“Hi, I have a 16-year-old Friesian (Bob). He’s the love of my life - a lovely gelding. Until I want to clip him and then he would kill you if he couldn’t run away. He only has to hear the clippers and he’s off, so I tend to think it’s the whole clipping experience that upsets him. I have to have the vet out to sedate him and two clippers one on each side to get the job done. He needs to be clipped now as he is taking ages to cool and dry after working. Please can you HELP as I hate to see him sedated; they use so much it cannot be good for him. Thank you, Sue.”

H&C’s expert Jenny Rudall replies: “Hi Sue, firstly it is not the end of the world if he does not get clipped. If it is causing him that much distress and you are not competing, I would not worry if he is sweating up a bit. 

However, if you do need to clip, start by desensitising Bob to clippers. Try keeping him in a box next to where another horse is getting clipped to allow him to get used to the noise.  Then, each day, take your time and try just standing close to him with the clippers and then walk away and reward him with some food.  Each time, try to get closer until you can rest the clippers on the back of your hand with the palm of your hand on his neck.

Get someone experienced, sympathetic and patient to help you. Don’t go for a full clip or near his head to start.  It sounds like each time he has been clipped it has been all go, clippers blazing on each side and he has not had time to get used to the actual noise or sensation of being clipped. 

Remember, reward good behaviour, ignore the bad and get help.  If you watch  episode four of Horsemanship essentials you will see some of the techniques Kelly Marks uses. Watch the episode here: www.horseandcountry.tv/episode/monty-and-kelly-horsemanship-essentials-episode-4  

I am NOT saying you should practise her methods yourself on your own as she is an expert, but take on board how long she takes and how patient she is.  I highly recommend you get someone more experienced to help you through this and most of all remember to give Bob time and make clipping a positive experience. 

Good luck, and I am sure with time Bob will be an angel to clip.”