In certain riding disciplines, clipping (or shaving) the bridle path is very popular. This clipping method is more common among American riders versus European riders and is done to allow a bridle or halter to lie flat on your horse’s poll. It is done to make the bridle or halter fit more comfortably against the horse’s head, to help alleviate pressure against the poll, and to give a more streamlined appearance while under tack. It also helps keep the mane from tangling or matting against the bridle.
What is the bridle path?
The bridle path is easy to find; the name says it all! It is where the bridle lays against the top of the head behind the poll. Most English and casual riders prefer a shorter bridle path of about one to two inches wide. Saddleseat and Western riders prefer a much larger bridle path: their horses can have anywhere from six to eight inches of the bridle path. It is important to note that some breeds/breed classes prohibit using a bridle path. Two such horses that typically don’t have a bridle path are Peruvian Pasos and Icelandic horses.
Tools and Preparation
Once you decide to create a bridle path, it is important to ensure you have the right tools to prepare for clipping the bridle path and the right tools for the actual cutting.
What tools do you need to trim your horse’s bridle path?
Trimming your horse’s bridle path requires a few items to do the job correctly. They are:
Clippers
Extension Cord
Combs and Brushes
Detanglers and Moisturizers
Hair Bands (optional)
Below is a description of each, how they help, and suggestions on product selections.
Clippers
Clippers are the essential tool for the job; they are what cuts the bridle path. Use a sharp #10 blade and keep lubricant handy. The clippers will change tone when they need lubricant. Have an extension cord handy so that you have plenty of give so you can get to the poll area without having to stretch. Want a cordless clipper? Don’t fret! Wahl has a highly-rated one that will do the job right.
Combs and Brushes
Before clipping, brush out your horse’s mane to remove tangles and loose hair. If you plan on pulling your horse’s mane, do so before starting a clip. Use something like this aluminum pulling comb that is both lightweight enough not to fatigue your hand and heavy-duty enough to pull a mane effectively. It’s also great for separating hair for braiding and banding, which is a great suggestion to do to clip the bridle path effectively. When you are looking for a great brush that detangles manes, but isn’t as strong as a pulling comb, consider this curved handle brush. It smooths manes, detangles, and removes dust or loose hair.
Moisturizers and Detanglers
Before clipping, it is important to smooth out the mane so it doesn’t get tangled in clippers or accidentally get cut. Use a detangler before clipping (preferably after you bathe your horse the day before a clipping or a few hours before) that strengthens hair fibers while keeping the hair smooth and tangle-free. After clipping, use a leave-in moisturizer or leave-in detangler that will keep your horse’s bridle path neat and control dandruff and dry skin.
Bonus! Hair Bands
If your horse has a thick mane that gets in the way of clipping, sectioning off their mane can help. Choose horse hair bands that are thick enough to hold a heavy mane and prevent damage or breaking during use.
How do you prepare your horse for clipping?
Although clipping a bridle path is nowhere as stressful as a full body clip, having clippers so close to a horse’s ears, while they cannot see them, can cause fear. The most important thing to note is to have all grooming done beforehand and your clippers oiled, charged, and ready to go. Be sure to give lots of pats, a soft voice, and breaks if your horse starts tossing their head. If you can, enlist a helper to stand at your horse’s head to help keep them calm.
Step-by-Step Clipping Process for Bridle Path
Here are the five steps to successfully clipping your horse’s bridle path:
Step 1: Cleaning and brushing the mane. Wash and condition the mane, then pull and brush it to detangle and smooth it.
Step 2: Mark the length of the bridle path. Start behind the ears and use two fingers to estimate how long your bridle path should be, or measure one inch at a time with a ruler. It should be big enough for the headstall of the bridle. Using a comb as a secondary measurement ensures the straight bridle path line. Band the horse’s mane as needed to ensure you have a clear view of the path you plan to cut.
Step 3: How to safely use clippers. Your clippers should already be oiled properly so they are lubricated and plugged in (use an extension cord to make sure you have enough slack to clip properly). Make sure to check that you have the correct blade in the clippers.
Step 4: Clip the bridle path. Start by trimming only one inch at a time. A too-wide bridle path is a nightmare to grow in, so be conservative in your clipping. Begin clipping from the furthest point of the bridle path toward the ears, not vice versa. If you hit a tickle spot, go back to the spot you just did, then go back to the tickle spot to get your horse desensitized. Do this until you can clip all parts of the path.
Step 5: Checking symmetry and making adjustments. Go slow! Clip small sections, stop, adjust as needed, and continue. Remember, the bridle path is only the width of the bridle’s crownpiece.
Clipping a bridle path can be a great way to relieve poll pressure, lay your tack cleanly behind the ears, and prevent the bridle from getting tangled in the mane. With the right tools and going slow, clipping along the path will ensure a neat bridle path every time.
