AS we all know clipping a horse in the spring, when the new hairs replace the old, can damage the coat. Therefore it is not recommended to clip your horse after the month of January. Many may be guilty of simply brushing off the hair from the clippers and bundling it back into the box only to find out next year that the blades are rusty and blunt and the clippers itself is heating up and not working as it should. So, before you pack away the clippers here is some helpful advice on how to ensure your clippers are ready for the next season.

Always ensure the power lead is not frayed or damaged as it may cause injury to the operator and horse, next time it is in use. We would always recommend using a power outlet that has an earth wired in to protect both operator and horse. It is also very important to check that the air filters on the motor body are clean as this will help extend the lifetime of the clippers.

It is recommended to apply blade oil (light oil) every five minutes or when you notice you have to push the clippers through the hair rather than guide it. More seasoned clippers will know to listen to their clippers in operation and when the pitch of the clippers sounds more laboured to apply oil. It is also very important not to oil to excess as it will make the clipper messy and more difficult to grip.

BLADE BLUNDERS

Dirty horses would be the biggest cause of blades becoming blunt. In order to prolong blade life ensure the horse is well groomed prior to clipping. Horses working in sandy environments need particular attention. But blades do become blunt over time regardless, so always ensure you have a spare set ready to go.

  • When clipping, start with the blades loose and slowly tighten until they start clipping adequately, NB: Don’t over tighten the blades as you put the machine under extra pressure and this will also shorten the blades life.
  • If you have to tighten the blades excessively it time to get them sharpened.
  • It is difficult to judge how sharp a blade is by eye but a good rule is when the tensioner on the clippers is squeezed to hand tight it is time to send them away to be sharpened.
  • The person sharpening the blades should notify you when it is no longer possible to sharpen the blades. Every set of blades can only be sharpened a limited number of times.
  • To clean the blades take them off the machine and make sure you brush off all the hair. Wash them with warm soapy water to remove any oil and residue. Dry the blades thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil, it is best to keep blades in an air-tight container when storing them away to avoid corrosion. Blades can normally be stored on the clipper body for short periods of time but for prolonged periods they should be cleaned as previously suggested and stored in an air-free environment.
  • Blades should be stored safely and out of the reach of children.

    • KEEPING THE MACHINE

    Servicing is dependent on the amount the clipper is in use. In order to extend the intervals between servicing continuous maintenance is essential - this means oiling and cleaning the blades as well as ensuring the air filters are kept clear to allow air to circulate within the clipper body.

    If you find your clippers are not working as they should have them seen to sooner rather than later to extend their lifetime.

    Ensure before use, that the clipper has been cleaned. This includes checking that the air vent is clear of hairs. Ensure the clipper is oiled with clean oil of the right viscosity. Store the clippers in its carrier box so it stays safe and dry until the next use. Well-maintained clippers can last a lifetime, ensure this by following the guidelines above and happy clipping from Clippers Ireland.ie.

    For more stories published in this week's issue of Horse Sense, click here.

    Diarmuid McSweeney, Clippers Ireland Sales Office, 4 The Cottages, Main Street, Ballincollig, Co Cork

    Web: clippersireland.ie

    Tel: 021 487 4441