Warmblood
The Belgian Warmblood is a modern sport horse breed originating from Belgium, developed through selective breeding to excel in competitive equestrian disciplines. It is known for its athleticism, strength, and exceptional jumping ability. Belgian Warmbloods are well-proportioned and powerful, with a strong frame, muscular build, and expressive movement. They commonly come in colours such as bay, chestnut, black, and grey. Their conformation makes them particularly suited to high-level sport. Renowned for their willing, intelligent, and reliable temperament, Belgian Warmbloods are popular with both amateur and professional riders. Today, they excel in show jumping, as well as eventing and dressage, and are widely admired for their performance, versatility, and consistency in competition.
In stock
Masterclip HD Roamer Cordless Horse Clipper - Heavy Duty Clipper with Premium A2 Blades
In stock
Hunter - Lightweight 200W Professional Horse Clipper
In stock
Showmate II Cordless Horse Trimmer - Pink
In stock
Masterclip 100G Transitional Turnout Rug - Waterproof & Breathable
In stock
Masterclip 100G Stable Rug - Diamond Quilted Ideal Post Clip - Lightweight & Insulating
In stock
Thinning Scissors - Ideal for Feathers, Mane & Tail
In stock
Finishing Scissors - Ideal for Legs & All Show Prep
In stock
Curved Scissors - Ideal for Tails
In stock
Must Have LARGE Microfibre Cloth
In stock
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, controlled pressure when grooming—Belgian Warmbloods have relatively fine skin but are strong, athletic horses.
• Take care over sensitive areas such as the withers, ribs, and legs.
• Their short coat benefits from regular grooming to maintain shine and highlight muscle tone.
• Pay attention to the mane and tail, keeping them tidy and free from tangles.
• Regularly check for saddle and girth rubs, especially as they are commonly used for show jumping and sport disciplines.
• In colder weather, their coat may thicken slightly, so adjust grooming to remove dirt effectively without being harsh.
• After exercise, ensure all sweat is thoroughly removed, particularly under tack, between the hind legs, and around the neck and girth area.
Get the horse ready
Make sure your Belgian Warmblood is clean, dry, and relaxed. Their coat is typically medium to dense, especially in winter, and can hold dirt and grease. Thorough grooming beforehand helps protect your blades and ensures a smooth, even clip.
Choose the right clippers (e.g. Masterclip range)
Using suitable clippers is important for achieving a clean finish on a Belgian Warmblood’s coat:
• Medium to heavy-duty clippers (e.g. Masterclip Hunter or HD Roamer) are ideal for full clips and thicker winter coats.
• Trimmers (e.g. Showmate) are perfect for precision work around the face, legs, and finishing touches.
Masterclip offers cordless, mains-powered, and combo kits suitable for both full-body clipping and detailed work.
Gather your kit
Have everything ready: clippers, oil, brush, chalk (for marking lines), and possibly a helper. Belgian Warmbloods often have a full mane and tail, so clips or bands can help keep hair out of the way. Spare blades are useful for maintaining performance throughout the clip.
Set up safely
Tie up in a quiet, well-lit space with enough room to move around. Belgian Warmbloods are generally calm and trainable, but some may still be sensitive to noise, so allow them time to get used to the clippers. Cordless models can be beneficial as they’re often quieter and less intimidating.
Start at the shoulder
Begin clipping on a less sensitive area like the shoulder. Use long, smooth strokes against the direction of hair growth. Keep the clipper flat against the body for an even finish.
Work methodically
Clip in sections (neck → body → hindquarters), slightly overlapping each stroke. Belgian Warmbloods have a powerful, muscular build, so take care to follow their natural contours for a tidy, professional look.
Take care on sensitive areas
Use smaller trimmers for the face, ears, and around joints. Some Belgian Warmbloods can be sensitive around the girth, flanks, and under the belly, so work gently in these areas.
Check blades regularly
Brush away hair and oil blades frequently. Their coat density can cause blades to heat up, so check temperature often and swap or cool as needed. Well-maintained blades ensure a cleaner cut and greater comfort for the horse.
Tidy up lines
Step back regularly to check your work. If doing a trace, blanket, or partial clip, mark lines beforehand to keep them neat and balanced—important for maintaining a polished appearance in sport disciplines.
Aftercare
Brush off loose hair and rug appropriately, as clipping reduces natural insulation. Clean and oil your clippers after use to keep them in good condition for next time.
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.
