Clipping horses during the summer months has become a more accepted and regular part of horse care and grooming. With horses working and competing in higher temperatures, a new grade of blade has been designed to skim over the coat, leaving up to 5mm of hair to provide adequate protection against the sun and flies.
This type of blade is known as the Covercote (Lister) or Covercoat (Liveryman) clipper blade.
- Lister Covercote Blades
Lister's Covercote metal socket blades are 75mm wide with 24 teeth and can be used with the Lister Star or the Lister Eclipse clippers. These blades leave 5mm of hair, creating a natural, summer coat that looks tidy while maintaining the horse's original coat colour. They have become a popular choice for horses transitioning between seasons, as the extra length can be removed, ensuring a smart, defined appearance.
- The Liveryman Covercoat Blades
Liveryman offers two types of Covercoat blades:
- A2 Blade - This blade leaves 4.8mm of hair and can be used with the Liveryman Black Beauty clipper, as well as with Wolseley, Liscop, Kerbl, and the Clippersharp Hauptner 3000 clipper. It is a great choice when clipping pink-skinned horses, greys, and for summer and show clipping.
- Snap-On Covercoat Blade - This blade also leaves 4.8mm of hair and is compatible with all clippers that use the snap-on blade system. The snap-on design is tension-free and quieter, making it an excellent choice for clipping young or nervous horses.
Advantages of Using Covercote Blades
- Adequate Protection - These blades leave enough hair to protect the horse from sunburn and insect bites, making them suitable for summer clipping.
- Versatility - The different models of Covercote blades fit various clippers, allowing flexibility and convenience for horse owners and professional groomers.
- Reduced Stress - The quieter operation of snap-on blades is less stressful for nervous or young horses, improving their clipping experience.
- Natural Look - The blades provide a natural and tidy appearance, maintaining the horse’s coat colour and offering a polished finish suitable for shows.
- Welfare Considerations - For horses with conditions such as Cushing's disease, these blades ensure enough coat is left for necessary protection and comfort.
Using specialist blades within part of your clipper kit is crucial for both horse owners and professionals. The variety in blade types accommodates different coat textures, seasonal changes, and desired finishes, ensuring optimal care and grooming for your horse and the best possible finish.