How to Make a Bridle Path

Equestrians clip a bridle path in the horse̵7;s mane to keep the hair of the mane from becoming entangled in a halter or bridle and causing the animal discomfort. Competitive riders often use the cut to accentuate the animal̵7;s head or neck during a horse show to score additional points from judges viewing the overall presentation of the mount. Whether your horse is a pasture pet or a show athlete, maintaining a bridle path can be part of your regular grooming routine.

Things You'll Need

  • Mane shampoo
  • Comb
  • Halter and lead rope
  • Electric clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash and dry your horse̵7;s mane, completely combing out any tangles or snarls.

    • 2

      Halter and tie the horse in its stall, or put it in cross ties.

    • 3

      Unbuckle the halter, drop it around your horse̵7;s neck and rebuckle.

    • 4

      Stand on the left side of your animal at its neck and place your non-dominant hand on its poll -- the area between the ears.

    • 5

      Turn on your clippers and place them just behind the bony protrusion of the poll.

    • 6

      Run the clippers down your horse̵7;s mane the length of the bridle path, removing the hair as you go. English equestrians typically cut a bridle path approximately 1½- to 2-inches long, or a little wider than the halter. Western riders commonly make a bridle path the length of the horse̵7;s ear, or around 4-inches wide.

    • 7

      Continue trimming the area until all of the hair is gone. You may need to make more than one swipe of the bridle path to get rid of all of the hair if your horse has a particularly thick mane.