6 TYPES OF CLIP EXPLAINED

In the images below, the highlighted hair stays on

▲ Full clip — medium to hard work

For horses in full work and stabled at night over the winter, a full clip removes all the hair from their body, head and legs, making it easier to keep the horse clean and dry. With this clip, even if the horse sweats it will dry quickly, which is vitally important in the winter to avoid colds or chills.

▲ Hunter clip — medium to hard work

The hunter clip is a variation on the full clip, but there is a patch of hair left on the saddle area and also all the hair is left on the legs. The leg hair is left on to help offer protection from mud, scratches and thorns. This clip will prevent the horse from getting too hot during work, make it easier for them to be washed, and they will dry more quickly too.

▼ Blanket clip — light to medium work

The blanket clip removes hair from half the horse’s head and all of the neck and the belly, leaving a blanket of hair over his back and quarters. The legs are also left on. This clip is great for horses with a tendency to be cold-backed or those who stand around for long periods, such as riding school horses, as it keeps their back warm.

▼ Trace clip — light to medium work

The trace clip removes hair from up to half the neck, the belly and half the hindquarters, while the hair on the head and legs is left on. It can be as high or as low as you require. This clip can be used on a horse or pony that is living out for the winter, providing they are appropriately rugged.

▲ Irish clip — light work

Similar to the trace clip, the Irish clip removes the hair from half the horse’s head, half the neck and all of the belly, but none of the hindquarters. The hair on the legs and hindquarters is left on. This is a great clip for sensitive horses who don’t like their quarters being clipped. It allows the horse to work without sweating while still having enough hair over the neck and quarters for the horse to be warm in slow work.

▲ Bib clip — light work

Just the hair from the front of the neck and chest is removed when using a bib clip. Some people also carry on the clip under the belly. This is a good clip for horses in light work who are turned out a lot or living out full time.