Fix up, clip sharp

Horse&Rider has rounded up the best clippers on the market, including mains-powered, cordless and trimmers to help you decide which are the ones for you. We’ve also put together our guide to correct clipper care, so that you can get the most out of your machine this season.

Maintaining your clippers well before you use them will save a lot of aggravation in the long run. There’s nothing more annoying than deciding to clip, then realising your blades are blunt and the unit needs a service.

Follow our guide to clipper care, which includes our top 10 maintenance tips…

1. Wipe any excess lubricant off after oiling your clippers. Then run them for 15 seconds to stop any drips onto your horse’s coat.
2. It’s important to have your blades professionally sharpened as soon as you notice they are becoming blunt. If you don’t, the quality of your clip will be reduced and the blades with pull on your horse’s coat, making him uncomfortable and causing your clippers to overheat.
3. When putting away blades, leave any excess oil on them. This will provide added protection.
4. An inexpensive way to store your blades is by spraying them with WD-40 and wrapping them in a clean, dry sock. Following this, place them inside a plastic bag or an airtight container to reduce the risk of rust.