#EquestrianBlogtober Day 16: Tip Tuesday, Autumn related.

Vague title today, but as I am currently preparing to start my favourite Autumn/Winter pastime, I may as well tell you how I do it.

Clean, serviced and ready to go.

Tomorrow morning I am going to clip the fluffy monster that is currently Alfie.

For the first spring in years I actually sent my clippers off for servicing in March, so I know they are good to go.

I am, however, going to make sure all batteries are charged. I clip with Lister Liberty clippers, not having mains leads to worry about is great. Last year I invested in a new set, so I am now able to teach others and we can clip together. I may consider hiring them out too. As I usually do quite a bit of clipping I have plenty of spare sets of blades, usually sending them to Clippersharp for sharpening when I have 4 sets to go, leaving me with 4 sets.

Spare, sharp blades, trimmers and bits & pieces used to make a horse look smart

When it comes to clipping, Alfie is mine, in full work, stabled and I have plenty of rugs so I will give him a full clip this time. When I clip for other people I work to the rule 'you can take a bit more off, but you can't stick it back on!'

Oil to keep the blades and machine running smoothly. Oh and baby wipes to remove hair fom face & hands!

Using oil on the blades frequently helps stop them over heating. The baby wipes are for my hands and face. If you have never clipped you will not believe where the hairs can get to. Just try to imagine the worst place you can and I assure you they get there!

My biggest tip for clipping is what to do when it's finished. 2 lids of Savlon in half a bucket of really hot water, fairly stiff bristled brush, as stiff as the horse will accept. Soak the brush in the Savlon water, as hot as you & the horse can bear, and scrub.

You will find that foam forms, particularly in the greasy areas. Keep damping the brush and scrubbing til the foam stops appearing.

This is not shampoo so the horse does not need rinsing. The Savlon reacts with the grease, turning it into foam as it lifts off the horses coat and skin, leaving the horse really clean.

The Savlon scrub also cleans any tiny nicks or scratches, and can help calm any reaction to clipper oil before they show.

So I have checked my clipping box & put all batteries on charge. Now I'm off to the supermarket for Savlon, then I have to find my clipping overalls!

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