A bridle path is a designated route or track legally set aside for use by horse riders, though in equestrian tack terminology it also refers to a small area on the horse’s mane, just behind the ears, where the mane is clipped or pulled short to allow the bridle’s headpiece to sit cleanly. Both meanings are in common use — context makes the intended sense clear.
Bridle Paths as Routes
In the UK, a bridle path (more formally called a bridleway) is a public right of way on which horse riders, cyclists, and walkers have legal access. They are a vital part of the equestrian network, connecting yards to open land, linking villages, and providing safe off-road hacking routes away from motor traffic. The network of public bridleways in England and Wales runs to tens of thousands of kilometres, recorded on the Definitive Map held by each local authority.
Bridleways are distinct from public footpaths, which permit walkers only, and from byways open to all traffic (BOATs), which also permit motor vehicles. Riders on public bridleways have a legal right to be there; obstructions such as locked gates, ploughed surfaces, or crops growing over the path are the responsibility of the landowner to resolve. The BHS Access and Rights of Way team actively campaigns to protect and improve bridleway access across the UK.
Safe hacking on bridleways and quiet roads is an important part of many horses’ exercise programmes. Well-hacked horses that are exposed to traffic, dogs, machinery, and varied terrain develop confidence and mental resilience that benefits their work under saddle. See also: hacking.
The Bridle Path on the Horse
On the horse itself, the bridle path is the short section of mane immediately behind the ears. When bridled, the headpiece of the bridle lies across this area. If the mane at this point is long and thick, the headpiece can be pushed forward or sit unevenly, affecting the fit and comfort of the bridle.
To address this, many riders clip or pull a small section of mane in the bridle path area — typically three to five centimetres — so the headpiece lies flat. This is a particularly common practice with horses kept in work year-round, where the bridle is put on daily. For showing, the bridle path clip is standard practice in many UK showing classes, contributing to a neat, clean appearance around the headpiece.
In Western riding traditions, the bridle path clip is generally longer — sometimes extending several inches down the neck — for a cleaner, more defined look specific to Western turnout standards. In British disciplines, a short clip is the norm.
Maintaining and Reporting Bridleways
Riders who use public bridleways regularly are encouraged to report obstructions, damaged surfaces, and missing waymarkers to their local authority or to the BHS, which maintains an online reporting system. A well-maintained bridleway network benefits all equestrians. Overgrown, unpassable, or illegally blocked bridleways are not simply an inconvenience — for horses spooking at obstacles or riders navigating unsafe terrain, they represent genuine hazards.
The BHS also runs the Free to Hack initiative, encouraging landowners to open access land voluntarily to riders even beyond the statutory bridleway network. Supporting organisations that defend bridleway rights is a practical way for every equestrian to contribute to access for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cyclists use bridleways?
Yes — in England and Wales, cyclists have the legal right to use bridleways, alongside horse riders and walkers. In practice, the majority of bridleway cycling is courteous and unproblematic, but conflicts do occasionally arise. Riders are advised to make themselves visible and to communicate clearly when approaching cyclists on narrow bridleways. If a cyclist causes issues on a bridleway, local highway authority or police non-emergency contact is the appropriate route.
How do I find bridleways near my yard?
Ordnance Survey maps mark bridleways as long-dashed green lines — they are visible on both paper OS maps and on the OS Maps digital app. The BHS website also has a route finder. Local riding clubs and Pony Club branches are an excellent source of knowledge about nearby routes, including informal agreements with landowners that go beyond the statutory network.
How long should the bridle path clip be on a show horse?
For most British showing disciplines, a bridle path clip of three to five centimetres is sufficient — just enough to allow the headpiece of the bridle to sit flat without mane hair bunching beneath it. Longer clips can look untidy in the show ring. The clip should be neat and blended into the surrounding mane rather than abruptly cut. Native pony classes that are shown in their natural state typically do not clip the bridle path at all.