Bridle path

[jpbab]

Was a bridle path clip ever executed on a civil war horse?

[moarkcav]

Re: Bridle path

I am not sure on the bridle path but I remember seeing a couple of photos where the entire mane is roached. I don't do either.


Chris Talburt

[csabugler]

Re: Bridle path

I wish somebody would answer this question, I thinks it's a good point. In my opinion it is a modern practice, but I have absolutely nothing to document that on.
That's why I emaphasize "opinion".
I bought one once that was trimmed and caught a lot of grief about it. But then, in the Critters you get grief about everything...

[rbruno]

Re: Bridle path

I will take a guess at this. My opinion is that is a modern practice as well. A couple of reasons why I believe this are:
Looking at orginal photos. I just went back to the photos that Zack posted a while back. I could not see any clear examples of cutting a bridle path. Some are hard to make out and could be, but no definite examples. Some are obvious that they don't have the mane cut.
No decription or written evidence. I have never heard or read of this being part of the grooming of a horse from the period.
Lastly, probably the last thing on a soldiers mind. This is a guess.

SO, I would say it didn't happen, but the one thing I have learned in this hobby is that as soon as you say never, someone will have a source that says they did.

Rob Bruno
1st MD Cav

[csabugler]

Re: Bridle path

I always try to never use two words in a historical discussion. Always and never.
Speaking of Zack, I'll bet when he sees this he'll have something for us...

[Linkstrap]

Re: Bridle path

In my opinion it is a modern practice, but I have absolutely nothing to document that on.
That's why I emaphasize "opinion".

I agree, but I too must emphasise that is just my "opinion" also. I cannot recall seeing any period reference to it, and indeed the following lines from 'Congdon's' would appear to specifically prohibit any such practice:

"The horse comb should be used to clean the mane and tail, so as not to pull out the hairs. The mane and tail must never be cut".

This is of course hardly conclusive, ( merely my humble 0.2).

[jpbab]

Re: Bridle path

I am still seeking a definitive answer but agree on a few points: "The mane and tail must never be cut"seems pretty definitive, but splitting hairs its just a small path that is clipped. I have a friend that is a riding instructor and whe I asked her if I could borrow some horses for a movie shoot her reply was " I know your a stickler for authenticity and all my horses have bridle paths cut and they didn't do that in the 1800's." I also recongize that "always" and "never" are never always the definitive answer. I can't even find the origin of bridle path usage and would not be surprised if it were done in Roman times, lost favor, and came back into style a dozen times over the centuries.

[csabugler]

Re: Bridle path

Well at least now we have evidence that it should not be done. Until someone comes up with some period reference, it seems the answer is:
It might have been, probably was sometimes, but was not typical and customary and should be avoided.
For now any way...