How To Trim a Horse’s Bridlepath in 3 Steps 

A bridlepath is the small section of mane just behind a horse’s ears that some owners like to keep trimmed to allow the bridle to sit comfortably and correctly. While it might seem like a minor cosmetic touch, maintaining a tidy bridlepath has several benefits. Trimming this area can: 

• Prevent the bridle from tangling in the mane. 
• Ensure the bridle sits evenly and comfortably on the horse’s poll. Reduce pressure points under the crownpiece. 
• Contribute to a polished, well-groomed look—especially in the show ring.  

Whether you’re prepping for competition or simply keeping up with regular care, it’s easy to learn how to trim a horse’s bridlepath properly. 

Trimming a Bridlepath 

1. Use body clippers to trim just the width of the bridle’s crownpiece—1 inch tops! (You can always do more next time, but a too-wide bridlepath is a nightmare to grow out.) Section the inch of mane right behind the poll, where the bridle normally lies; use a comb to get your line straight across. Tuck the mane just beyond it safely out of the halter, out of the way, to give a clear view of what you’re clipping. 
2. You’re less likely to run into hair you don’t want to touch if you clip from front to back. Use slow, tiny motions. 
3. Not too wide, not too narrow, just right. 

10 Tips for Safe Trimming 

1. Use a sharp #10 blade to do a neat job without scalping your horse (with a finer blade, you’d see errors easily), and keep lubricant handy. The clippers will change tone when they need spritzing. 
2. Use a heavy-duty extension cord. 
3. Work where the light is good—outside, if your barn isn’t well-lit. 
4. Use a regular cotton shank. 
5. To work on the jaw, unsnap the halter throatlatch and re-snap it to the top ring so it can’t swing up and hit your horse’s eye if he shakes his head. 
6. Enlist a calm helper to steady your horse while you trim. 
7. Work slowly and carefully. You can trim just about any horse without twitching him if you’re patient. 
8. When you hit a ticklish spot, move right back to an area your horse just let you do; then try the ticklish spot again. This process helps desensitize him in those areas. 
9. Never trim a horse in crossties. 
10. Don’t fight your horse. 

Related Reading: How to Body Clip a Horse: Tips and Patterns 

This article originally ran on Practical Horseman. 

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