Headstalls
Our horse headstalls are made from oiled harness leather and built to last through daily riding, arena work, and regular bit changes. Styles come in browband, slide ear, and slit ear, with plain, basketweave, and floral carved options.
Leather Horse Headstalls
Leather horse headstalls are ideal for everyday arena and ranch use. Riders who change bits regularly will find the Quick Change Browband and Berlin PolyRope Quick Change more convenient than a standard buckle headstall. The Braided Rawhide and Dark Oiled Leather Browband is the premium option, hand finished with braided rawhide detail. The Professional's Choice Chocolate Rough Out Gunslinger is the only slit ear style, with a shaped, tapered fit that sits closer to the horse's head than a standard slide ear.
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What to Look for in a Horse Headstall
The leather quality is the most important factor in a headstall. Hermann Oak leather is widely regarded as the best harness leather available because it's tanned slowly, holds its shape, and breaks in without losing its strength.
Oiled leather headstalls should be conditioned regularly to prevent cracking at the buckle holes. Quick change headstalls are a practical choice for riders who switch bits frequently because they allow bit changes without unbuckling and rebuckling the entire headstall.
FAQ
What is the difference between a browband and slide ear headstall?
A browband headstall has a strap that runs across the horse's forehead, keeping the headstall in place and distributing pressure more evenly. A slide ear headstall has a loop that sits behind one ear, giving a cleaner, lighter look with less leather on the horse's head.
What is a slit ear headstall?
A slit ear headstall has a single slit cut into the crownpiece that one ear slides through.
What leather is best for a horse headstall?
Hermann Oak leather is considered the benchmark for quality in western tack.
How do I care for a leather horse headstall?
Wipe the headstall clean after each use and apply a leather conditioner regularly. Pay particular attention to the buckle holes and anywhere the leather folds as these areas dry out fastest and are the first to crack on a neglected headstall.