Irish Cob
The Irish Cob, is a traditional breed that originated in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It was developed by the Romani people, who needed a strong and reliable horse to pull their caravans while also being gentle enough for family use. Over generations, these horses were selectively bred for strength, stamina, a calm temperament, and hardiness, allowing them to cope well with tough outdoor conditions. Their kind and steady nature made them especially suitable for working closely with families. Irish Cobs are easily recognized by their compact, muscular build, heavy feathering around the lower legs, and thick mane and tail. They are often piebald or skewbald in colour and are now popular for riding, driving, showing, and leisure due to their versatility and friendly character.
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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 Stable Rug - Diamond Quilted Ideal Post Clip - Lightweight & Insulating
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Masterclip 100G Transitional Turnout Rug - Waterproof & Breathable
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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
• Brush regularly to prevent tangles, especially in the thick mane and tail
• Pay extra attention to the feathering on the legs—keep it clean and dry to avoid skin infections
• Use a detangler spray to manage their long hair more easily
• Check for mud, mites, or debris in the feathers and hooves after turnout
• Wash occasionally with a gentle horse shampoo, but avoid over-washing as it can dry the skin
• Keep hooves clean and pick them out daily to maintain good hoof health
• Trim excess hair if needed, but many owners keep it natural for showing or breed standards
Get the horse ready
Make sure your Irish Cob is clean, dry, and relaxed. Their coat is typically very thick, dense, and often greasy in winter, with heavy feathering on the legs. Thorough grooming beforehand 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 an Irish Cob’s heavy coat:
• Heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer) are ideal for full clips and dense coats.
• Trimmers (e.g. Showmate) are useful for precision areas like the face and around feathers.
Masterclip offers cordless, mains-powered, and combo kits suitable for both full-body clipping and detailed work—cordless can be helpful for sensitive or young cobs.
Gather your kit
Have everything ready: clippers, oil, brush, chalk (for marking lines), and possibly a helper.
Irish Cobs have thick manes, tails, and heavy feathering, so clips or bands help keep hair out of the way. Spare blades are highly recommended due to the coat density.
Set up safely
Tie up in a quiet, well-lit area with space to move around. Irish Cobs are generally calm and sensible, but their size and feathering can make clipping take longer, so patience is key.
Allow them time to get used to the clippers—quieter cordless models can help reduce stress.
Start at the shoulder
Begin on a less sensitive area like the shoulder. Use long, smooth strokes against the direction of hair growth, keeping the clipper flat against the body for an even finish.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters), slightly overlapping each stroke.
Irish Cobs have a rounded, solid build, so follow their natural shape carefully for a neat, even result.
Manage feathering carefully
Decide whether to leave or remove leg feathering:
• If removing: clip slowly and carefully, as hair is very thick and can clog blades quickly.
• If leaving: tidy lightly with trimmers for a cleaner finish.
Take extra care around joints and skin folds.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face, ears, and around joints.
Some Irish Cobs can be sensitive around the girth, belly, and inner legs, so work gently and take breaks if needed.
Check blades regularly
Brush away hair and oil blades frequently.
Irish Cob coats are extremely dense, so blades can heat up quickly—check temperature often and swap or cool as needed. Sharp, well-maintained blades are essential for a clean clip.
Tidy up lines
Step back regularly to check your work. If doing a trace, blanket, or partial clip, mark lines beforehand to keep them neat and balanced—especially important on a cob’s broader frame.
Aftercare
Brush off loose hair and rug appropriately, as clipping removes natural insulation. Irish Cobs can be hardy but still need protection after a full or heavy clip.
Clean and oil your clippers after use to keep them in top condition.
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
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.
