By Tommy Garland

Tommy Garland, owner and operator of Garlands Ltd.

Taking the clippers to your horse's muzzle, bridle path, legs and ears can make him look like a million bucks. Unfortunately no horse values his appearance over his comfort, and there's something about a buzzing razor near the ear that can put any creature on edge. Here are some safety tips and methods for getting a horse comfortable with the sound and feel of the clippers.

• Make sure you have a helper on the ground who is comfortable with horses, in case the horse is ill-behaved.

• Never ever cross tie or tie up a horse during his first time being clipped. This is extremely unsafe. If the horse runs backwards or bolts forward, this can cause serious harm to you, the horse and your barn. Instead, have your helper hold the horse, always standing on the same side as you are clipping.

• When clipping a horse for the first time, a great tip is to take one of those small hand-held vibrating massagers and rub it over the horse's body and any parts that you intend to clip. The horse will then associate the comfortable feel of the massage to the vibrating sound of the clippers.

• If your horse absolutely can't deal with clippers, try using a disposable safety razor over his muzzle.

• Make sure you have enough slack in the clipper cord to make a very loose slip knot to run your arm through. This way, should the horse move suddenly and knock the clippers out of your hand, they won't hit the floor and break. Having the slip knot loose enough will ensure that the clippers won't hit you in mid-flight.

• Stuffing the horse's ears with balled up cotton can help muffle the sound of the clippers, and it will prevent hair from falling down into the ear canal.

• Apply moderate pressure and make long strokes. The consistency will acclimate the horse to the clippers faster, while short, choppy strokes will cause more anxiety for the horse.

• Positively reinforce your horse with a gentle rub when he accepts the clippers and stands quietly.