New Forest Pony
The New Forest Pony is a native British breed originating from the New Forest in southern England. Known for its hardiness, versatility, and friendly temperament, it has roamed the forest for centuries, living semi-wild under traditional management. New Forest Ponies are well-balanced and athletic, with a strong yet refined build. They come in a variety of colours, including bay, brown, grey, and chestnut. Their adaptability and sure-footedness make them suitable for a wide range of activities. Renowned for their gentle and willing nature, New Forest Ponies are ideal for children and novice riders, while also being capable performers in disciplines such as show jumping, dressage, and driving. Today, they remain an important part of the New Forest’s heritage and are valued for both their versatility and excellent temperament.
In stock
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 moderate pressure when grooming—New Forest Ponies are hardy but still have some sensitive areas.
• Take care over areas such as the withers, ribs, and legs.
• Their coat can become thick, especially in winter, so regular grooming helps manage dirt and loose hair.
• Pay attention to the mane and tail, which can become tangled if not maintained.
• Regularly check for saddle and girth rubs, particularly in ridden ponies.
• In wet or cold weather, their dense coat can trap moisture, so ensure they are properly dried when needed.
• After exercise, remove sweat thoroughly, especially under tack, between the hind legs, and around the neck and mane.
Get the horse ready
Make sure your New Forest pony is clean, dry, and calm. Their thick, native coat can hold 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 New Forest ponies due to their dense coats:
• Heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer) are ideal for thicker 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 a variety of clipping tasks.
Gather your kit
Clippers, oil, brush, chalk (for lines), and possibly a helper. Having sharp blades is especially important for native pony coats. Most Masterclip sets come with essentials like oil, blades, and a carry case.
Set up safely
Tie up in a quiet, well-lit area. New Forest ponies are generally sensible but can be independent, so a calm environment is key. 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—thicker coats may require slower, more controlled passes.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters). Overlap strokes slightly for an even finish. Take care around their compact build and natural contours.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face, legs, and finer areas. New Forest ponies can be sensitive in certain spots, so take extra care around the head and under the belly.
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 New Forest 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.
