Horse Illustrated Magazine

When is the best time to clip your horse? Well, the answer to that depends not only on the time of year but on your goals for your horse’s coat, which may be connected to specific performance goals with your horse. Read on to find out which times of years fit your plans best, including timelines of when you should first clip your horse and when you should stop clipping.

Summer Clipping

Yes, clipping your horse during summer is a thing. During the warm months of summer, you can body clip your horse any time you want, but quit clipping by mid to end of September if you want him to grow a good winter coat that protects against the cold weather ahead.

Winter Body Clip

If you decide a winter body clip (or partial clip) is in order for your horse, a rule of thumb is to clip in October and again in early January if needed. But don’t continue for too much longer; you should stop clipping by the second or third week in January to allow your horse’s summer coat to grow in.

Key Takeaway

If it helps, make a note on your calendar as a reminder of the ideal times of year to clip your horse based on your goals. Of course, it’s also important to align your clipping with any riding and showing plans you may have with your horse, so this will help keep track with these events as well. Summer clipping timelines differ greatly from winter clipping timelines, so be sure to abide by those carefully to ensure that your horse is able to grow the appropriate coat for each season.

Want more information on clipping? Check out our horse clipping guide, complete with links to other clipping topics that should answer all of your questions about managing your horse’s coat with a pair of clippers.