Q: My horse hates being clipped. He kicks out and often sweats a lot. What can I do?

A: Clipping anxiety is surprisingly common and often rooted in past negative experiences, noise sensitivity, or the feeling of static electricity that can come from being clipped. The first step is ruling out pain: if your horse’s reaction is extreme, a vet or physio should assess him for skin sensitivity, muscle pain, or neurological issues. If he’s physically fine, approach desensitisation gradually.

Break the process into small, reward-based steps, rewarding with treats and scratches whenever you make a small step forward. Start by introducing the clippers turned off, then buzzing nearby, then lightly touching him in non-sensitive areas, each time offering a treat or scratches for signs of relaxation or acceptance. Keep the sessions short and calm. It can also help to use cordless, quieter clippers. Some horses benefit from earplugs or sedation for full-body clips, especially if they’ve been traumatised before. Over time, positive reinforcement and predictability can retrain even the most clip-shy horse.