Exmoor pony

Exmoor pony
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Exmoor Pony

The Exmoor Pony is one of the oldest and most primitive native horse breeds in Britain, originating from the moorlands of Exmoor in Devon and Somerset. It has remained largely unchanged for centuries, adapting to harsh weather and rugged terrain. Exmoor Ponies are small, hardy, and compact, with a dense waterproof coat that helps them survive extreme conditions. They are usually brown (bay) in colour with distinctive pale markings around the eyes and muzzle, often described as a “mealy” appearance. Known for their resilience, intelligence, and independence, Exmoor Ponies are sure-footed and strong despite their size. Today, they are used for riding, conservation grazing, and showing. Although still considered a rare breed, conservation efforts continue to help protect and preserve this unique and ancient pony.

Exmoor pony
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What blades are best suited to an Exmoor Pony

Fine blade 1.5mm:
- Suited to horses with fine coats and where a close finish is required to enable quick cooling in fast-paced sports such as racing, eventing, and endurance.
- Not suitable for pink-skinned horses as will reveal too much skin beneath the coat and leave them susceptible to sunburn.
- Not advised for use on other lighter coloured horses and novice clippers as imperfections are more visible on these coats.
- Will blunt more quickly if used on thicker/coarser coats.
- Matching blade for A5 small clipper = 10 or 10w
Medium blades 2.5mm:
- Suited to the majority of coat types and situations from warmbloods to natives and drafts, including Cushing's coats.
- May still be a little short for summer clipping of the majority white (pink-skinned) coloureds who would have to wear a UV sheet for sun protection.
- Matching blade for a5 small clipper = 8.5 or 8.5w
Coarse 4.5mm.
- This blade is a popular choice for late spring (early show season) and early autumn (pre HOYS) during the change of coat between winter and summer, particularly for native and cob types giving a tidy appearance but more length, giving a richer coat colour for a more natural look.
- This blade is not suited to clipping full, thick winter coats and would not help to keep the colour once the winter coat has come through fully.
- Top choice for summer clipping majority white coloured horses as is long enough to avoid revealing pink skin.
The teeth are set slightly further apart, so extra care must be taken around delicate areas where the skin may be wrinkled ie armpits, stifles, between forelegs.
Matching blade for a5 small clipper = 6fw

Grooming tips specific to a Exmoor Pony

• Use a moderate but gentle pressure when grooming—Exmoor Ponies are hardy but still have sensitive areas.
• Take care over the withers, ribs, and legs, especially when removing mud or debris.
• Their thick, waterproof coat can trap dirt, so regular grooming is important, but avoid over-grooming to preserve natural oils.
• Pay attention to the mane, tail, and underbelly where dirt and tangles can build up.
• Regularly check for rubbing from tack or rugs, particularly if the pony is in regular work.
• In wet or cold weather, their dense coat is designed to protect them, so focus on keeping them clean and comfortable rather than over-brushing.
• After exercise, ensure sweat is properly removed, especially under tack, between the hind legs, and around the neck and mane.

How to Clip an Exmoor Pony(Step-by-Step)

Get the horse ready
Make sure your Exmoor pony is clean, dry, and calm. Their very thick, waterproof double coat can trap dirt and grease, so thorough brushing is essential—this protects your blades and helps achieve a more even finish.
Choose the right clippers (e.g. Masterclip range)
Using suitable clippers is especially important for Exmoor ponies due to their extremely dense coats:
• Heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer) are ideal for tackling thick winter coats and full clips.
• Trimmers (e.g. Showmate) are perfect for smaller areas like the face, legs, and tidy-up work.
Masterclip offers cordless, mains-powered, and combo kits suitable for native ponies and heavy-duty clipping tasks.
Gather your kit
Clippers, oil, brush, chalk (for lines), and possibly a helper. With Exmoor ponies, having spare or sharp blades is highly recommended due to coat thickness. Most Masterclip sets come with essentials like oil, blades, and a carry case.
Set up safely
Tie up in a quiet, well-lit area. Exmoor ponies are hardy and can be strong-minded, so a calm, controlled environment is important. Let the pony get used to the sound—cordless models can help reduce stress as they’re typically quieter.
Start at the shoulder
Begin on a less sensitive area using long strokes against the hair. Keep the clipper flat and steady—very thick coats may require slow, steady passes.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters). Overlap strokes slightly for an even finish. Due to their compact build, take care around curves and thicker areas of coat.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face, legs, and under the belly. Exmoor ponies can be sensitive despite their hardy nature, so take extra care in delicate areas.
Check blades regularly
Brush out hair and oil frequently. Their dense coat can quickly clog and heat blades, so check temperature often. Masterclip blades are typically toughened steel and designed for durability but still need cooling and maintenance.
Tidy up lines
Step back often and even out any missed patches. Mark lines beforehand if doing a trace or blanket clip to keep everything neat.
Aftercare
Brush off loose hair, rug appropriately (as Exmoor ponies can lose significant natural insulation when clipped), and clean/oil your clippers. Most Masterclip clippers come with a 2-year warranty and support, so keeping them maintained is worthwhile.

How to keep you Exmoor Pony warm post clip

It’s important to make sure the horse is at the correct temperature after being clipped. Fleeces are generally not recommended for clipped horses, especially as overnight rugs, due to comfort and skin concerns. While they’re useful for short-term cooling or drying, extended use can cause problems. The fabric can grip the short coat, creating a “Velcro-like” effect that pulls on the skin as the horse moves. This friction may lead to irritation, hives, or sores. Fleeces can also generate static, causing discomfort, and tend to shift backwards, increasing pressure on the chest and withers.
Here at masterclip, with clipping being at the forefront of our minds we have designed the perfect rug to stop any irritation after your horse or pony has been clipped. Our post clip 100g stable rug offers a soft velvet touch faux fur lining, this lightweight stable rug insulates beautifully without the bulk

Disclaimer

The recommendations provided are based on our experience and
opinions regarding suitable blade choices. However, every horse is unique, and
you know your horse best. What works well for one may not be appropriate for
another. If you would like further guidance or to discuss tailored options,
please feel free to contact the office and we will be happy to assist you.

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