My Horse Won't Be Clipped

" Irish pony hates being clipped..."

Dear Frank,

We have a 5 year old pony very mild mannered - good natured - he has qualified for the biggest show of the year here in Ireland in the equitation class for novice ponies. Recently he needed to be clipped as his summer coat became very heavy. He has been clipped on three occasions without a problem but this time he refused, started rearing and pawing out. It was recommended to give him a mild sedative - this had no effect. The vet was called and gave him the strongest sedative he could and he still rears. Most of the clipping is done barring his head. We have been advised that the only solution seems to be anesthetic but I'm not sure this is a solution. Have you any alternative solutions? Maybe you may know of somebody this side of the Atlantic? Is there any chance of a clinic this side of the world in the near future? I'm sure there would be a lot of interest in your work and ideas I would be grateful for any input you may have.

Thank You

Regards,
Grace

Dear Grace,

He's copped an attitude about clipping and needs to understand that we are going to do this, no matter what. There is a hard way and an easy way. When horses react irrationally, I use a shhhhhhhhhhhhh noise and back them hard jerking the lead backwards holding just under the chin. I'd back the horse/pony 10 steps or so and let it sink in then begin the clipping again well-prepared to do the same again. Don't stay with it too long. If he can handle a half minute or even fifteen seconds, quit while it's working and love him up. There is a white zone that is very loving conversely, there is a black zone that is the opposite. But be fair about it. Begin with the clippers away from him - on and off while stroking him, then place the clippers on his back. Most horses can handle that. Then up the neck and back down etc. Advance and retreat

My whole approach is a bit different than most. I begin by always loving on the horse - I call it bonding. The horse immediately begins to trust and relax. If he acts up we go from that wonderful zone to an uncomfortable one. His choice. Clipping is covered in my " Solving 7 Common Horse Problems" video. We now offer a entire Problem Solving Horse Training Video Series as well.

Hope to be in your neck of the woods this fall and looking for a good location for a clinic/demo and a competent organizer.

Good Luck and Safe Riding,

Frank Bell

Horse Problem Questions & Answers

My Horse Won't Be Clipped

" Irish pony hates being clipped..."

Horse Training Video Packages

Discover the Horse You Never Knew!