http://www.foreverhorseclippingbyhelen.co.uk/

Forever Horse Clipping by Helen, The Willows, Alva (2026)

08/06/2026

This is exactly why I started Forever Horse Clipping by Helen ❤️

Receiving messages from clients like this makes all the patience, time, and effort worthwhile.

'Thank you so much for today ! Tonight Bonnie been cantering about shaking her head n showing off her new look to the other horses,one of the other liveries thought it was a new pony 🙈we have been in stitches 🤩x'

Sometimes clipping isn't straightforward. Bonnie's first clipping attempt was unsuccessful, and rather than push her beyond her comfort zone, we made the decision to come back with veterinary support and safely sedate her. The result? Bonnie now feels like a brand-new horse.

The work doesn't stop there. Susan and I will continue working with Bonnie so that, in the future, she can hopefully be clipped without the need for sedation. Our first priority is allowing Susan to comfortably access Bonnie's legs, where we noticed some swelling in her hind legs, so we can monitor and manage her care more effectively.

What I would really like to highlight is that clipping has now become part of Bonnie's ongoing care plan. Bonnie lives out 24/7 with access to shelter whenever she chooses, which is fantastic for horses showing the early signs of CPL. With guidance from the CPL Awareness community and a proactive management approach, clipping can play an important role in helping keep horses comfortable and healthy.

By working together and making clipping a positive experience, we can help support Bonnie's wellbeing and ensure she stays as healthy as possible in her environment.

Thank you to Bonnie's owner for trusting us with her care. These are the moments that remind me why I love what I do. ❤️🐴

01/06/2026

One thing horse holiday cover always reminds me is how important it is to celebrate the little wins.

Sometimes the biggest achievement of the day isn't riding, training, or ticking off a long to-do list. Sometimes it's a horse who walks over and lets you catch them without hesitation. Sometimes it's seeing an injured horse take a few more comfortable steps than they did the week before. Sometimes it's watching horses stand quietly together, sharing each other's company and finding comfort in the herd.

These moments can seem small when looked at on their own, but they are the foundations of everything else. Trust is built in small moments. Recovery happens one day at a time. Relationships grow through quiet companionship.

It's easy to focus on the big goals, but the little wins are what make the big things possible. They remind us that progress isn't always dramatic, and success isn't always loud.

Today I'm grateful for the small things, because they're often the things that matter most. ❤️🐴

14/05/2026

# Tick Awareness for Horses 🐴🕷️

Before you turn out or head off on a hack, take a minute to protect your horse from ticks. They’re tiny, but they can cause irritation, infection, and even spread disease.

✔️ Pop on a safe repellent before heading out
✔️ Check your horse over after turnout, rides, and woodland walks
✔️ Remove ticks carefully with a proper tick remover

💡 Tip: Grooming daily is one of the best ways to spot ticks early.

✂️ Clipping Awareness
Ticks and old bite reactions can sometimes leave small lumps, scabs, or sensitive areas that become more noticeable when clipping. Always check your horse carefully before clipping, especially around the belly, chest, between the legs, and under the mane. Clipping over hidden ticks can irritate the skin and may spread infection if the area is sore.

If your horse is clipped, ticks can also be easier to spot — another good reason to keep up regular skin checks during tick season.

🌲 Where Horses Pick Up Ticks While Hacking Ticks are commonly found in:

Long grass
Woodland trails
Bracken and ferns
Hedgerows
Damp shaded areas
Overgrown tracks and field edges
Areas with deer, sheep, or wildlife activity

# # # Common Places Ticks Like to Hide

* Under the mane
* Around the ears
* Between the back legs
* Under the tail
* Around the girth area
* Armpits and chest
* Between the jaw and throatlatch
* Around the dock and hindquarters

🌿 Natural Repellent Ideas
Always patch test first and avoid sensitive areas.

* Neem oil spray (well diluted)
* Lavender spray
* Citronella-based horse sprays
* Cedarwood oil blends
* Apple cider vinegar diluted with water
* Herbal fly and tick sprays made for horses

💡 Tip: Grooming daily is one of the best ways to spot ticks early.
A quick check can make a big difference. Stay safe and enjoy your rides this season! ☀️🐎

12/05/2026

Then vs now.

Time. Patience. Consistency.
Not a one-time fix — a ritual.

Believing in movement, fresh air, nature, and daily care as the real magic.

Amy has chronic progressive lymphoedema of both hind legs — a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management, dedication, and careful routine care. The swollen photos were taken back in October 2025, and for the last two years I’ve been working alongside Amy and Gillian to help get things under control and keep her comfortable.

And wow… the pictures truly don’t lie.

Twice a year we remove those heavy feathers right back down to the skin, helping reduce weight, improve skin care, and keep everything manageable. Amy lives out 24/7 unless the weather is truly miserable, and the results speak for themselves.

This has never been about a quick fix. It’s been about creating a consistent routine, supporting movement, and letting nature do what it does best.

So proud of how far she has come. ❤️

06/05/2026

Two tidy ups yesterday. Saphire and Patch. One Irish clip and one blanket clip with the rest off for Patch.

Patch experiences really itchy skin. so much so he gets so worked up the vet was required to offer a little sedation in order to clip him safely.

So with the hot weather coming in it was decided to take those feathers off and see whats underneath. Thankfully Patches owner has it under control and there was just a few nodules behind the knees and a little skinfold on the back legs.

What to look out for

🧬 Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (CPL) – what’s going on

Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL) is:

A lymphatic system failure in the legs

Causes fluid build-up → swelling → thickened skin → folds/nodules

Very common in feathered breeds (cobs, drafts, etc.)

Key thing:
👉 The feathers hide the disease early on

Once clipped, you often suddenly see:

👉Thickened “cone-shaped” legs

👉Scaly, crusty, or weepy skin

👉Skin folds or lumps

👉Signs of infection or mites

Clipping is actually part of management because:

It exposes the skin so you can treat it

Reduces warm, damp conditions where bacteria and mites thrive

Makes washing and drying possible

😖 Why could be Patch is SO itchy and reactive ?

Secondary infections (bacterial/fungal)

Feather mites (Chorioptes) — VERY itchy

Inflamed, thickened skin with poor circulation

CPL legs are often:

Painful to touch

Hypersensitive

Chronically irritated

So needing sedation isn’t unusual — it’s often the only way to safely clip and treat severe cases to see.

✂️ Why removing the feathers helps (especially now)
With summer coming, clipping is a smart call.

Benefits:

👉Less heat trapped → reduces sweating

👉Skin can dry properly

Easier to:

👉Wash

👉Medicate

👉Monitor changes

Reduces risk of:

👉Infection flare-ups

👉Mite infestations

Also important: movement + airflow = better lymph flow. So when Patch is out in the field, Patch is protected.

🧥 Rug choice: UV rug vs Boett rug (big difference)

☀️ UV rug (sensitive skinl fly rug)
)
Good for:

Sun protection

Mild itch from flies or light irritation

But:

Not designed for severe skin conditions

Can still allow insects to bite through depending on material

Doesn’t always stop rubbing behaviour

👉 Better for general summer management, not serious skin disease.

🐴 Boett rug (sweet itch rug)
Boett rugs are specifically designed for intense itching conditions

Key features:

Full coverage (belly, neck, tail)

Tight weave fabric → blocks midges/insects

Breathable material that:

Keeps horse cool

Wicks sweat away

Reduces ability to rub and self-traumatise

👉 Best for:

Horses that scratch themselves raw

Suspected sweet itch or severe irritation

Horses like Patch who get worked up and reactive

🧠 Which would I choose for Patch?
Based on what I described:

👉 Patch sounds beyond mild itch
👉 You’ve got:

Severe irritation

Stress response

Possible underlying CPL/skin issues

✔ I’d lean strongly toward a Boett rug, because:

It physically protects the skin

Helps break the itch → scratch → damage cycle

Works better for intense cases

A UV rug alone likely won’t be enough.

🔎 Big picture (what to watch next)
Now the feathers are off, this is the key window:

Watch for:

👉Skin folds / thickening

👉Crusts or sores

👉Mites (stamping, biting legs)

👉Heat or swelling

👉Weeping or smell (infection)

And going forward:

👉Regular gentle washing + thorough drying

👉Movement (VERY important for lymph flow)

👉If it were to get worse, especially at this time of year , possibly medicated treatments if vet advises

24/04/2026

☀️ The sun’s out… but have you got sunscreen on those pink noses? 🐴

A couple of weeks ago I talked about **horse skin pH** (how it sits closer to neutral than ours), and this is where it really matters—because not every product we use is suitable for them.

And while we’re enjoying the sunshine, some horses really need a bit of extra protection.

**Do all horses need sunscreen?**
👉 No—not all of them.
But some *definitely* do.

**Higher risk horses include:**
• Pink skin (especially noses/muzzles)
• White markings
• Thin coats
• Horses prone to photosensitivity

Darker-skinned horses with good pigmentation are naturally more protected, so they often don’t need it in the same way.

**So what can we do for sensitive ones?**

✔️ Use horse-safe sunscreen (zinc-based is a good option)
✔️ Apply to pink/sensitive areas like noses and around the eyes
✔️ Reapply if they’re out in strong sun

**And don’t forget physical protection:**

🪶 Fly masks with UV protection – great for eyes and faces
🪶 Fly rugs / UV rugs – really helpful for horses with sensitive skin or those that react to sunlight

These can make a huge difference, especially during peak sun hours.

It’s all about knowing your horse—some will be absolutely fine, while others really need that extra layer of care.

EqWax Natural Equine Sunscreen
£13.00

Lincoln Sun Bloc
£11.26

Excellent Equi Sunblock Cream
£20.70

Lillidale Sunblock Powder
£11.95

Biteback Sweet Sun Relief Cream
£14.50

🐴 Quick honest takeaway
If you want most natural / closest to horse skin balance → EqWax
If you want cheap & effective → Lincoln Sun Bloc
If your horse burns badly → go stronger cream or combine with a fly mask

And remember—no sunscreen is perfect on its own
👉 For sensitive horses, combining with a UV fly mask or fly rug makes a huge difference (and often lasts longer than cream)

Have you started using sunscreen or UV rugs yet this year? 😊

20/04/2026

Before & after of Todd’s little tidy-up ✂️🐴

This wasn’t a full clip — just a freshen-up of the cat hairs on the areas already clipped, plus taking the bum off neatly at the back. Sometimes it’s the small details that make all the difference!

As always, Todd stood like a dream… actually, more like he was asleep the whole time 😴 I honestly love that he trusts me enough to completely switch off like that.

A big part of that comes down to understanding the horse’s nervous system. Horses are wired to survive — their nervous system is constantly scanning for danger. When they feel unsure, they shift into that alert, reactive state (you’ll see tension, fidgeting, holding their breath). But when they feel safe, they can drop into a relaxed state — soft eyes, a resting hind leg, even dozing like Todd.

Clipping can easily trigger that “on edge” feeling, so creating the right environment is everything. Quiet surroundings, steady handling, consistent contact, and giving them time to process all help signal to their nervous system that they’re safe. Slow, predictable movements and keeping the clippers introduced gradually can make a huge difference too.

When you get it right, you don’t just get a still horse — you get a relaxed one. And that’s where trust really builds.

For this tidy-up I used the Liveryman A2 with a medium blade — perfect for keeping things neat without taking too much off.

Good boy, Todd 💙

17/04/2026

Keeping your horse’s tail healthy isn’t just about looks — it’s about comfort, skin health, and proper care 🐴

**Tail thinning & washing**
Regularly thinning a thick tail helps prevent tangles, reduces dirt build-up, and allows air to circulate through the hair. When it comes to washing, using a product specifically designed for animal tails (rather than human shampoo) makes a huge difference. These products are formulated to match the natural pH of a horse’s skin, helping to avoid dryness, irritation, and breakage. A clean, well-maintained tail is less likely to itch, which means less rubbing and hair loss.

**Why horse-specific products matter**
Horse hair is coarser and more porous than human hair, and their skin is more sensitive than many people realise. Using the wrong products can strip natural oils, leaving the tail brittle and the skin flaky. Proper equine shampoos and conditioners help maintain moisture, strengthen the hair, and keep the skin underneath healthy.

**Hogging & sun protection**
Hogging (clipping off the mane) can be practical for some horses, especially those in heavy work or prone to sweating. However, it does leave the neck exposed. For white or light-coloured horses, this is especially important — their skin is more susceptible to sunburn.

During sunny weather, it’s essential to protect exposed skin. This can include using equine-safe sunblock, fly sheets with UV protection, or ensuring access to shade. Sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable — it can lead to peeling, sensitivity, and even longer-term skin issues.

Taking the time to use the right products and care techniques keeps your horse comfortable, healthy, and looking their best all year round.

03/04/2026

Happy Easter to all my clients x I am fully booked til.20th April. anyone looking clipping done will be after that date. cheers Forever Horse Clipping by Helen.

05/03/2026

🧬 The Horse’s Skin: More Than Just a Coat

A horse’s skin is its largest organ and first line of defence against the outside world. It protects against bacteria, parasites, and environmental irritants while also regulating temperature and moisture.

When the skin is healthy you’ll see it reflected in the coat — supple, shiny and clean. When it’s not, problems quickly appear:

• dandruff or scurf
• greasy patches
• rain scald
• sensitive or itchy areas
• dull coats

All of these issues can make clipping harder and uncomfortable for the horse.

Healthy skin starts with understanding something many people never think about:

⚖️ pH balance.

⚖️ Understanding the Horse’s Skin pH

The pH of horse skin is very different to human skin, which is why using the wrong products can cause problems.

🐎 Horse skin pH: roughly 7.0 – 7.4 (neutral)
👤 Human skin pH: roughly 4.0 – 5.5 (acidic)

This difference matters.

If you wash your horse with products designed for humans or harsh detergents:

• Low pH products can draw moisture from the skin, leaving it dry and flaky.
• Highly alkaline products can strip the natural oils (sebum) that protect the skin barrier.

Over time this can lead to irritation, dull coats, and even increased risk of bacterial or fungal infections.

Put simply:

➡️ What works for us doesn’t necessarily work for them.

🧴 Choosing the Right Shampoo

When picking up a shampoo, don’t just grab whatever is cheapest on the shelf. Take a moment to look at the label.

A good horse shampoo should be:

✔ pH balanced or pH neutral for equine skin
✔ Free from harsh chemicals
✔ Gentle enough not to strip natural oils
✔ Supportive of the skin’s natural microbiome

Ingredients that are often beneficial include:

🌿 aloe vera
🌿 vitamin E
🌿 tea tree oil
🌿 glycerin
🌿 natural plant-based cleansers

Many modern shampoos are also formulated without sulphates, parabens or heavy artificial fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Remember:

💡 You’re not just washing the coat — you’re caring for the skin underneath it.

✂️ Preparing Skin Before Clipping

A clean coat makes a huge difference to the quality of your clip.

Dirty or greasy coats:

• blunt blades quickly
• clog clippers
• leave lines or an uneven finish

Before clipping:

1️⃣ Deep groom first
Start with a thorough groom to remove mud, grease and dead hair. A good curry comb helps lift dirt from the skin.

2️⃣ Wash if needed
If your horse is very greasy or lives out rugged, a bath a day or two before clipping can help enormously.

3️⃣ Dry thoroughly
Clipping damp skin is uncomfortable for the horse and hard on your blades.

4️⃣ Treat skin issues early
If you see dandruff, rain scald or flaky patches, deal with them before clipping. Medicated or antibacterial shampoos can sometimes help when recommended appropriately.

🐎 Different Horses, Different Skin Needs

Not every horse needs the same routine.

🌧 Horses Living Out (Unrugged)

These horses rely heavily on their natural oils and skin barrier. Over-washing can strip those oils, so bathing should be minimal unless necessary.

Focus on:

• regular grooming
• removing mud and sweat
• occasional gentle washing

🧥 Rugged Horses

Rugs can trap sweat, grease and bacteria, particularly around the shoulders and chest.

These horses may benefit from:

• more frequent washing
• careful rug hygiene
• checking for rubs or skin irritation

🏡 Horses Living In or Part Time

Stabled horses often develop greasy coats or stable scurf, especially when sweating during work.

Regular grooming and occasional bathing will help keep the skin balanced.

✨ Healthy Skin = A Better Clip

A horse with well-prepared skin will:

✔ clip faster
✔ produce a smoother finish
✔ be more comfortable throughout the process
✔ reduce wear on expensive blades

Think of skin care as part of your clipping preparation toolkit, alongside sharp blades and good clippers.

Because at the end of the day…

The best clips don’t start with the clippers.

They start with the skin. 🐴✨

picture of Timmy

Forever Horse Clipping by Helen

08/06/2026

01/06/2026

14/05/2026

12/05/2026

06/05/2026

24/04/2026

20/04/2026

17/04/2026

03/04/2026

05/03/2026

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