Fell Pony
The Fell Pony is a strong and versatile native breed from the north of England, particularly the Lake District and surrounding fells. Bred to withstand harsh weather and rugged terrain, it is known for its endurance, hardiness, and reliability. Fell Ponies are compact, powerful, and well-balanced, with strong limbs and a thick mane and tail. They are most commonly black, though brown, bay, and grey can also be seen. Their sturdy build makes them well-suited for carrying weight and working over difficult ground. Known for their calm, willing, and intelligent temperament, Fell Ponies are excellent for both children and adults. Today, they are used for riding, driving, trekking, and showing, valued for their versatility and dependable nature.
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Masterclip HD Roamer Cordless Horse Clipper - Heavy Duty Clipper with Premium A2 Blades
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Hunter - Lightweight 200W Professional Horse Clipper
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Showmate II Cordless Horse Trimmer - Pink
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Masterclip 100G Transitional Turnout Rug - Waterproof & Breathable
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Masterclip 100G Stable Rug - Diamond Quilted Ideal Post Clip - Lightweight & Insulating
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Curved Scissors - Ideal for Tails
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Finishing Scissors - Ideal for Legs & All Show Prep
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Thinning Scissors - Ideal for Feathers, Mane & Tail
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Must Have LARGE Microfibre Cloth
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Honest Horse | Organic Hot Cloth Elixir Oil - 250ml
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
• Use a firm but considerate pressure when grooming—Fell Ponies are hardy with thick coats.
• Pay special attention to the mane, tail, and feathering on the legs, keeping them clean and free from tangles.
• Their dense coat can trap dirt and moisture, so regular and thorough grooming is important.
• Take care over sensitive areas such as the withers, ribs, and legs.
• Regularly check for saddle and girth rubs, especially in working ponies.
• In wet or cold weather, their heavy coat and feathers can hold moisture, so proper drying is essential.
• After exercise, ensure all sweat is removed, particularly under tack, between the hind legs, and around feathered areas.
Get the horse ready
Make sure your Fell pony is clean, dry, and calm. Their thick, native coat—along with mane, tail, and feather—can hold plenty of dirt and grease, so thorough brushing is essential—this protects your blades and helps achieve a smooth, even finish.
Choose the right clippers (e.g. Masterclip range)
Using suitable clippers is important for Fell ponies due to their dense coats:
• Heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer) are ideal for thick winter coats and full clips.
• Trimmers (e.g. Showmate) are perfect for smaller areas like the face, legs, and tidying feather if required.
Masterclip offers cordless, mains-powered, and combo kits suitable for native ponies and heavier clipping work.
Gather your kit
Clippers, oil, brush, chalk (for lines), and possibly a helper. With Fell ponies, having sharp or spare blades is especially useful due to coat density. Most Masterclip sets come with essentials like oil, blades, and a carry case.
Set up safely
Tie up in a quiet, well-lit area. Fell ponies are generally steady but can be strong, so ensure safe handling. 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—thick coats may require slower, more controlled passes.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters). Overlap strokes slightly for an even finish. Take your time, especially around their solid, compact build.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face, legs, and under the belly. Fell ponies often have feathered legs, so decide whether to leave natural or tidy carefully—take extra care as skin underneath can be sensitive.
Check blades regularly
Brush out hair and oil frequently. Dense coats 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 Fell ponies can lose 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.
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
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.
