Shetland Pony
The Shetland Pony is a small but incredibly strong breed originating from the Shetland Islands in Scotland. Bred to survive harsh weather and limited food conditions, they are known for their hardiness, resilience, and thick coats. Shetland Ponies are compact and sturdy, with a dense mane and tail, short legs, and a strong build that allows them to carry loads far heavier than their size would suggest. They come in a wide variety of colours and have a friendly, intelligent temperament, though they can also be quite independent. Traditionally used for farm work and pulling carts, Shetland Ponies are now popular as children’s ponies and for driving. Their strength, adaptability, and charming appearance make them one of the most well-known pony breeds in the world.
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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
• Use a firm but gentle pressure when grooming—Shetland Ponies have a dense coat but can still be sensitive in certain areas.
• Take extra care over areas such as the withers, belly, and legs.
• Pay attention to areas where dirt and sweat can build up, especially under the mane, around the tail, and behind the ears.
• Regularly check for mud, tangles, or skin irritation, particularly if they live outdoors.
• Keep the coat well-brushed to manage their thick double coat and prevent matting.
• During shedding season, remove loose hair frequently to keep them comfortable.
• After exercise, ensure any sweat or damp patches are dried and cleaned, especially under rugs or around the girth area.
Get the horse ready
Make sure your Shetland pony is clean, dry, and calm. Their thick, double winter coat can trap a lot of dirt and grease, so thorough brushing is essential—this protects your blades and ensures a smoother, more even finish.
Choose the right clippers (e.g. Masterclip range)
Using suitable clippers is important for Shetlands due to their dense coats:
• Heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer) are ideal for tackling thick winter coats.
• 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 both dense coats and smaller ponies.
Gather your kit
Clippers, oil, brush, chalk (for lines), and possibly a helper. With Shetlands, having sharp blades is especially important due to coat thickness. Most Masterclip sets come with essentials like oil, blades, and a carry case.
Set up safely
Tie up in a quiet, well-lit area. Shetland ponies can be small but strong-willed, 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 slow, steady passes.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters). Overlap strokes slightly for an even finish. Due to their compact size, work carefully around curves and contours.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face, legs, and around the belly. Shetlands can be sensitive despite their hardy nature, so take extra care in awkward or delicate areas.
Check blades regularly
Brush out hair and oil frequently. Thick 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 Shetlands can lose a lot of 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.
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 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.
