Shire
The Shire Horse is one of the largest and strongest horse breeds in the world, originally developed in England for heavy agricultural work and hauling. Descended from medieval war horses, Shires became especially important during the Industrial Revolution, where they were used to pull carts, plough fields, and transport goods. Shire Horses are known for their impressive size, powerful build, and distinctive feathering around their lower legs. Despite their strength, they have a gentle, calm temperament, making them easy to handle and well-suited for both work and leisure activities. Today, Shires are often seen in ceremonial roles, agricultural shows, and promotional work such as brewery dray horses. Although no longer widely used for heavy labour, they remain an iconic and much-admired British breed.
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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 firm, confident pressure when grooming—Shires have thicker skin and dense coats.
• Pay close attention to feathering on the legs, ensuring it is kept clean and dry to prevent mud fever.
• Be thorough over large muscle areas like the shoulders, back, and hindquarters where sweat and dirt can build up.
• Regularly check for saddle and harness rubs, especially due to their size and workload.
• In colder and wetter weather, their heavy coat and feathers can trap moisture, so proper drying is essential.
• After exercise, make sure all sweat and moisture are removed, particularly under harness or saddle areas, between the hind legs, and around feathered legs.
Get the horse ready
Make sure your Shire horse is clean, dry, and calm. Their thick coat and heavy feathering can trap dirt, 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 especially important for Shires due to their dense coats:
Heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer) are essential for full clips and very thick coats.
Trimmers (e.g. Showmate) are ideal for detail work around the face, legs, and for tidying feather edges if required.
Masterclip offers cordless, mains-powered, and combo kits designed to handle even the heaviest draught horse coats.
Gather your kit
Clippers, oil, brush, chalk (for lines), and possibly a helper. For Shires, you may also want extra blades due to the density of the coat. Most Masterclip sets come with essentials like oil, blades, and a carry case.
Set up safely
Tie up in a quiet, well-lit area with plenty of space. Shires are large horses, so ensure safe positioning. Let the horse 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 slower, more deliberate passes.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters). Overlap strokes slightly for an even finish. Due to the size of a Shire, take your time and work in manageable sections.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face and around joints. Feathering on the legs may be left natural or carefully trimmed depending on preference—take extra care as skin can be sensitive underneath.
Check blades regularly
Brush out hair and oil frequently. Shire coats can heat blades quickly, 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—this is especially helpful on larger horses.
Aftercare
Brush off loose hair, rug appropriately (as Shires 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
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.
