Horse Clip Types Explained: Full, Hunter, Trace, Blanket
QUICK ANSWER
A clip is the pattern of coat you remove. Full clip: whole body. Hunter clip: whole body, but legs and a saddle patch keep their hair. Trace clip: only belly, lower neck and chest. Blanket clip: neck, belly and flanks, with a blanket-shaped patch left on the back and hindquarters. The more your horse works and sweats, the more coat usually comes off. Any horse clipper can do any of these patterns. Where you clip decides the clip, and the blade length decides how much hair is left.
Many riders hear these four names at the yard and are not sure what they mean. This guide explains each clip in plain words, so you can choose one for your horse and pick the right blade. Names and patterns vary slightly between yards and countries, so treat this as a general guide and ask an experienced rider or groom if you are unsure.
What Are the Four Main Horse Clips?
| Clip | Clipped | Left on | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full clip | Whole body, often legs and head too | Nothing, or just a little | Horses in hard work that sweat a lot |
| Hunter clip | Whole body | Legs and a saddle-shaped patch on the back | Horses in hard work that need leg and back protection |
| Trace clip | Belly, lower neck and chest, where horses sweat most | Back, top of neck, hindquarters and legs | Lighter work |
| Blanket clip | Neck, belly and flanks | A blanket-shaped patch over the back and hindquarters (a rug covers it) | Horses that sweat but are rugged |
Full clip
The whole body is clipped. It helps a hard-working horse cool down and dry faster after work. A fully clipped horse has little natural insulation, so ask about rugging.
Hunter clip
The whole body is clipped, but the legs keep their hair and a saddle-shaped patch stays on the back. The leg hair gives some protection, and the patch is left where the saddle sits.
Trace clip
Only the areas where horses sweat most are clipped: the belly, lower neck and chest. It suits lighter work, and the horse keeps most of its coat.
Blanket clip
The neck, belly and flanks are clipped, and a blanket-shaped patch is left over the back and hindquarters. A rug then covers the patch.
How Do You Choose the Right Clip for Your Horse?
- How hard does your horse work? More work and more sweat usually means more clipped.
- How thick is the coat? A thin coat may not need clipping at all.
- How long does it take to cool and dry after work? A horse that stays wet for a long time is the main reason to clip.
- Will you rug? A clipped horse has less natural cover, so plan the rugs before you clip.
If you are unsure, start with the lighter option. You can always clip more later, but hair takes time to grow back. Your vet or an experienced groom can advise on your own horse.
Which Blade Length Should You Use?
The pattern is where you clip. The blade length decides how much hair stays behind. The lower the millimetre number, the closer the cut. These are the cut lengths and uses given by the makers for blades we stock. Cut lengths differ between brands even at the same blade number, so compare millimetres, and match the blade to your clipper model.
- Heiniger 31F/15 (1–2 mm): ultra-close, for trace clips, full body clips and show preparation.
- Lister A2F/AC Fine (1.4 mm): close, precise clipping of horses.
- Heiniger Snap-On No.8.5 (2.8 mm): general body clipping, a medium finish.
- Heiniger Snap-On No.7 (3.2 mm): body clipping with a slightly longer finish, and show preparation.
- Heiniger Snap-On No.5 (6.3 mm): winter clipping and trace clips, leaving more coat.
- Lister Cover Cote (5 mm): legs and feathers, leaving a protective coat.
Artero also makes A5-type blades from 0.1 mm to 13 mm. Artero gives no rule for which animal each suits, so see our Artero A5 blades and WhatsApp us if you are not sure. To choose the machine itself, read How to Choose the Best Horse Clippers in Qatar's Climate.
Clipping Basics: What to Know Before You Start
- Start clean and dry. A clean, dry coat clips better and is kinder to the blade.
- Clip against the lie of the coat, meaning against the direction the hair grows, with long, smooth, overlapping strokes and the blade flat on the skin.
- Hold loose skin taut around elbows and flanks so it does not fold into the blade.
- Check the blade temperature often. Blades heat up. Rest, oil and clean them regularly.
- Follow your clipper's manual, and have a helper hold a nervous horse.
- New to clipping? Ask an experienced rider or groom to show you first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a hunter clip and a full clip?
A full clip removes the coat from the whole body. A hunter clip clips the body too, but leaves the legs and a saddle-shaped patch on the back.
Do I need a different clipper for each clip type?
No. The clip is the pattern you choose. A horse clipper can be used for any of the four, and the blade length sets how much hair is left.
Does a clipped horse need a rug?
A clipped horse has less natural insulation, so ask your vet or an experienced groom about rugging for your horse and the weather.
Can I use a sheep shearing machine to clip a horse?
Shearing machines are made for sheep and cattle. Check the manufacturer's description before using one on a horse, and WhatsApp us if you are not sure which of our machines suits your horse.
Written by the Nice Equestrian team, Doha. More guides in our Learning Hub.
Shop Horse Clippers WhatsApp Us: 66682040
📍 Ezdan Oasis, Al Wukair, Doha | 📲 WhatsApp: 66682040