- Frequently asked questions
- Which Western headstall is anatomically shaped?
- Why can an anatomical shape of the Western headstall be useful?
Western Bridles
- Frequently asked questions
- Which Western headstall is anatomically shaped?
- Why can an anatomical shape of the Western headstall be useful?
Which Western headstall is anatomically shaped?
Western headstall only consist of cheekpieces, a headpiece, a browband or single ear, a throat lash and a chinstrap. This means that the contact surfaces of a Western bridle are smaller than with a cavesson or flash noseband. Nevertheless, in addition to an optimal fit, an anatomical shape can be achieved. The main focus here is on the headpiece, which is wider and slightly curved in an anatomically shaped Western headstall. In this way, the contact surface is increased and the pressure on the neck is distributed, reducing punctual pressure. The curved shape leaves out the ear roots and the headstall does not press against the ears where the sensitive parotid gland is located.
an anatomically shaped single or double ear headstall, the ear loop is slightly twisted so that it fits the shape of the ear and does not cut into the ear with the strap edges. Whether the browband is straight or knotted or has a V-shape has nothing to do with the ergonomics of the bridle, but only has visual reasons.
Even with bitless bridles for Western horses, attention must be paid to an optimal fit. The bosal in particular must be meticulously adjusted to the shape of the horse's nose so that it does not cause any damage. However, this can easily be adjusted to the respective horse by bending and pressing. In our online shop you will also find sidepulls for Western horses that can be adjusted to the horse's head in various ways so that the horse can wear them with maximum comfort. You can complement your Western bridle with matching accessories from our online shop, such as Western reins or chin straps.
Why can an anatomical shape of the Western headstall be useful?
As with anatomical cavesson bridles, an anatomical shape is also useful for Western headstall. It not only increases the comfort for the horse, but also contributes to its looseness and consequently its rideability. An anatomically shaped headstall avoids sensitive areas on the head. In the case of a Western headstall, where few straps are used, it is the headpiece that can be anatomically shaped. With an ear recess, pressure against the root of the ear and thus the parotid gland is minimised or prevented. Horses generally find this very comfortable. The horse can salivate and swallow because the parotid gland is not squeezed - at least if the horse is not overbent. Extra wide and padded headpieces also distribute the pressure and make it even more comfortable for the horse.