I’d like to teach my 6-year-old Paint Horse mare to accept electric clippers. I don’t show, but I do like to keep her muzzle, jaw, and bridle path clipped. Every time I turn on the clippers and place them on her muzzle, she jumps, rears, and bucks.I’ve tried tying her to a sturdy post, but she gets so upset, I’m afraid she’ll hurt herself. How can I teach my mare to clip?

Joan Hanson
Athens, Georgia

Joan, it’s good for any horse to learn to accept electric clippers. Clipping a horse’s muzzle, jaw area, and bridle path gives a cleaner look. A clipped bridle path also enhances a horse’s comfort when carrying a bridle, as it creates a seat for the headpiece.

Most horses fear clippers, at first. Your mare is acting up because she feels trapped by being tied, and the clippers put her in panic mode. This is dangerous for you and her both.

Here, I’ll explain how to teach your mare to accept electric clippers. As you perform this technique, stay safe. If you have any trouble, ask a qualified trainer or certified riding instructor to help you.

Step-by-Step Technique
Teach your mare to accept clippers in a wide barn aisle free of horse traffic. First, you’ll need to have established a leadership position with her on the ground. She must know you well and trust you. (For help, see my previous columns.) Outfit her in a flat-nylon or leather halter, and a 10- to 12-foot lead rope.

Step 1. Get ready. Away from your mare’s line of sight, unplug the clippers, secure the cord, and keep them handy. Position your mare in the center of the barn aisle. Holding the very end of the extended lead rope, stand 10 to 12 feet away from her, facing her shoulder. (Don’t stand directly in front of her, in case she lunges forward.) In the other hand, pick up the clippers, and hold them behind your back. Your first goal will be to stand at your mare’s shoulder, clippers in hand, as she stands relaxed. 

Step 2. Reveal the clippers. Slowly bring out clippers, and show them to your mare. If she gets upset, put the clippers back behind your back until she calms down. Then show her the clippers again. You may have to do this several times before she’ll remain calm. Every time she relaxes and accepts what you’re doing, tell her that she’s a good girl in a soft, assuring voice.

Does your horse fear the clippers? Your first goal will be to stand at his shoulder, clippers in hand (but turned off), as he stands relaxed.

Step 3. Move closer. When your mare accepts the sight of the clippers at a fair distance, move closer to her, keeping the clippers visible. If she starts to show fear, stop, and let her relax. When she’s totally relaxed, walk toward her again. Keep doing this until you can stand next to her in a safe position holding the clippers a few inches from her shoulder.

Step 4. Make contact. Slowly and gently rub your mare’s shoulder with the clippers. If she gets upset at the first touch of the clippers, stop, and let her relax. Then start over again. Repeat this step until she stays calm as you rub her shoulder.

Gradually move the clippers up your horse’s neck, and rub his neck gently. If he stays relaxed, gently work your way toward his head.

Step 5. Move to the neck. Gradually move the clippers up to your mare’s neck, and rub her neck gently. If she stays relaxed, gently work your way toward her head area. This may take several tries, so be patient. Don’t force her to accept the clippers at any point of this exercise.

Step 6. Move to the head. Slowly and gently rub your mare’s muzzle, bridle path, and general head area with the clippers. After you make contact with each new area, stop, allow her to relax, and tell her she’s a good girl.

Step 7. Turn on the clippers. Ask your mare to accept the clippers while they’re running. To do this, repeat Steps 1 through 6 with the clippers on. Then, clip your mare!

Next, slowly and gently rub your horse’s muzzle, bridle path, and general head area with the clippers. When he accepts this, repeat the same process with the clippers on.