Western headstalls – Design and variations

The variety of Western headstalls knows no bounds. In addition to a few basic pieces, the Western rider has a choice of different headstalls, some of which are very strikingly designed. From elaborate browbands to one or two ear designs, which serve more than just decorative purposes, the process of deciding which Western headstall is best suited to the rider’s needs is extremely difficult. And even among the bitless styles, there are several variations.

Woman standing next to western horse wearing a western snaffle

What does a Western headstall actually look like and what aspects should I consider when buying one? We will show you how a classic Western headstall is constructed for your horse and how the various types differ.

Design of a Western headstall

Chart of the parts of the Western bridle

Parts of the Western Bridle Download here

A Western headstall is strictly limited to the basics. The headstall has at most an additional throat lash. A traditional noseband, as with a bridle for English riding, is not used, as the Western riding style does not involve constant contact to the rider’s hand, but rather the loose rein and minimal use of rein aids promotes the Western horse’s independent balancing.

In addition, depending on the type of bit, a chin strap or curb chain is buckled to the Western headstall. For bits without shanks, a chin strap is used to prevent the bit rings from being pulled through the horse’s mouth, e.g. if the horse unexpectedly spooks or bolts. The chinstrap is loosely buckled. A curb chain or chin strap, on the other hand, is used with bits with shanks to increase the leverage effect of the reins on the bit. The following applies: the tighter the chain is buckled, the stronger the effect. When buckling the curb chain or chin strap, however, make sure that it is not buckled too tightly and that it lies flat against the horse’s chin.

Western reins

There are various types of reins in Western riding. The most common variation is the so-called split reins, where you have two single reins. Handling can be a challenge, especially for beginners, as the reins can slip out of the hand and fall to the ground. The reins are looped over the withers so that the end of the right rein hangs down on the left side of the horse and vice versa. Make sure that the ends of the reins do not hang down more than the carpal joint, otherwise the risk of injury is high.

Horse with one-ear headstall and split reins

There are also closed types (loop reins) and other reins such as slobber reins or romal reins, which are usually richly decorated and are ridden one-handed in the ranch classes.

Discover our Western Reins

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Western Reins Basic

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Western Reins Rawhide

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Mix & Match Western Reins Tie End

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Western Reins Wilco

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Split Reins Natural

£39.90
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Quality Leather Reins with Snaps

£39.90

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Reins Quick Release Ends

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Adjustable Western Reins

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Western Reins Premium

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Quality Leather Reins Quick Release Ends

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In contrast to English riding, one-handed reins are dominant in Western riding. At shows, however, you should check the rule book beforehand to find out which rein position is allowed in your performance class.

In the lower performance classes it is common to ride two-handed with a snaffle bit or bitless, in the young horse classes it is often allowed to ride one or two-handed and in the higher performance classes as well as in the senior horses it is normally compulsory to ride one-handed.

Mouthcloser – only in the hands of the professionals!

Since rein aids are used with great restraint in Western riding, there is usually no need to increase the effect. A Western horse that reacts sensitively to the aids does not need a mouth closer. As the name suggests, it is a type of noseband that prevents the horse from opening its mouth too wide. By opening its mouth, the horse withdraws from the rider’s aids. If there are serious problems with the acceptance of the aids, it can be useful in individual cases with young horses or horses in need of correction to use a mouth closer, which can possibly support the horse in accepting the rein aids. However, the use of a mouth closer should be accompanied by a professional trainer and other factors should be ruled out beforehand, e.g. dental problems or a rider that is too strong with his hands.

The Western headstalls variations – is it all just decoration?

Western headstalls make a lasting impression with their unique appearance alone. The high-quality genuine leather gives the headstalls in natural brown tones their classic Western look. Conchos, braided features, rawhide decorations and hallmarks add the finishing touches to the headstall. While a basic working headstall may be used for training at home, most Western riders choose very special designs with eye-catching details for their show appearances. Of course, the chosen headstall should blend harmoniously with the rest of the Western equipment.

If you take a look at the variety of Western headstall designs, you will notice not only browband variations, but also the one and two-ear headstall designs. Here we will explain to you what the different types of headstall are all about.

Headstall with browbands

Just as in the English riding style, headstalls with browbands are one of the classics among bridles. The browband also serves a very practical purpose: it reliably prevents the bridle from slipping. Especially in cattle disciplines, where the speed and agile manoeuvres mean that the Western horse’s equipment must be relied upon, these are preferred because of the secure hold they provide.

The following types of browband have become established:

Straight browband
Knotted browband (Futurity headstall)
V-shaped browband

No matter which shape you choose, they all offer equally good support.

Shop headstalls with browband

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Headstall Crystal Dream

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Western Headstall Valea

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Headstall Ikat

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Headstall Perla

£39.90
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Western Headstall Wilco

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Western Headstall Wapi

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Western Headstall Rawhide

£34.90
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Working Headstall Buckle End

£39.90

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Western Headstall Tila

£44.90

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Western Headstall with Reins Stars

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Western Headstall Basic

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One and two ear headstalls

One and two ear headstalls are particularly popular as show bridles. They are minimalist and thus draw the focus all the more on the horse and the fact that it only needs minimal rein aids to communicate with it. Although one and two ear headstalls make do with little material, this does not mean that they skimp on embellishments. In those disciplines where the overall appearance is also a factor in the judging, such as Western Pleasure, one and two-eared headstalls are very often seen in richly decorated designs.

In addition, one and two ear headstalls are ideal to avoid chafing due to the small „contact surface“, providing they fit perfectly.

One and two ear headstalls with much attention to detail

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Single Ear Headstall Rawhide

£29.90
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One Ear Headstall Basic

£19.90
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Single Ear Headstall Buckle End

£34.90
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Mix & Match One Ear Dots

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Mix & Match One Ear Crystal

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Mix & Match One Ear Set Basic

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