Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred
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Thoroughbred

The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its speed, agility, and spirit, most commonly associated with horse racing. Originating in 17th- and 18th-century England, the breed was developed by crossing native mares with imported Arabian, Turkoman, and Barb stallions. Thoroughbreds are typically tall, lean, and athletic, with long legs and a deep chest that supports powerful lung capacity—ideal for high-speed performance. While they excel in flat racing, they are also widely used in other equestrian disciplines such as show jumping, eventing, and dressage. Known for their intelligence and high energy, Thoroughbreds require experienced handling and consistent training. Beyond sport, they are often retrained for leisure riding after their racing careers, showcasing their versatility and adaptability.

Thoroughbred
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What blades are best suited to a Thoroughbred

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

Tips specific to Thoroughbreds

• Go lighter with pressure than you might on thicker-skinned horses.
• Be extra careful over withers, hips, ribs, and legs.
• Check for saddle and girth sensitivity often.
• In colder weather, many Thoroughbreds have thinner coats, so grooming may need to be brisk but not harsh.
• After exercise, make sure sweat is fully removed, especially under the girth, between the hind legs, and under the mane.

How to Clip a Thoroughbred (Step-by-Step)

1. Get the horse ready
Make sure your thoroughbred is clean, dry, and calm. Brush off dirt first—this protects your blades and gives a smoother finish.
2. Choose the right clippers
Using suitable clippers makes a big difference:
• Heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer ) are ideal for full clips and thick winter coats.
• Trimmers (e.g. Showmate) are perfect for faces, legs, and tidy-up work.
Masterclip offers cordless, mains-powered, and combo kits, all designed for different coat types and clipping jobs.
Gather your kit
Clippers, oil, brush, chalk (for lines), and possibly a helper. Most Masterclip sets come with essentials like oil, blades, and a carry case.
Set up safely
Tie up in a quiet, well-lit area. 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.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters). Overlap strokes slightly for an even finish.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face, ears, and awkward spots. Quiet, lightweight trimmers are especially useful for sharp thoroughbreds.
Check blades regularly
Brush out hair and oil frequently. 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.
Aftercare
Brush off loose hair, rug appropriately, 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

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