How to Clip a Horse's Mane Behind the Ears

No matter what breed of horse you own or what type of riding you do, it is important to groom your animal properly. While each breed has its own unique grooming standard, clipping your horse's mane behind the ears, or bridle path, makes putting on the bridle easier. Clipping your horse's bridle path can also enhance the natural beauty of his head and neck.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter and lead
  • Clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get your horse used to the noise of the clippers. While holding the lead rope in one hand, slowly approach your horse with the clippers. Cordless clippers work particularly well since you can move around in the stall or round pen while your horse gets used to this new device. The first time you clip your horse it may be helpful to have an assistant hold him while you work.

    • 2

      Slide the top of the horse's halter back a few inches and locate the front of his mane. Place the clippers right in front of the mane between the forelock and the start of the mane. The horse's mane starts right behind his ears. When starting to clip the mane it is helpful to hold the forelock up so you can see where the forelock stops and the actual mane starts.

    • 3
      A well groomed horse is a happy horse.

      Hold the mane hair up with one hand and use the clippers to cut the long mane hair. Continue to run the clippers back through the first few inches of the mane. Move the clippers back as you work, clipping the long hair of the mane as far back as you need to go.

    • 4

      Pull away any long hairs that the clippers have dislodged, then place the clippers back against the horse, right behind his ears. Run the clippers down the length of the bridle path you have just clipped to eliminate any stray hairs and make the cut more even.