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Horse Behavior and Training

Clipping the ears without sedation

By:

hpigfor

Date:

2011-Apr-18 at 02:20PM

I would really like to know the best approach on clipping horses ears without having them sedated by the vet. I keep practicing by rubbing the ears, by letting them listen to the clippers, try letting them even feel the vibration of the clippers on the outside of the ears. I rub their heads, stay calm etc. I don't want to get stomped on or jumped on and I refuse to twitch the nose or ear- as I witnessed bad results as a child from the use of these tools. Would a dually halter be the way to go? I never see anything on clipping those wonderful ears- I know I am not the only person out here with this issue. All the horses I work with have healthy ears- even had vets double check some. Thank you.

EquiAbi (UK) 2011-Dec-29 at 02:14PM

are you trying to clip the inside of the ears? if so then i have heard that one of the places that you NEVER clip is inside the ears. i'm not sure about the outsides of the ears though. :)
Abi

nelliebell 2011-Dec-29 at 10:11PM

Hi hpigfor,
Monty has a DVD series called Fix Up, On it is a demonstration of getting a big unhandled horse to accept his ears being clipped. it sounds just what you need. He uses a Dually halter with him as well. See if you can get hold of this series as it has many other things on it too.
Janelle

Certified Instructor Ann Lindberg/Sweden 2011-Dec-29 at 10:16PM

Dear hpigfor - you can look into the centaur series here on EOUni and also find wonderful 30min sessions on horseandcountrytv.co.uk - search on Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks - now, put all the info together with Montys newsletter about the vibrating toothbruch and you´ll be fine!Warmest Ann

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Dennis 2011-Dec-30 at 05:31AM

hpigfor
Why do you want to clip the ears? Are you showing your horse? If you are not showing the horse there really is no reason to clip the ears. I will say though that it is a good idea to let your horse get use to clippers, and not just the ears. We clip your horses lower legs in the winter to make it easier to keep their feet and legs clean. Mud has nothing to grip. I clip my horse ears only when I take him to a show or demonstration so he is use to it and does not fuss too much.

Cheers