Definition: The short span of shaved mane on the neck directly behind the ears that allows the bridle to be put on and off without tangling in long mane hairs is called a bridle path. A guideline for deciding how long to cut the bridle path back is to fold back an ear and use it for a measurement. A trimmed bridle path helps to give the horse a nice groomed appearance. On some breeds, such as the Arabian, the bridle path is cut well down the neck to emphasis the elegance of the arch.
Trails used for riding can also be referred to as bridle paths.
Examples:
Using the electric clippers the girls carefully trimmed their pony's bridle path to groom for the show.
