Bridle Path (horse) - Bridle Path Length

Bridle Path Length

The length of the bridle path often varies between the equestrian disciplines and breeds.

• The Hunter-type English riding disciplines, including dressage, show jumping, eventing, and hunt seat equitation, prefer a short bridle path of 1-2 inches. This length is also appropriate for certain breeds, including Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods.

• Saddle seat and fine harness horses are shown with a longer bridle path of at least 8 inches. It is usually appropriate for use on breeds associated with these disciplines, even when certain individual animals are shown in-hand or under saddle in other disciplines. Breeds clipped to a "Saddle type" style include American Saddlebreds, Tennessee Walking Horses, National Show Horses, Arabians, and Morgans.

• The Western riding disciplines, including the western performance discipines such as reining and western pleasure, generally cut a bridle path that is as long as the length of the horse's ear when laid flat back against the mane, generally no more than 6 to 8 inches. Stock horse breeds, including Quarter Horses, American Paint Horses, and Appaloosas, use this style of cut.

• Andalusians generally never have a bridle path longer than 1 inch.

• Peruvian Pasos are sometimes prohibited to have a bridle path by certain show organizations.

• Icelandic horses do not have a bridle path clipped.