Bodyclipping

So I've noticed a few posts and mentions regarding bodyclipping over the last few days. From tips and hints to suggestions as to what clippers to use. I have quite a few opinions on those subjects...

I've done a lot of bodyclipping over the years. I did my first bodyclipping at 16, it was terrifying as I was handed the clippers and left to fend for myself. Also they were the huge and heavyweight Oster Clipmasters. I struggled through however and managed to do a pretty decent job, it didn't help any that it was a black and white paint.

After that I read up and watched other people who had more experience than me. Then I started small, by perfecting trimming noses, ears, feet, etc. Then I moved up to a basic trace clip on my QH. My first pair of clippers were refurbished Wahls that I got for twelve bucks. They lived a good life till a horse spooked and sent them flying down a concrete aisle.

Years passed and I eventually got to a point where people were asking me to clip their horses. Instead of using other people's clippers I ponied up the money and bought a pair Wahl KM2 clippers, which I still have (and love).

For some reason I really enjoy doing a great bodyclip. Maybe it's my small way of showing my artistic side. Once I was barn manager I had some real fun bodyclipping. I started leaving a marking in hair on a hindquarter. It started simply enough, I used a maple leaf and traced it on a horse I was riding at the time. Everyone liked it so much that the next year I got creative. I put a dollar sign (by fair the hardest ever) on a jumper named Show Me The Money and a hard candy on The Sweetest Thing. To this day I wish I had taken pictures!

Well, if you're planning on bodyclipping your horse, make sure your blades are sharp and you have plenty of time. Rushing a body clipping never ends well.



On a different note, things are pretty much the same here. I managed to lunge UK walk trot the other day, then it got warm and things started to melt, followed by a deep freeze so that area is now just ice. So much for being able to lunge again.

Oy, I'm ready for spring, with as little mud as possible please!