Friesian

Friesian
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Friesian

The Friesian is a striking and elegant horse breed originating from the Netherlands, particularly the Friesland region. Known for its beauty, power, and graceful movement, it has a long history of being used for both work and riding. Friesians are easily recognised by their solid black coat, long flowing mane and tail, and feathering around their lower legs. They have a strong, muscular build combined with an arched neck and expressive movement, giving them a very distinctive and noble appearance. Renowned for their gentle, willing, and friendly temperament, Friesians are suitable for a variety of riders. Today, they are commonly used in dressage, driving, and exhibitions, and are especially popular in films and shows due to their dramatic and elegant

Friesian
10 products

What blades are best suited to a Friesian

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 Friesians

• Use a moderate but gentle pressure when grooming—Friesians have sensitive skin despite their strong build.
• Pay special attention to the long, thick mane and tail, keeping them clean, detangled, and well-conditioned.
• Take care of the feathering on the legs, ensuring it stays clean and dry to help prevent skin conditions.
• Their dark coat shows dust and grease easily, so regular grooming is important to maintain a healthy shine.
• Regularly check for saddle and harness rubs, especially as Friesians are often used for riding and driving.
• In wet or cold weather, their heavy coat and feathering can retain moisture, so proper drying is essential.
• After exercise, ensure all sweat is thoroughly removed, particularly under tack, between the hind legs, and around feathered areas.

How to Clip a Friesian (Step-by-Step)

Get the horse ready
Make sure your Friesian is clean, dry, and calm. Their thick coat, combined with heavy feathering and long hair, can trap dirt and moisture easily. Thorough grooming is essential to protect your blades and achieve a smooth, even clip.
Choose the right clippers (e.g. Masterclip range)
Using suitable clippers is especially important for Friesians due to their dense coat and abundant hair:
• Heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer) are ideal for full clips and thick winter coats.
• Trimmers (e.g. Showmate) are perfect for detail work around the face, legs, and finishing touches.
Masterclip offers cordless, mains-powered, and combo kits designed to handle heavier coats and feathering.
Gather your kit
Clippers, oil, brush, chalk (for lines), and possibly a helper. Friesians have long manes, tails, and feathering, so having clips or bands to keep hair out of the way is useful. Spare blades are recommended due to coat density.
Set up safely
Tie up in a quiet, well-lit area with plenty of space. Friesians are generally calm but can be sensitive, so allow them to get used to the clippers. Cordless models can help reduce noise and improve comfort.
Start at the shoulder
Begin on a less sensitive area using long strokes against the hair. Keep the clipper flat and steady—thicker areas may require slower, more controlled passes.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters), overlapping strokes slightly for an even finish. Friesians have a powerful but elegant build, so take care to follow their shape for a balanced look.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face and around joints. Be especially careful around the legs and feathering—many owners choose to leave feather un-clipped, but if clipping, work slowly and carefully.
Check blades regularly
Brush out hair and oil frequently. Thick coats and feathering can heat blades quickly, so check temperature often. Keeping blades cool ensures comfort and a better finish.
Tidy up lines
Step back regularly and even out any missed patches. Mark lines beforehand if doing a trace or blanket clip to maintain a neat, symmetrical finish—important for a striking breed like the Friesian.
Aftercare
Brush off loose hair, rug appropriately (as clipping removes natural insulation), and clean/oil your clippers. Proper maintenance will keep your equipment performing well for future clip.

How to keep your Friesian warm post clip

Its 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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