How to Clip a Bridle Path

Owning a horse can be a joyful experience for both you and the horse. One of the many chores that comes with owning a horse is regular grooming. Horses are generally laid back about the grooming process if it is done regularly and correctly. Clipping the bridle path is just one thing that needs to be looked at when keeping your horse groomed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide which hair you will be clipping before you begin.

2. Begin by clipping a thin bridle path. You do not want to make the path too wide. A good rule of thumb is that the path should be two fingers wide.

3. Trim the width of the bridle's crown piece up to but not exceeding 1 inch.

4. Using a comb pull an inch of the mane from right behind where the bridle normally sits. Take the rest of the mane and tuck it safely out of the way. This will give you a clearer view of what you are clipping.

5. Clip from front to back. This will help keep you from clipping unnecessary hairs.

6. Cut downward on the mane from a point directly even with the back of the ear. Use a comb to help you get your lines straight.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make a cleaner edge by turning the clipper blade on right angles.
• Use slow and tiny motions. This will help keep you from making mistakes and also will help to keep the horse calm.

[mishkalilly]

on 1/13/2009 Good way to measure is with your horses ear. So if you can, flatten your horses ear against it's mane and end of ear should be stopping point.

[Nouvisimo]

on 1/20/2008 Good article. I especially like the enphansis on safety.
But can we talk Blade #'s? And breed standards?