Fuzzbutt Is Not So Fuzzy

5 years ago I decided that it was ridiculous to pay someone to clip my horse when after 2 clips it would completely cover the cost of buying my own clippers.

So after googling like a maniac and reading every review I could dig up I bought the Andis AGC2 Super 2-Speed clippers. I only had one horse to clip twice a year so I figured a smaller clipper would be sufficient for me.

I love these clippers when clipping a regular horse. They don't cut it when you have to shave a yak. Last year I would wear out the (plastic) blade driver half way through Dee's clip. It was an exercise in frustration considering she had to be clipped 3 times between September and January.

Cute and fuzzy, like a pony or a yak

So this year I figured it was time to upgrade to some heavy-duty clippers. I purchased a set of Lister Star's off of a FB group back in June. I was really excited about them as when I had originally done my research they were my second choice. Unfortunately they never arrived and the seller (whom I had met 6 months before at a clinic and she seemed legit) has been a nightmare to get a hold of. Basically I can kiss both my money and the clippers goodbye. Sometimes people just suck.

So this left me out the money I had for clippers and without a set of clippers that would work for my beast. I decided that clippers were more important than that one last schooling show and was able to find a set on FB from someone local.

I now have a set of Oster Clipmaster's. Not my first choice, but I was able to snag them for less than 1/2 of retail and they've hardly been used.

I decided that this year I was not even going to try and start with a trace clip (last year Dee's clip got more aggressive every time) she's just too fuzzy. So a modified hunter clip was the aim.

Not pictured, the cat who tried to make this pile her bed

I'm not sure what got into Dee but she was a cow to clip. She wouldn't stand still for anything. so her clip ended up looking a little jagged. I figure the clipper tracks will be gone within a week or so and I'll clean up the edges on her next clip. That's the best part, no matter how bad you screw up, it grows back.

This looks better in pictures than in real life

While the heavy duty clipper are awesome in that they don't quit half way, they do leave some things to desire. They are much more heavy and awkward than my AGC2's. But the worst thing is by far that they blow hair all over, and by all over I really mean right into my eyes. If you cover the openign with your hand they heat up super quick. It's not a deal breaker but it is super annoying. I figure one day I'll learn to hold them the right way so I don't get nearly as much hair in my face.

The Boy says I can no longer call her FuzzButt since I took away all her fuzz. I let him keep his delusions that she won't be fuzzy again in 2 weeks.

Fuzzy Pony Isn't So Fuzzy Anymore

Best Pony has officially been clipped twice this season already.  The first one was in defense of how incredibly fluffy she was.  The weather has been unseasonably warm (and we don't have any snow!) so I gave her a modified trace clip since it hasn't been cold enough to put on a winter blanket with a neck but it's gotten cold enough over night that I wasn't comfortable turning her out with a completely naked neck.  She lives out year-round so it's always a delicate balance between her comfort and me not having to spend my entire day drying her off.

Now that the weather has gotten slightly cooler I felt justified in getting more aggressive with the clip.  The nice thing about having my own clippers is that I can pretty much do what I want, when I want.  So Dee now sports a clip that leaves a bit of hair over her back and rump but has enough gone that she dries much quicker.  Unfortunately she hates being in the barn and refuses to stand still.  This left m with some lines that left a whole lot to be desired, but it is what it is.

I had a dressage lesson on Friday and it was so nice to not have to hang out forever to wait for her to dry.

Mostly Nekkid Pony

Lazy day

I went out to the barn yesterday with every intention of riding.  I got all my gear out, grabbed the mare and put her on the lawn to graze while I let my coach's dogs out.  I ended up playing fetch with Austin for a solid 20 minutes and sort of lost my motivation.

So I gave the mare a good grooming (she's only started really shedding in the last few weeks) and grabbed the clippers.  Her cornary band and fetlocks are now presentable and  I did her bridlepath while she was groundtied!!!!  Considering she's a crazy nut about her ears I counted this as one of our biggest victories yet.

I was feeling a little more ambitious by that time so on the lunge she went.  We even dragged out the Pessoa system for shits and giggles.

Pretty Red Mare

She was do good that I figured I'd hop on bareback.  I grabbed my EcoGold pad (no desire to get covered in hair, nor to slip off) and clambered on.  We had a fabulous ride that included leg yields, shoulder ins, travers, and even one flying change.  I found it way easier to make sure I was centered and balanced so I think I am going to incorporate it into our weekly routine.

Mare also started a new supplement for her ulcers, so hopefully I will have positive new on that front in a few weeks.

Overall it was a perfect day out at the barn.