This is something I have been meaning to speak on for a while along with a long list of other things! Finally here it is. I hope you find my article useful, especially for those with a keen interest in developing their clipping skills and knowledge in the craft I adore so much Feel free to share this post, it isn’t something that I have seen discussed in this manner before. If you look closely in the pictures provided you will see a line or two. You wouldn’t be far off if you mistook this line for a strip of hair missed during clipping, however this would be incorrect!
These lines differ from clipping ‘lines’ which are eradicated by my technique and experience of craft. This line is something different and one that often happens during the clipping process. No breed is immune, although its often warm-blooded horses that display more predominantly. That said I see it on mixed-blooded types such as cobs regularly.What causes this? Well the line is a skin reaction, caused by the edge of the clipping blade. Blades are incredibly sharp, so much so that often people report that their horse was cut in the past during clipping. I myself have cut my clothes and my hands.
Once not so long ago I was wearing a fine gold bracelet that I had forgot to take off! It fell in the path of my blade and the blade cut it clean off my wrist destroying both the bracelet and the blade in an instant. In regards to the horses skin however, lines of this nature do not indicate a clipper has done anything wrong, (cutting yes, but these bumps I speak of, no). Even the most gentle hand can raise the skin of the horse. The heavier handed you are however, the more likely you are to raise the skin but alas, a horse will develop this regardless, if he’s that way inclined. The bump is known as Dermographia.
Dermographia is thought to be histamine like reaction with histamine being released to the surface of this skin by mast cells. Wheals (hives) appear along the skin in line with the edge of the blade making contact with the skin. This is not an allergic reaction to being clipped per se, but rather the blades edge abraising the skin of the horse. It does not relate to the cutting of the actual hair. Any abrasion would cause this if applied in the same manner. For example a whip can make the same mark albeit applied differently, the clipper and the whip are not similar in application but the skin reactions are inline with each other. The whip marks however last significantly longer due to the force. This is not the case with clipping, well not in my experience. I should imagine if applied with a heavy hand however, this might be the case. If you are one of my clients you will be aware I have a ritual! The post clip bath – imperative and as I say on a daily basis, this as important as the clip itself.
Post clip bathing has a part to play in regards to dermographia. Dermographia can be soothed almost instantly by hot washing the skin down with a soaked sponge. However without the wash they generally in my experience last between 20 to 30 minutes before disappearing all on their own. Conclusion: I have never experienced the reaction to last longer than specified above and I don’t feel that dermographia response is a cause for concern due to the common nature in horses as well as the ‘no long lasting effects’, in all the years I have been clipping. Back to washing; The heat of the warm water seeps into the muscle and disperses the reaction eradicating the bumps on the skin and taking away any itchiness for the horse.Please note content above is written by The Horse Barber. Everything in it is not affiliated with veterinary advice and is all based from my own experience. This article may not be copied or duplicated without prior consent or accreditation however sharing this post is encouraged and welcomed! Share Share away!
As part of my education and training I will be sharing knowledge in posts. I will be able to elaborate and answer questions that you have throughout my 2018 demonstrations and seminars. If you would like me to visit your area this can be arrange just get in touch:)