Training a colt to clip.

[Laya]

How can I train Justin to get accustomed to clippers so I can shave the top of his tail, his bridle path, and ears??? :) I mess with his ears and he's used to that, but he doesn't like me blowing into his ear or whatever. I've shaved his bridlepath before, but I always had to finish it with scissors because he wouldn't put down his head. So what should I do??? I already rubbed it while it was on and vibrating all over his body. :) :)

Thanks

[Sarah]

hello!

If he really doesn't like it, do you have to do it? You could trim his ears and bridlepath with scissors (very carefully!). If you shave the top of his tail, it will grow back like a loo brush, can you pull the hairs out or use a thinning comb instead?

If you really do have to clip him, it looks like you are going about it the right way by getting him used to the clippers all over his body first. You may find that conventional clippers are too big, bulky and noisy for using on his ears anyway and that a set of trimmers would be better - hold them close to your ears and see how loud they are. If it isn't comfortable for you, don't use them on him! You can also get hand operated trimmers for doing ears, etc and that might be worth looking into.

bye!

[olympicprincess]

I agree with Sarah. I haven't trimmed my horse ears for a long time. I ocassionally trim them, with scissors, when there's a large patch of hair sticking out. For a while, I could only trim my young mare with scissors. Although, I did have her constantly checking out the clippers (on & off). It may take a while- it's normal.