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

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

04/08/2026

🐴❤️ Today is all about celebrating this incredible lad – Timmy. ❤️🐴

At 28 years old, Timmy has been on box rest for the last four months recovering from a superficial digital flexor tendon injury. While tendon injuries are never easy, Timmy has had an even bigger challenge to overcome because he also lives with Cushing's disease (PPID).

PPID is a hormonal condition that commonly affects older horses. It can weaken the immune system, make it harder for the body to heal, increase the risk of infections and laminitis, affect muscle tone and weight, and leave horses more vulnerable when recovering from illness or injury. Healing can take longer, and careful management becomes even more important.

Despite all of this, Timmy has shown us what is possible when a horse is given every opportunity to succeed.

His incredible owner Fiona Leslie has dedicated herself to his care every single day for the last four months. Cold therapy, magnetic bands, massage, meticulous management of his feed, medication, and daily routines have all played a part in giving Timmy the very best chance of recovery. There have been no shortcuts—just unwavering commitment, patience, and love.

So often, when an older horse is diagnosed with PPID or suffers a significant injury, people can lose hope. But Timmy is a reminder that every horse deserves to be treated as an individual. Age isn't a reason to stop trying, and a diagnosis isn't the end of the story.

Recovery takes time. Tendons heal slowly. There are good days and difficult days. But with knowledgeable management, patience, and an owner who believes in him, Timmy is doing amazingly well.

Today isn't just about celebrating his progress. It's about celebrating the power of dedication, the importance of giving horses a chance, and the incredible partnership between a horse and the person who refuses to give up on him.

Here's to Timmy—28 years young, living with PPID, overcoming a tendon injury, and proving that sometimes the greatest victories come from simply believing that recovery is possible. ❤️

Never write a horse off because of their age or a diagnosis. Give them the chance to show you what they can do.

09/07/2026

🐴☀️ As our summers get hotter... should we be thinking differently about how we help our horses stay cool?

For years, clipping has mainly been something we do during winter to help working horses regulate their temperature. But with UK temperatures now reaching levels our horses haven't traditionally been exposed to, is it time to rethink how we manage them during heatwaves?

We know horses lose heat mainly through sweating, and with that sweat they lose valuable water and electrolytes too. Replacing those losses with fresh water and appropriate electrolytes is essential.

It also got me wondering about the role of the skin. After all, it's the body's largest organ. Could products such as aloe vera help soothe clipped skin, support the skin barrier and improve comfort after cooling? And in the future, could science develop new ways of supporting hydration or electrolyte replacement through the skin?

At the moment, there's no evidence that simply applying aloe vera or electrolytes to a horse's skin replaces the fluids or electrolytes lost through sweating. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep asking questions and exploring new ideas as our climate changes.

With hotter summers becoming more common, perhaps it's time to look at everything—from clipping strategies and cooling routines to hydration, nutrition, shade, airflow and skin care—to help our horses cope with extreme heat.

💚 I'm genuinely interested to hear your thoughts.

Have you changed how you clip your horses in summer?
Do you notice some horses cope with the heat better than others?
What cooling or hydration methods have worked well for you?

Let's start a conversation. By sharing our experiences and staying curious, we can all learn more about keeping our horses healthy and comfortable in a changing climate. 🐎

24/06/2026

☀️🐴 **Heat Wave Warning: Don't Forget Pink Noses & Recently Clipped Horses** 🐴☀️

With temperatures soaring, many horse owners are focused on keeping their horses cool and hydrated—but don't forget about sun protection too.

Horses with pink noses and light-coloured skin are particularly vulnerable to sunburn because they have less pigment to protect them from harmful UV rays. Those cute pink noses can quickly become sore, cracked, and uncomfortable in strong sunshine.

But it's not just pink noses we need to think about...

✂️ **If you've recently clipped your horse, they may also be more exposed to the sun than usual.**

A horse's coat provides a natural barrier against the elements. When that coat is removed, areas of skin that haven't seen much sunlight can become more sensitive, especially on light-coloured horses or those with pink skin underneath.

🌞 **How to help protect your horse:**
✔️ Provide plenty of shade.
✔️ Avoid turnout during the hottest part of the day where possible.
✔️ Use a horse-safe sunscreen on pink noses and sensitive areas.
✔️ Consider a UV-protective fly mask with a nose cover.
✔️ Keep an eye on recently clipped horses who may need extra protection.

💧 **Hydration is just as important.**

In hot weather, horses lose large amounts of water and electrolytes through sweat. Make sure fresh, clean water is always available and monitor for signs of dehydration or heat stress.

Signs to watch for:
🔹 Excessive sweating or unusually dry skin
🔹 Increased breathing rate
🔹 Lethargy or lack of energy
🔹 Reluctance to move or exercise

Our horses rely on us to help them cope with extreme weather. A little extra care during a heat wave can help keep them comfortable, protected, and happy.

❤️ Does your horse have a pink nose, sensitive skin, or a recent clip? Share a photo below and let us know how you're helping them stay cool this summer!

17/06/2026

🔍 What’s hiding under the feathers?

One of the biggest challenges with **Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL)** is that heavy feathering can hide what's happening underneath.

A horse may have:

▪️ Thickened skin
▪️ Early skin folds
▪️ Crusting and scaling
▪️ Mites
▪️ Mud fever-like lesions
▪️ Small wounds or infections

…and you may not notice any of it until the disease is already progressing.

⚠️ This is why many vets recommend clipping or shortening feathers on horses affected by CPL.

Treatment needs to reach the skin. If you can't see the skin, it's much harder to assess it, clean it, dry it, and apply medication where it's needed.

✅ How to check for early CPL changes

Part the feathers right down to the skin and:

• Feel for thickened skin around the pastern and fetlock
• Check for small folds or ridges
• Look for dandruff-like scaling
• Check for mites and irritation
• Smell skin folds for signs of infection
• Examine the heels and back of the pastern
• Feel for swelling that may not be visible

💡 In the early stages of CPL, feeling the legs with your hands is often more important than simply looking at them.

🐴 Practical CPL Management Routine

📅 Daily:
• Pick out feet
• Check skin folds
• Remove mud and debris
• Ensure legs are completely dry
• Encourage movement and turnout

📅 Weekly:⁰
• Carry out a thorough skin inspection
• Wash when needed using a vet-recommended cleanser
• Check for mites, crusts, sores, and new folds

📅 Long-term:
• Keep feathers manageable (or clipped if advised)
• Maintain a healthy body condition
• Control mites aggressively
• Treat infections promptly
• Work with your vet on lymphatic support, bandaging, or massage if appropriate
• Keep horses moving – exercise helps lymph drainage

Early detection makes a difference. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is look beneath the feathers.

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? 😊

Forever Horse Clipping by Helen

04/08/2026

09/07/2026

24/06/2026

17/06/2026

08/06/2026

01/06/2026

14/05/2026

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