It's finally clipping season, and having the best horse clippers makes ALL the difference. In this guide, we'll help you find the best clippers for horses, from full-body corded models to lightweight, cordless clippers for touch-ups. Additionally, in this guide, we will take you through key features, address common questions, and recommend our top products for every grooming need. So, whether you're doing a full-body clip or just touching up their fetlocks, after reading this blog, you'll be prepared for anything!
Different Types of Horse Clippers
When choosing the the right clipping tools, it's important to start with understanding the types of horse clippers and trimmers available:
- Body Clippers are powerful, full-size clippers for full-body grooming. Ideal for thick coats or frequent use. Shop for horse body clippers here.
- Trimmers are smaller, quieter clippers for precision work on the face, ears, legs, and around sensitive areas. Shop for horse trimmers here.
- Corded vs. Cordless Clippers: Corded options provide constant power, while cordless horse clippers offer flexibility and mobility, which is especially helpful for barn aisle grooming or horses that move a lot.
How to Choose the Best Clippers for Horses
So, how do you choose which clippers to use for your horse? Think about the following when picking the best horse body clippers or trimming tools:
- Coat Type: Thick, coarse, or heavy winter coats require high-powered clippers with torque and ventilation.
- Frequency of Use: Occasional users may prefer lightweight cordless clippers; frequent use may justify a heavy-duty investment.
- Noise Level: Sensitive or young horses often respond better to low-vibration, quieter models.
- Battery Life: For cordless clippers, runtime matters, especially if you're clipping multiple horses in one session.
- Weight & Grip: A comfortable, well-balanced clipper reduces hand fatigue during longer sessions.
Our Top Picks: Best Horse Clippers and Trimmers
Based on our team’s personal use and reviews from customers, here are our top recommendations for the best horse clippers and trimmers, broken down by use case:
Andis AGC2 UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Clipper
Best for: Full-body clipping, thick winter coats
This heavy-duty corded clipper is a go-to choice for barns and professionals. With two high speeds (3400/4400 SPM), it powers through thick coats while staying quiet and cool.
Wahl Arco Equine Cordless Clipper Kit
Best for: Trimming faces, ears, fetlocks; light body clipping
This lightweight cordless clipper kit includes two batteries and a 5-in-1 adjustable blade, making it perfect for sensitive horses and detailed grooming.
Oster Turbo A5 2-Speed Clipper
Best for: Dense coats, barns with multiple horses
This versatile corded clipper is built for durability and power. With two speed settings and universal blade compatibility, it’s a reliable option for tough jobs.
Horse Clipper Comparison Chart
| Clipper Model | Best For | Power Type | Speeds | Noise Lever | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andis AGC2 UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Clipper | Full body clipping, thick winter coats | Corded | 2-Speed (3400/4400 SPM) | Low | Detachable blades, quiet operation, shatter-proof housing | $$$ |
| Oster Turbo A5 2-Speed Clipper | Dense coats, barns with multiple horses | Corded | 2-Speed (3000/4000 SPM) | Moderate | Powerful motor, universal blade compatibility | $$ |
| Wahl Arco Equine Cordless Clipper Kit | Trimming faces, ears, fetlocks; light body clipping | Cordless | 5-in-1 adjustable blade | Ultra Quiet | Lightweight, cordless, includes 2 batteries | $$ |
| Oster Clipmaster Variable Speed Horse Clippers | Full-body clipping on multiple horses or livestock | Corded | Variable (700–3000 SPM) | Louder | Heavy-duty performance, wider blade, replaceable parts | $$$ |
Clipper Maintenance Tips: How to Keep Your Horse Clippers Running Smoothly
Proper maintenance is crucial to maximizing the performance of your horse clippers. Taking care of your tools extends their lifespan, but also ensures safer grooming sessions for your horse. Here are the essential maintenance steps every horse owner should follow:
- Clean Clipper Blades After Every Use
- Oil Blades Frequently to Prevent Overheating
- Disinfect for Horse Safety
- Store Clippers Properly Between Uses
- Check and Replace Blades or Parts as Needed
After each grooming session, remove hair, dirt, and debris from your clipper blades using a soft brush or a designated blade wash solution. Built-up residue can dull the blades and reduce cutting performance. For deeper cleaning, detach the blades and rinse them in blade wash to remove grime from hard-to-reach areas.
Tip: Keeping blades clean helps reduce skin irritation on your horse and keeps clippers running efficiently.
Blades generate friction, which leads to heat (especially during full-body clipping). To prevent excessive wear and overheating, apply clipper oil every 10–15 minutes during use. Make sure to oil the teeth and the underside of the blades where they slide over each other.
Using clipper oil regularly helps extend blade life and protects the motor from strain.
If you are clipping multiple horses or clipping a horse with skin conditions, such as rain rot, it's important to disinfect your clippers and blades to prevent cross-contamination.
When not in use, always store your horse clippers in a cool, dry location. Use a protective case or storage box to prevent damage from dust, humidity, or accidental drops. Avoid storing clippers with blades still attached, as it can lead to corrosion or misalignment.
Bonus Tip:Charge or unplug batteries before long-term storage (for cordless clippers), and never store your clippers in a damp tack room.
If you notice tugging, dullness, or excessive heat despite proper care, it might be time to sharpen or replace your clipper blades. Also inspect cords, batteries, and blade drives for signs of wear.
Maintaining your horse clippers properly ensures they stay reliable, safe, and effective, which helps you achieve smooth, even clips with less effort. For more tools, cleaning supplies, and replacement blades, visit our full line of clipper accessories.
FAQs About Horse Clippers
Can I use human or dog clippers on my horse?
No. Horses have denser coats and require clippers designed specifically for equine grooming. However, there are trimmers available that market towards use for horses and dogs.
Are cordless horse clippers strong enough for body clipping?
Yes, many newer models offer enough power for full-body work. However, for multiple horses or thick coats, corded clippers may offer more consistent performance.
Are cordless horse clippers strong enough for body clipping?
Blades like #10 or T-84 are popular for general body clipping. Finer blades (#15 or #30) are best for show touch-ups or detailed areas. You can shop for clipper blades here.
Investing in the best horse clippers means easier, more efficient grooming, for you and your horse. Whether you prefer a heavy-duty corded model for full clips or a versatile best cordless clipper for on-the-go trims, there’s a tool for every grooming style.
