Last Updated on March 30, 2023
Whether horses are pasture ornaments or your life revolves around showing, horse body clippers are a handy tool in the barn. However, it can be hard to differentiate an appropriate set with options ranging from $30 to well over $500! We’ve narrowed down some of the best horse clippers on the market in a variety of price ranges and levels of use. Be sure to check out these reviews prior to purchasing a set for your grooming kit.
Shopping for Horse Body Clipper
Clippers can be a hefty investment, and it’s important to understand the differences in each set. Unlike our tack items, the “it’ll do” attitude simply won’t suffice. Clippers are manufactured to withstand only a certain degree of work- run time, speed, smoothness, or cooling features. Your primary use for the clippers will be the largest determining factor in this purchase. A good set of clippers will last you season after season!
Level of Use
This is the most overlooked factor in narrowing down an appropriate clipper. Many horse owners will use clippers for bridle paths, whiskers, and tidying of the fetlocks or coronary band. However, some will use clippers a great deal on the body for trace clipping. Not all clippers are created equal- some simply cannot perform a full body clip, while others are made for long and heavy use. Many owners will buy an economical set to begin, only to realize their actual use is quite frequent and fairly heavy.
Some owners choosing to body clip can get away with less powerful motors if their horse’s coat is thin from year-round lights or blanketing. Other horses, such as fuzzy ponies or horses with Cushings, will require powerful and high-quality clippers in order to make any progress on the coat. If you plan on using your new clippers on other livestock or animals, the blade size and compatibility should also be noted.
Maintenance
Horse clippers, like any other investment, require some degree of maintenance. If you do not have a local sharpening service or a service you trust to mail your blades, you may price out the cost of replacements. Thick horse coats and coarse mane and tail hair can quickly dull blades.
Most new clipper sets will come with a brush and oil. Clippers need to be cleaned and oiled with every use. Cleaning prior to storage will help increase the longevity of your clippers and keep your blades sharp. For more information on proper cleaning and storage, you can check out this video by Professional Equine Grooms. Although most clippers come with cleaning supplies, Professional Equine Grooms also cover maintenance products to keep your clippers in mint condition.
Price
We are big fans of savings tactics and bargain finds, and clippers are no exception. However, this is one of the product categories where price really does determine quality. This is because pricing is typically directly linked to motor power and longevity. Quality clippers will not be cheap, so it’s important to take good care of your investment as noted above. Many times higher-priced clippers will include a manufacturer warranty. Even a 1-year limited warranty can save you money in the long run!
Top 8 Picks For The Best Horse Body Clipper
1. Andis ProClip 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
Great quality mid-range multi-purpose clipper:
Andis is a reliable brand that manufactures clippers for all species and all price ranges. We love this multi-functional clipper suitable for pets and horses. It comes in a shatter-proof housing and includes a 14′ durable cord for stable use. This clipper features an extra-wide UltraEdge T-84 blade, perfect for large animals. The ProClip is cool and lightweight, making it a perfect choice for grooming touch-ups, bridle paths, and even light trace clipping. Unfortunately, this clipper is not made for heavy or thick-coated animals, including other forms of livestock.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Cool
- Quiet
- Comes with an extra-wide T-84 blade
Cons:
- Not suitable for full clips or very thick coats
2. Wahl Professional Animal KM10 Clipper
Powerful performance for body-clipping while staying cool:
This is our top choice for those that demand a little more from their clippers. The brushless motor means less movement, and longer run time while staying cool. It features a 5-year warranty and extended motor life up to 10,000 hours! This is a 2-speed and uses a 14 ft durable cord. With constant speed control, your finished clip will be silky smooth. Whether you’re trace-clipping for exercise or you need a full-body clip for a show, this is our favorite.
Pros:
- Stays cool longer than the PowerGrip
- Brushless motor
- 5-year warranty
- Long motor life
Cons:
- Expensive for a non-professional
3. Oster A5 Two Speed Horse Body Clipper with Detachable Cryogen-X
Reliable and trustworthy clipper at a moderate price:
Oster is a staple in equine grooming. You’ll see this mid-range clipper in barns all over the US. It is compatible with multiple blade series including the standard Oster A5s and has two speeds at 3,000 and 4,000 SPM (strokes per minute). Although this can be used on multiple species, the Oster A5 heats up quickly and isn’t ideal for full body clips. We recommend purchasing a cooling spray for this set!
Pros:
- Compatible with multiple blades, including the Cryogen series
- 4,000 SPM
Cons:
- Loud
- Requires cooling spray
- May overheat for a full body clip
4. TAKEKIT Horse Body Clippers
Best bang for your buck under $100:
Most clippers in lower price brackets can’t hack the wear and tear from livestock or horses. However, TAKEKIT has produced an impressive set of economy clippers. This is a 6-speed clipper with high-quality steel blades. With the extra size, this set is recommended for large animals only. It has ample cord length at 16′ for barn use, and enough size to help with time spent on horses. A cooling spray is recommended for long usage time. Although it can be used for full-body clips, we don’t recommend this (awesome) economy model for show grooming.
Pros:
- Multiple speeds
- Extra-long water-resistant cord for stable use
- Suitable for full body clips
Cons:
- Large animal use only (not multi-purpose)
- Heats up quickly
- Rougher finish than higher-priced clippers
- Heavy
5. Wahl Professional Animal Motion Pet and Horse
Quality, ease, and convenience in one package:
Wahl did an amazing job engineering this lightweight but powerful clipper. Constant speed control helps provide a silky-smooth finish, even in rough spots. This cordless option offers unbeatable maneuverability. Although this isn’t Wahl’s strongest or largest model, it can be used to body clip moderately-coated horses despite the 5 in 1 blade.
Pros:
- 5,500 SPM
- Cordless with battery indication light
- Backed by a one-year warranty
- Runs cool for 45 minutes
Cons:
- Expensive for a non-professional
6. Wahl Professional Animal Figura Equine Clipper
Quiet and comfortable for an easy clip:
This is one of the most comfortable clippers for humans to use with its ergonomically designed grip. It boasts 6,000 SPM while still remaining one of the quieter clippers on the market. Although the 5 in 1 blade are a little small for full-body clipping, the ease and size are unparalleled for face and clean-up trimming. Bridle paths are done in a breeze with the Figura! Switching blade sizes has never been easier. These are a favorite for cleaning up feathers and coronary bands.
Pros:
- 6,000 SPM
- Lightweight and quiet
Cons:
- Too small for a fall body clip (5 in 1 blade)
- Restricted use for the price
7. Wahl Professional Animal Power Grip
A great pick for multi-use, including thick hair.
This lightweight design with constant speed control keeps your wrist and hand comfortable while floating through your horse’s coat. Despite the powerful motor, the Power Grip operates quietly and is backed by a one-year warranty. The rounded design prevents hair from clogging, making longer clipping sessions simpler and more effective.
Pros:
- Powerful enough for a full-body clip
- 1-year warranty
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Expensive for a non-professional
8. Wahl Professional Animal Arco Pet
If budget isn’t an issue, this is clipper covers all the bases:
Cordless options make legs and face clipping an easy task. The Arco kit comes with 2 removable batteries that each have a run time of 80 minutes. With a 75-minute full charge time, keep one battery on the charger and the other in the clipper to ensure continuous all-day clipping. The Arco is powerful enough to shave down small dog breeds and quiet enough to clip bridle paths and fetlocks on horses. These glide through coats and leave a smooth finish, putting little to no strain with an ergonomically designed handle. The Arco kit are lightweight and designed with the livestock owner in mind.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Powerful
- Multi-purpose use
Cons:
- Can heat up during long body clips
- 12-month guarantee
Final Thoughts
Which clippers interest you the most? Are you a full-body clipper, or just a mane-tamer? Whether keeping bridle paths under control or trace-clipping regularly, it’s important to have the right clippers for the job. Although there aren’t any “ultra” economy clipper lines suitable for the wear and tear from use on horses, there are multiple options at different price points. Clippers, like most non-disposable horse items, are truly an investment. As long as you take proper care of your clippers, you will get the most out of them in terms of performance and longevity.
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Should you clip horses legs?
Unquestionably yes. Clipping can help getting rid of the long hairs that will collect dirt and debris. This is not only good for keeping your horse clean but also makes him more comfortable. Clipping the legs helps cool the skin down, which is beneficial for the heavy horses or horses that are ridden often. This is especially important in the summer months.
Many people also believe that a horse’s leg should be trimmed to prevent the development of various skin infections. This is especially true for horses who are used to a life outdoors, where they would be more prone to pick up various skin infections.
When should I stop clipping my horse?
Clipping is not harmful and can be done without any risk of damage to the skin. However, it’s not a good idea to clip your horse in the winter as it can lead to infections in the skin.
How do I know when my horse is ready for clipping? Your horse may be ready for clipping if they have shed their winter coat, and you notice that their coat feels lighter and softer. This is a sign that the coat is beginning to break up and start to come off. You may also notice that the coat is beginning to grow again.
How often should I clip my horse? Clipping every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended. The amount of hair that you clip off depends on the coat thickness. If your horse has a thicker coat then more hair needs to be removed than if the coat is thinner.
Should you clip your horse in the summer?
There are a number of different reasons why you might want to clip your horse in the summer, but the main reason is that it helps keep them cool and comfortable. Horses with long hair are more likely to get overheated than horses with short hair because they have more surface area to lose heat through. It can also help them work faster and better. A clean, well-groomed horse is less likely to get overheated.
What should I look for in horse clippers?
Obviously, you want to find a clipper that can do what you want it to do. But you also want to make sure that the clipper is quiet enough so your horse won’t be bothered by it. You’ll want to pay attention to the noise level as well as the power of the motor.
There are a number of different options available to you, from simple hand-held clippers, to electrically powered ones, and some that are even battery operated. If you choose a lightweight clipper, you’ll have to clip with one hand, which might make it difficult to hold on to your horse’s halter. On the other hand, if you go with a heavier-duty model, you’ll be able to clip your horse with two hands.
Is it bad to body clip a horse?
Compared to other types of grooming, the answer is no. Body clipping is the most common type of grooming and it is actually very easy to do. There are many different kinds of body clipping tools on the market, so finding one that suits your horse can be a bit of a challenge.
Clipping your horse is an important part of grooming. You will need to have at least two different types of clipping equipment. One is a horse brush and the other is a clipper. Your horse brush will get rid of any loose hair and dirt while your clippers will cut away all of the long hair.
Equestrian, Marine Corps vet, and Morgan horse enthusiast.
