Clip your show calf like a professional
Many livestock exhibitors cannot say that they know how to clip their own animal out at the shows. Are you one of those showers who want to be able to proudly say that you clipped your own project out? Keep reading this article for some of the best tips on learning how to clip your own livestock project out.
Every year, in Perry, Georgia, exhibitors pay top-dollar for their cattle to be clipped by the best people known. Since, it is considered "your" project, it should be your job to do these tasks on your own. Just simply knowing the variety of blades, knowing how to use the clippers for each body part, and practicing, over and over, the techniques of clipping will lead you to clipping like a professional.
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| Fresh clipped show heifer |
What do I need to be a successful clipper?
It may seem like this is not a big investment, but in turn it all adds up. Everything is sold separately such as the clippers, different blades, and lube/oil. More specifically, the needed products include:
Clippers:
- Five Speed Andis Clippers
Blades:
- ShowEdge Medium Blade
- ShowEdge General Blade
- Super Blocking Blade
- Medium Blending Blade
- T-84 Blade
- 3/4 HT Blade
- 5/8 HT Blade
Lubricants:
- Endurance Oil
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| Clippers, blades, and lube |
Clipping the different body parts
In order to get a clean cut, you must know that each blade cuts differently. All blades are made differently for a reason. Mainly, blades are made for the face, neck, shoulder, body, legs, and tail.
Clipping the face
The face is one part of the body that the hair needs to be neat and short. You want a heifer to have a very feminine face. On the face, you want to use ShowEdge Medium, ShowEdge General, Medium Blending, or T-84 blades. These blades are made for the face and provide cleaner strokes. Although all these blades are made for the face, the main two used are the Medium Blending and T-84 blades. The Medium Blending blade cuts closer and blends out the hairs. However, the T-84 blade does not get as close of a cut, but at the same time, ensures you do not cut too close to the skin.
Clipping on the neck
Another part of the body that needs to be cut short is the neck. One main concern with the neck is its very easy to get a "choppy" cut, but judges look for very angular heifers. This can be avoided using any of these blades: Medium Blending, T-84, 3/4 HT, or 5/8 HT blade. Depending on the thickness and length of the hair, the 3/4 HT or 5/8 HT blade may need to be used. These blades are basically used for longer hair. Then, the Medium Blending or T-84 blades are used to smooth lines.
Clipping the shoulder
This is one body part that can place you anywhere from first place to last place, depending on how picky the judges are. This is another area that should be smooth and clean. Using the Super Blocking, Medium Blending, 3/4 HT, or 5/8 HT blades are a must for the shoulder. The Super Blocking blade is great for hair that is matted down in the shoulder area. As you clip, the shoulder, you are trying to create a narrow, smooth front.
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| Clipping the shoulder area |
Clipping the body
The body, in general, needs to be symmetrical, which means also the hairs need to be the same. Clipping the body includes large sections, these are around the navel and down the top of the heifer around the loin area. It is best for clipping in these areas to use ShowEdge Medium, ShowEdge General, or Super Blocking blades. When clipping down the top of the heifer, your main goal is to make sure her top is level and she does not have a large dip in the middle of her back. When clipping in the navel area, you want to create a fullness effect where your heifer is going to look like she has a greater depth of body.
Clipping the legs
You want the legs of a heifer to appear big boned and straight. To make them appear like this, it is important to use Super Blocking or Medium Blending blades. An important note when clipping the legs is that you always need to clip up the leg. This will allow a clean cut and make the leg appear straighter.
Clipping the tail
This is another part of the body that judges examine very closely. the tail head should be neat and set slightly above but not too high. When clipping the tail, you should use ShowEdge Medium, ShowEdge General, Medium Blending, or T-84 blades. To accomplish this look, you want to clip the tail head as tight as possible. This means clipping the hair short and depending on the breed of your heifer it can be clipped differently.
Steps to get you clipping quickly:
- Lube all blades first
- Turn clippers on and start with the face (make sure you have correct blade on)
- Start with the lowest speed and work your way up
- Start taking off hair
- When done make sure to store clippers in a dry, cool place
*It is important to keep all blades lubed to reduce the chance of overheating.
Success depends on practice
The only way you will become a stronger clipper is to practice. This means practing on different cattle in your herd and maybe past show heifers. Every heifer is different, so practicing on several helps you conform to clipping better. Also, practicing more often allows you to get used to changing the blades and changing holding positions of the clippers. It takes time to adjust to clipping so it helps to find your own style to clipping. There is no right or wrong way to using clippers, just remember what you want your result to look like.
Remember, when clipping, to relax and have fun because there is no reason to stress. This will allow for a better clip. Now, you are one step closer to clipping like a professional.
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| Practicing on a previuos show heifer |
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