IN winter heels and fetlocks may be trimmed, if necessary, when the horse is clipped.

Trimming that is done well should appear natural and this can considerably enhance the horses appearance. The best way to achieve a natural finish and avoid rough edges is to use an electric trimmer with a comb attachment, so that you don’t clip too closely, or a sharp, blunt-end scissors and comb.

When using an electric trimmer, make sure to clean and oil the blades regularly. Electric trimmers, such as the one pictured here, come with comb attachments so that you don’t take off too much hair. You can also purchase blades, called leg plates, which can be attached to your normal clippers. These blades usually have a coarse lower blade which tidies the hair without clipping too closely.

If you are using a comb and scissors, use the comb to raise the hairs and then trim along the comb to trim any excess hair.

If you would like to read our advice on clipping, click here