When it comes to caring for some of the world’s top dressage horses, including the legendary Valegro, Alan Davies is the expert. As a super groom, Alan has mastered the art of equine grooming and knows that achieving top results goes beyond just technique—it’s about having the right tools and maintenance routine. Here, Alan shares his clipping tips and secrets for successful clipping and clipper care, highlighting the Clipit products he trusts to keep every groom safe, efficient, and precise.
Alan's Davies Clipping Tips for the Perfect Clip
For Alan, preparation is everything. Before a single clipper touches the horse’s coat, he ensures the horse is calm, clean, and ready. Alan’s go-to routine involves brushing out any tangles and thoroughly washing the coat, so the clippers can glide smoothly without resistance. For longer grooming sessions, he trusts his Clipit Suit, designed to protect from hair and dander while keeping him comfortable. The suit’s breathable, hair-resistant fabric allows him to focus on his work without the irritation of stray hairs clinging to his clothing.
Alan’s Tip: "The right clothing makes all the difference, especially during long grooming sessions. The Clipit suit gives me the freedom to move and keeps me hair-free, which is a must as I go from yard to yard!
Clipping a clean coat is essential for achieving a smooth, even finish and preventing unnecessary wear on your clipper blades. Dirt and grit can quickly dull blades, cause overheating, and make the clipping process uncomfortable for your horse. Starting with a freshly washed or thoroughly brushed coat ensures the best results and extends the life of your equipment.
For more on why cleanliness matters and how to prep your horse, check out our blog post, Can I Clip a Dirty Horse?, for expert tips and insights!
Blade Tensioning for a Smooth Cut
One of Alan’s most valuable tips is the importance of blade tensioning. A properly tensioned blade not only makes clipping easier but also helps the blade last longer. Alan uses Lister premium clipper blades, which provide clean cuts even on the thickest coats. To ensure optimal performance, he regularly adjusts the tension, checking it before each session to keep the blades at the perfect balance between tight and loose.
Alan’s Tip: "If the blade is too tight, it overheats; if it’s too loose, it won’t cut evenly. Taking a few seconds to adjust tension saves time and keeps the clipper running smoothly."
Alan's Tips for Keeping Clipper Blades Cool and Oiled
Overheating is a common issue with clippers, especially during prolonged sessions. Alan swears by the Clipit Easy Oil Spray to keep his blades cool and running smoothly. Before he starts clipping, and periodically throughout the session, Alan applies a few sprays of the Easy Oil to ensure smooth motion and a cooler blade. Every 5 -10 minutes, Alan then reapplies Easy Oil, but the secret to this product, it won't leave any oily trace within the coat.
Alan’s Tip: "Clipit Easy Oil Spray is a game-changer. It cools the blades instantly and helps prevent any pulling on the horse’s coat. I always have it on hand during every clip."
Keeping your clipper blades well-oiled is essential for smooth, efficient clipping and for preventing blades from overheating or pulling on the coat. Regular oiling helps extend blade life and ensures each cut is clean and precise, making the grooming experience comfortable for your horse.
For a step-by-step guide, check out our blog How to Clean and Oil Your Clipper Blades and keep your tools in top shape!
Equine Biosecurity with Clipit Ice Care for Yard-to-Yard Safety
As a groom who travels frequently between different stables and events, Alan prioritises biosecurity to protect each horse he works with. To avoid spreading bacteria or infections, Alan relies on Clipit Ice Care for sanitising his clipper blades. After each use, he thoroughly cleans his blades with Ice Care, which removes dirt, grease, and bacteria, ensuring his equipment is safe to use on the next horse.
Alan’s Tip: "Clipit Ice Care gives me peace of mind. I can move from one stable to another, knowing my tools are completely sanitised and safe for every horse."
"Keeping it clean and safe with Clipit biosecurity products! 🌟 Essential for every groomer moving between yards, these products help ensure tools are sanitised and ready for each new horse, protecting against bacteria and infections. Biosecurity is key to professional grooming"
Clipping Biosecurity Tips
There are real risks that include bacteria and viruses that can spread very quickly from animal to animal, if you do not implement a thorough cleaning and sanitising programme.
But what is the difference between cleaning, sanitising, disinfecting and sterilising, and are you following the right procedure to ensure your horse clipping tools stay safe?
Cleaning and Sanitisation Cleaning is also known as sanitisation and is the first step in infection control. It is classed as a process that removes visible or surface debris from an object or surface. Cleaning or sanitisation does not kill germs (pathogens), they are simply removed.
Disinfecting Disinfection requires the use of a chemical to remove and kill germs. Disinfection is for non-porous implements and surfaces only.
Sterilisation Sterilisation is rarely required or necessary in the professional grooming industry. Sterilisation is the complete destruction of all microbial life. Sterilisation is most frequently done with an autoclave (sterilising unit) that uses heat and pressure to destroy microbes.
Proper Storage for Longevity
To keep his blades sharp and his clippers in optimal condition, Alan is diligent about storing his tools properly. After each grooming session, he cleans and oils the blades, then places them in a protective case. He also advises others to store clippers and blades in a cool, dry area to prevent rust and damage.
Alan’s Tip: "Clippers are an investment, and proper storage is key. It doesn’t take long to clean and store them right, and it ensures they’re always ready to go for the next session."
Conclusion: Groom Like a Pro with Alan’s Secrets and Clipit Products
With years of experience and a dedication to top-notch grooming, Alan Davies knows that high-quality results require high-quality care. By using trusted Clipit products like the Clipit Suit, Easy Oil Spray, and Ice Care, Alan maintains his clippers in top shape and ensures each groom is safe, comfortable, and effective. Whether you’re a seasoned groomer or just starting out, Alan’s tips—and his trusted Clipit essentials—can elevate your grooming routine to professional levels.
Ready to try these pro tools yourself? Discover the full range of Clipit grooming products and start grooming with confidence!
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