liveryman Black Beauty operates from. The weight is 400g. They are available to buy here.

Why do we think these are the best horse clippers for young horses?
  • Two speed horse clipper that alternates between 2800 rpm and 3500 rpm
  • Quiet running and almost silent when on the lower speed.
  • The Liveryman Bruno uses the snap on A5 blade system which gives flexibility in choice of blades for trimming and tidying; A wider blade is also available and can be purchased separately for body clipping and larger areas of tidying.
  • Tapered handpiece for comfortable hold
  • 4.9 m Power Cord
See more on the Liveryman Bruno Horse


Aesculap Durati

The Aesculap Durati has a fantastic price / performance ratio. It is a lightweight cordless clipper that uses the A5 snap on blade system Their weight is 400g. They are available to buy here

Why do we think these are the best horse clippers for young horses?
  • Very light to hold and quiet to run
  • Exceptional runtime of 4 hours
  •  A high cutting speed via a high stroke rate of 3500 strokes per minute for optimal cutting results
  • A quiet horse clipper with only a little vibration
See More on the Aesculap Durati


In the Medium Duty range the following horse clippers would be worth considering:


Liveryman Black Beauty

The Black Beauty is a very versatile machine providing the user with the option of running it off both the mains or from a battery pack which can be purchased separately. It has a variable speed which allows a slower quieter clipping speed to start with, turning up to a higher noise level as the young horse gets used to the noise. They are available to buy here

Why do we think these are the best horse clippers for young horses?
  • The variable speed lets you slowly acclimatise your young horse to the noise of clippers
  • Designed with expert input from UK & Ireland horse owners and professionals
  • Brushless, long life motor for increased efficiency and cooler running as well as greater power out torque (driving force) compared to the more conventional motors, ideal for horses with cushings.
See more on the Liveryman Black Beauty

 


Aesculap Bonum

The Aesculap Bonum is one of the quietest and smoothest running of the rechargeable medium duty clippers, but can deal easily and effectively with most coat conditions. It has a slim and ergonomic design making this an ideal medium duty clipper. Buy the Aesculap Bonum here

Why do we think these are the best horse clippers for young horses?
  • Low weight, low noise.
  •  Powerful cordless clippers
  •  Cordless offers greater manoeuvrability, is less stressful for the horse and   gives the freedom to clip anywhere.
See More on the Aesculap Bonum