How Soon Can I Clip My Foals?

[clpclop]

My filly is 7 weeks old and really has a full-on thick coat. I live in Southern California and its now starting to climb up in to the 80's this week. :488: How old do you give your foals their first clip jobs? I've never done this before and could use some advice. I have a Wahl clipper, but need to know what size attachments to use. Also, any tips or hints would be appreciated or where can I get step-by-step instructions on how to clip properly?

 

[nootka]

Sounds like the weather is agreeing. Still, I would be prepared to blanket if the foal appears to be cold (excessive shivering).

Also, keep them out of the direct, hot sun for at least a couple days til the hair grows back some to protect the skin, esp. if it's pink.

Don't clip with more than a #10 (ten is usually the longest clip though I have some that are 7s and I know there are lower numbers) for a foal and first clip. Have your foal as clean as possible (vacuum/blow or bathe, first). Apply some showsheen as they dry to help w/the clipping (for the nicest job possible).

I don't have Wahls anymore, but I would guess they have a #10 blade?

That should be all you need. Clean the blades every few minutes (blowing w/compressed air, brushing them out is good) and relubricate with blade oil before starting again after wiping the excess oil off.

If you feel cold outside wearing a t shirt and shorts, then it is likely you should put a blanket on the foal, and if you can't stall them at night (don't know what the temps are like there), I would maybe do a modified clip as in clip head/neck/legs and underbelly for heat relief, but leave a "blanket" of hair for some warmth protection.

I have clipped them as young as two or three weeks, but usually only a bit at a time at that age. Mine usually get their first clip job by the time they are two months old.

Liz M.

 

[clpclop]

Sounds like the weather is agreeing. Still, I would be prepared to blanket if the foal appears to be cold (excessive shivering).

Also, keep them out of the direct, hot sun for at least a couple days til the hair grows back some to protect the skin, esp. if it's pink.

Don't clip with more than a #10 (ten is usually the longest clip though I have some that are 7s and I know there are lower numbers) for a foal and first clip. Have your foal as clean as possible (vacuum/blow or bathe, first). Apply some showsheen as they dry to help w/the clipping (for the nicest job possible).

I don't have Wahls anymore, but I would guess they have a #10 blade?

That should be all you need. Clean the blades every few minutes (blowing w/compressed air, brushing them out is good) and relubricate with blade oil before starting again after wiping the excess oil off.

If you feel cold outside wearing a t shirt and shorts, then it is likely you should put a blanket on the foal, and if you can't stall them at night (don't know what the temps are like there), I would maybe do a modified clip as in clip head/neck/legs and underbelly for heat relief, but leave a "blanket" of hair for some warmth protection.

I have clipped them as young as two or three weeks, but usually only a bit at a time at that age. Mine usually get their first clip job by the time they are two months old.

Liz M.

Sounds like the weather is agreeing. Still, I would be prepared to blanket if the foal appears to be cold (excessive shivering).

Also, keep them out of the direct, hot sun for at least a couple days til the hair grows back some to protect the skin, esp. if it's pink.

Don't clip with more than a #10 (ten is usually the longest clip though I have some that are 7s and I know there are lower numbers) for a foal and first clip. Have your foal as clean as possible (vacuum/blow or bathe, first). Apply some showsheen as they dry to help w/the clipping (for the nicest job possible).

I don't have Wahls anymore, but I would guess they have a #10 blade?

That should be all you need. Clean the blades every few minutes (blowing w/compressed air, brushing them out is good) and relubricate with blade oil before starting again after wiping the excess oil off.

If you feel cold outside wearing a t shirt and shorts, then it is likely you should put a blanket on the foal, and if you can't stall them at night (don't know what the temps are like there), I would maybe do a modified clip as in clip head/neck/legs and underbelly for heat relief, but leave a "blanket" of hair for some warmth protection.

I have clipped them as young as two or three weeks, but usually only a bit at a time at that age. Mine usually get their first clip job by the time they are two months old.

Liz M.

Thanks, I truly appreciate your input!

 

[disneyhorse]

I'm not too far from you (Yorba Linda, CA) and I clipped my foal's head and neck a couple days ago. He is one week old today.

I am not going to do a total body clip, as I don't want to blanket. He is in a fully covered stall and has shade.

Andrea