Clips, bathes and loads is a phrase seen in ads selling horses. It means "this horse is accustomed to handling". It is impossible for a person to push a horse around or restrain a horse with only our small weight. Instead we rely on training to get the response we need. We train good manners and in horses they serve the same purpose as good manners do in people - they make life easier.
A horse with good stable manners is an excellent companion. A horse with poor or no manners is a danger to himself and his handler. Aside from the safety issue is the service consequence. A poorly behaved horse may have trouble finding a farrier and since hooves need trimming or shoes need replacing frequently, this is a problem. The farrier doesn't need the aggravation when there are plenty of mannerly horses needing treatment. Same goes for health checkups with the equine veterinarian. Of course the horse docs have the pharmaceutical option to overcome bad behavior, but what owner wants to pay extra for sedation for simple exams?
As for sale attributes, a horse accustomed to handling will tolerate the sound and feel of clippers trimming up his coat; puts up with standing in the wash rack for soaping and hosing down; and will step up into a horse trailer without getting in a lather. Then it's off to the horse show where good manners and fancy riding win ribbons!
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