Horse Hair Clips for Riders Who Take the Theme Off the Arena
Hobby horsing spills over into everything else. Riders name their horses, build stables for them and turn up to school with a pony on the back of their head. These horse hair clips are that overspill: claw clips cut into galloping ponies and a winged unicorn, in materials that look like jewellery rather than like merchandise.
They are also the easiest thing on this site to give as a present. Small, under $15, and they work for someone who loves horses whether or not they have ever picked up a hobby horse.
Acetate or Acrylic: What the Difference Is
Acetate
Cut from patterned sheet, so the marbling runs differently through every single clip — no two are identical, which is most of the appeal. It has a warm, slightly translucent depth that plastic does not, and it is the material used for good-quality hair accessories generally. Our acetate range runs to four pony designs between 7 and 9 cm.
Acrylic
Harder, glossier and better at holding fine painted detail — which is why the unicorn design is acrylic. At 10.4 cm it is a full-size claw rather than a mini, so it holds a proper twist of hair instead of a token strand.
Choosing a Clip That Actually Holds
Two things decide whether a claw clip works or lives in a drawer. Size against hair volume: a 5 cm clip holds a small twist and nothing more; a 10 cm clip takes a half-up section on most hair. Spring strength: a clip that closes easily also opens easily, and the one on thick hair needs to close with resistance.
For fine or shoulder-length hair the smaller pony clips are the better buy. For thick or long hair, the unicorn clip is the one that will still be in place at the end of the day.
Wearing Them
Twist a section, fold it up against the head and let the claw close over the fold rather than clamping it flat — a claw clip holds on the twist, not on the hair itself. For a half-up, gather the top section, twist once and clip at the crown.
At 18 to 28 grams these are light enough to wear all day without pulling, which is not true of metal-backed clips of the same size. They are also durable enough to go in a school bag, which the acetate ones in particular survive better than painted metal.
Matching the Clip to the Horse
Riders do this more than you would expect: a white unicorn clip to go with a unicorn hobby horses, a chestnut pony to match a bay. It is not a rule and nobody scores it, but it is the kind of detail that shows up in photographs at shows. Our plush hobby horses include several coats that pair naturally with the clip designs here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are the horse hair clips?
The acetate pony clips run 7 to 9 cm and weigh 18 to 21 g. The acrylic unicorn clip is 10.4 cm and 28.2 g.
Will a claw clip hold thick hair?
The 10.4 cm unicorn clip will hold a half-up section on most hair. The smaller pony clips suit fine or shoulder-length hair, or a small twist on thicker hair.
Are they suitable for children?
Yes, and they are a common first gift for horse-mad children. They are a single moulded piece with a metal spring, so there is nothing small to come loose.
What is the difference between acetate and acrylic?
Acetate is cut from patterned sheet and every piece is marbled differently. Acrylic is harder and glossier and holds painted detail better, which is why the unicorn is made from it.
Do you sell matching sets?
Not as sets — each clip is sold individually so you can pick the designs you want rather than paying for two you do not.
Looking After an Acetate Clip
Acetate is tougher than it looks but it does not like heat or solvents. Keep clips away from hair straighteners and out of a car in summer, because sustained heat softens the sheet and a warped clip does not come back. Wipe with a dry cloth rather than anything alcohol-based, which dulls the surface. Stored in a pouch rather than loose in a bag, a good acetate clip lasts years.
