So it just seems standard your supposed to have a bridle path. I always took it to the most literal translation..bridle PATH not super highway. I have always trimmed a halters width that's it. I know some people bend back the ear and use that as a guide. And then Arabians are even further back sometimes. But I have to wonder what's the benefit of having that chunk of missing mane?
All I can come up with is convenience for rider. Surely it isn't comfortable to have a buzz cut then have a halter/bridle pressing down on it, especially as it grows out. It just seems unnatural and unnecessary. I understand it looks neater and tidy for shows but thinking purely of the comfort of the horse.. I think I'll stop clipping mine..
Does everybody do bridle paths? Or are there others who've questioned them as well. Posted via Mobile Device
I use clippers and keep my mare's bride path at about 2-3 inches wide and keep it short. So much easier even just trying to get halters on(I don't often use the halters with the throat latch hooks because I've had them break too many times)
The only horse I don't clip a bridle path on is my appaloosa mare because I roach her mane, so the point would be mute.
It's really annoying me that I can't do my new girl's bridle path... she won't even let me halter her at the moment, forget clippers or even scissors anywhere near her! hahaha I much prefer the look of a neat bridle path to a "natural" mane.
Aaaaaggghhh the worst is when someone just keeps clipping that bridle path longer and longer and before you know it, the darned thing is 4" long! Always best to clip/trim toward the forelock so that you don't keep slowly getting longer and longer!
I think having a bridle path keeps the bridle from sitting wrong in the horses mouth (bit too high in the mouth or sitting uneven). Having a lump of hair stuck under the bridle probably makes it not fit as well.
Not really. All my reiners do not have a bridle path and I have never had any problems nor has my trainer or any of the other reiners I know who do not cut bridle path. It is all about how you train the mane.
they just sick and tired of everyone making jokes and rubbing their heads. so its easier to say it "feels weird" (which still doesnt mean pain) than to get ****** off and start swinging.
There is always someone who makes a "profound" statement that winds up in print. Recently I read that the bridle path should be scissored rather than clipped. The reason being the clippers create an uncomfortable stubble whereas the bristles from scissoring will lie down. My question is, how the hell would someone know if the stubble under the bridle is uncomfortable? Or do they just think they know?
Well, I don't know, but just like back in the '70s when riding without a saddle pad was a trend in the show ring, it seemed very uncomfortable for me, so I never did it. I didn't know if it was or not, but it just makes me feel better. :P Didn't mean to offend anyone.
Bridle paths are necessary when you are showing a horse. They are also very functional, and make tacking up easier. However, I find it beautiful when a horse is natural in every way. Scruffy manes and long whiskers seem so organic.
Bridle paths are necessary when you are showing a horse. They are also very functional, and make tacking up easier. However, I find it beautiful when a horse is natural in every way. Scruffy manes and long whiskers seem so organic.
No they are not necessary when showing. I have been showing for almost 2 decades and do not cut a bridle path. It is also no more functional then a well trained mane. Actually less as you have to keep it clipped.
I also don't do them because I want them to have more hair to shake flies off with. Just a personal preference. There's nothing wrong with having one, I just don't do them.
Sometimes trimming a bridle path depends on how thick the mane is. Even one just a little wider than the poll strap can make a big difference when bridling if the mane is quite thick and long.
I wasn't tying to make a fuss over what others do. I was just trying explain that horses don't have nerve endings like we do in hair follicles so the stubble shouldn't be a factor as far as feeling weird.
I could care less what others do as far as bridle or saddle paths
My boy currently has a (mangled) bridle path but I'm planning on letting most of it grow out. I try to avoid doing things strictly for vanity reasons, but I want him to have a thicker forelock. I scissor it because I don't own a set of clippers, don't show, and don't want to deal with desensitizing my horse to them for no reason.
makes it easier to halter and bridle, no mane to get caught in the knot or clasp.
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