How to show clip a weanling

[minis4ever]

Just wondering how you show clip your weanlings? The clipping itself is not really the problem, the problem is that they don't keep quiet, keep jumping around, very spooky ... just impossible to get a proper clip job on them.

Are there any tricks or advice?

Thanks

 

[disneyhorse]

My foal had his bridle path done at a day old, and his face done at three days old. His first show clip was at a month old.

Ideally, this sort of constant work and desensitizaion will make your job a lot easier than grabbing a wild weanling and then trying to put clippers (which are noisy, hot, and ticklish) on them.

Pretty much, even with a good baby, it just takes a lot and a lot and a lot of patience. There are no tricks or shortcuts.

Andrea

 

[Miniv]

It's really best if you have two people. We do it much like their first time getting their feet trimmed.

One person is in an armless chair with the foal draped over their lap. Foal should be haltered with a lead on as well. Initially the foal will struggle, but usually they will quiet down with scritches and massaging. You will also find that if the foal's head is supported with your arm or hand under its chin, this gives comfort.

As much clipping as possible is done on the side of the foal that's away from the holder's body. Then you need to turn him around. He'll probably do some struggling all over again.

Whatever can't be done with the foal on a lap is finished up with the foal standing. However by that time the foal is becoming desensitized to the clippers. Remember to give the little one plenty of breaks. Depending on the foal, the job may take most of the day with some long breaks inbetween.

Each foal is different.

MA