Irish Draught
The Irish Draught is a strong and versatile horse breed originating from Ireland, traditionally bred for farm work, hunting, and riding. It is known for its combination of strength, athleticism, and a calm, willing temperament. Irish Draught horses are powerful and well-built, with good bone, strong limbs, and a balanced frame. They commonly come in colours such as grey, bay, brown, and chestnut. Despite their solid build, they are surprisingly agile and capable of light, athletic movement. Renowned for their gentle, intelligent, and cooperative nature, Irish Draughts are suitable for a wide range of riders. Today, they are used for riding, hunting, and as a foundation breed for the Irish Sport Horse, valued for their versatility, soundness, and reliability.
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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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Thinning Scissors - Ideal for Feathers, Mane & Tail
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Finishing Scissors - Ideal for Legs & All Show Prep
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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 controlled pressure when grooming—Irish Draughts have solid builds with relatively hardy skin.
• Take care over sensitive areas such as the withers, ribs, and legs.
• Their coat can be quite dense, so regular grooming helps remove dirt, grease, and loose hair.
• Pay attention to the mane and tail, which are often thick and require routine detangling.
• Regularly check for saddle and girth rubs, especially in working or ridden horses.
• In wet or cold weather, their coat can hold moisture, so ensure they are properly dried when needed.
• After exercise, remove sweat thoroughly, particularly under tack, between the hind legs, and around the neck and mane.
Get the horse ready
Make sure your Irish Draught is clean, fully dry, and relaxed. Their thicker coats can trap dirt easily, so give a thorough brush (or even a wash the day before) to protect your blades and ensure a smooth, even clip.
Choose the right clippers (e.g. Masterclip range)
Because Irish Draughts typically have dense, heavy coats, using powerful clippers is essential:
• Heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer) are ideal for full clips and thick winter coats.
• Trimmers (e.g. Showmate) are great for the face, legs, feathers, and finishing work.
Masterclip offers cordless, mains-powered, and combo kits suited to larger horses and tougher clipping jobs.
Gather your kit
You’ll need clippers, blade oil, a brush, chalk (for clip lines), and ideally a helper. Most Masterclip kits include essentials like oil, blades, and a carry case.
Set up safely
Tie up your horse in a quiet, well-lit area with plenty of space. Irish Draughts are generally steady, but their size means safety is key. Let them get used to the sound and feel of the clippers—cordless options can help as they’re often quieter and easier to manage around a big frame.
Start at the shoulder
Begin on a less sensitive area like the shoulder using long, steady strokes against the direction of hair growth. Keep the clipper flat against the skin for an even finish.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters). Irish Draughts have a large surface area, so take your time and overlap each stroke slightly to avoid lines and patchiness.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face, ears, legs, and feathered areas. Even calm horses can be sensitive here, so go slowly and keep movements controlled.
Check blades regularly
Thick coats will heat blades faster, so brush out hair and oil frequently. Even durable, toughened steel blades like Masterclip’s need regular cooling and maintenance during a full clip.
Tidy up lines
Step back often to check your work and even out any missed patches. Mark clip lines beforehand if doing a trace, blanket, or hunter clip—this is especially helpful on larger horses like Irish Draughts.
Masterclip clippers come with a 2-year warranty and support, so keeping them maintained is worthwhile.
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.
