The bridle path – for your horse’s comfort

 

• I tend to think of bridle paths as being something that’s necessary for some horses, not so much for others. It really just boils down to your horse’s comfort. And bridle FIT!

 

If a bridle path is what you need to do to make your horse comfortable, then do it.

 

 

The bridle’s crown piece should lay flat.

 

• Otherwise, you have a bump where the bridle sits on top of the mane. While I can’t say with 100% certainty, I imagine that this is a lot like wearing a baseball hat with a tiny ball or pen in between the hat and your head. Uneven on your noggin, and creating a pressure point.

 

• Some horses have a mane that is over one inch wide and thick with hair! Creating a bridle path here allows the bridle’s crown piece to be flat against your horse. For the horse with thin wispy hair, it’s probably not such a huge deal! Creating a bridle path also prevents the bridle from tugging against his mane and potentially get tangled.

 

• And then you have the horse with the mohawk – which may or may not need a bridle path. If the mohawk is thin, you might be able to skip the bridle path. If it’s thick, I would get to work creating a comfortable place for the bridle to rest!

 

It’s easy to create a bridle path.

 

• For most disciplines, the bridle path on a horse is just slightly wider than your bridle. For other disciplines, such as some of the saddlebred classes, the bridle path actually extends down the neck several inches.

 

 

This horse’s natural mohawk interferes with proper bridle fit until the path is cleared.

 

• You can use scissors, the safety variety to avoid unnecessary stabbings of horse or human, please.

 

• You can also use clippers. Smaller clippers, like trimmers, work best here. You want to avoid the tiny clippers and the extra heavy-duty body clippers.

 

• For either method, notice where the bridle and/or halter sits on your horse’s head. Be sure to have it fastened up as you would when riding. Then move the leather out of the way and clip.

 

 

If your horse is not used to clippers, the bridle path is not the location to get him used to the sound and vibration.

 

• Use sensible desensitization techniques and positive reinforcement to introduce the clippers on other parts of his body. If he’s great with clippers, then a quick swipe to two, and you are done.

 

• Trim as necessary!

 

I use cordless trimmers for bridle paths. If you want one of your own, shop here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means that you are not charged extra! I thank you for your support.

 

Wahl Professional Animal Bravura Lithium Clipper – this includes the 5 in 1 blade that goes from a #9 to a #40. Perfect for designs!

I also like the more affordable (and cute) Arco, which also comes with the 5 in 1 blade.

Wahl Professional Animal ARCO with 5 in 1 blade

 

Thank you!