Best Western Bridles & Headstalls
We may take for granted the simplicity of a headstall, but it is one the most important pieces of tack we use to communicate with our horse. When searching for your next headstall, it may feel overwhelming to find just one with the plethora of choices on the market. In this article, we will focus on a few factors to consider when picking one—along with our five favorite headstalls of the year!
Western Headstall Styles & How to Choose
A headstall, otherwise known as a western bridle, typically comes in three different styles: browband, sliding ear, and split ear. The discipline you ride, personal preference, bit type, and even horse behavior are all factors that may influence the type of headstall you purchase. The headstall stabilizes the bit in your horse's mouth, whether it's a non-leverage (direct pressure) or leverage bit (indirect pressure). If you're unfamiliar with this terminology, we suggest you take a look at our guide on bit cheekpieces.
Some riders may choose a "bitless" headstall, or hackamore, if their horse is sensitive to a bit or has been trained to neck rein. Whichever type of headstall in whatever material you prefer, this tack piece needs to satisfy the requirements of both you and your equine partner. For additional information, please view our full guide on western bridle/headstall styles to learn more about the ins and outs of this integral tack piece!
Our Top Western Bridle/Headstall Picks
| Best Browband | |
| Best One Ear | Berlin Hermann Oak One Ear Headstall w/ Tie |
| Best Split Ear | |
| Best Hackamore | |
| Best Synthetic | |
| Best Design |
Best Browband Headstall
Berlin Custom Leather Ranch Brand Browband Headstall
If you are looking for a versatile, hardworking headstall with timeless style, then this Berlin Custom headstall is for you! This headstall is exceptionally soft and durable and made from premium oiled leather with fine stitching. The browband styling makes this headstall appropriate to use with any type of bit, while the leather lace ties make changing your bit a breeze. Plus, the stainless steel buckles won't rust and make for quick adjustments. We enjoy the simple look and inexpensive price of this headstall.
Honorable Mention: Martin Saddlery 5/8" Doubled & Stitched HeadstallWe love this headstall by Martin Saddlery for its high-quality latigo leather and adjustability on both sides. You can quickly swap this browband headstall onto any horse-and-bit combo! |
Best One Ear Headstall
Berlin Hermann Oak One Ear Headstall w/ Tie
Tough enough for the ranch yet pretty enough for the show ring, the Berlin Hermann One Ear Headstall is ready for your next adventure. Made from durable Hermann Oak harness leather, this headstall has a broken-in feel right out of the package. It can even be oiled darker for your desired look. Subtle yet beautiful floral hardware adorns the cheek pieces, while the sliding ear design is easy to customize to your horse's head. To round out this impressive package, lace ties make swapping out your bit effortless.
Honorable Mention: Berlin Custom Ranch Brand Leather One Ear HeadstallWe enjoy the traditional styling of this headstall, and the premium dark oiled leather is of high quality. Plus, you can slide the ear to whichever side is more comfortable for your equine partner! |
Best Split Ear Headstall
Berlin Hermann Oak Harness Leather Split Ear Headstall
The Berlin Herman Split Ear Headstall was made for the rider who likes customizable, minimal tack. Crafted from durable Herman Oak Harness leather, this headstall is extremely simple and practical. The slit ear design allows you to secure this headstall over either ear, while the slotted lace bit ends allow for quick bit changes. Pretty copper floral hardware rounds off split ear headstall!
Honorable Mention: Berlin Custom Rope Split Ear HeadstallWe love how simple and practically maintenance-free this headstall is. It's easy to adjust the traditional split ear (like tying a rope halter), and there is absolutely no hardware on this rope headstall. You don't have to worry about any metal parts rusting or corroding! |
Best Hackamore Headstall
Royal King by Tough 1 Bosal Headstall w/ Mecate Reins
The Royal King Bosal Headstall is made from rich leather with a traditional rawhide core bosal, which is a great option for a variety of horses. The mecate reins and leather popper at the end of the lead section of the rein make this headstall an ideal training tool, whether you're in the saddle or working on ground manners. If your horse struggles with flexibility and self-carriage, this durable option might be just what you're looking for!
Honorable Mention: Professional's Choice Schutz Loping HackamoreThis hackamore is ideal for green-broke colts or a seasoned horse with an inexperienced rider, thanks to its soft four-plait nylon noseband and harness leather. Stainless steel hardware prevents rust, and 17-foot poly braided reins offer good grip in any riding condition. |
Best Synthetic Headstall
Weaver Brahma Webb All Purpose Black Headstall
The Weaver Brahma Headstall is classic in style with an extremely lightweight design, and it's super easy to take care of thanks to its synthetic construction. Feeling like leather without the hassle of maintaining it, this headstall is made from synthetic webbing that is naturally weather-resistant. The cart buckles let you quickly put on any bit and efficiently adjust the headstall to size on a variety of horse heads. You can feel good about this headstall's longevity!
Honorable Mention: Berlin Beta BioThane Halter BridleThis snap-on option allows you to have a halter and headstall all in one, making it perfect for the avid trail rider who doesn't want to dirty up their nice leather headstall. Synthetic BioThane is durable and easy to maintain, so you can feel good about this halter bridle's longevity. |
Best Design Headstall
Weaver Turquoise Cross Floral Buckstitch Headstall
If you prefer more of an understated look but still want style, then this Weaver Headstall is for you! The floral carving with basket tooling on dark-oiled leather offers a beautiful contrast that will look great on any horse. The subtle turquoise buckstitch adds some flare without any extra frills. The non-rust stainless steel hardware will also hold up to any riding activity!
Honorable Mention: Circle Y Beaded Headstall Bridle Brown/WhiteThe bead colors, simple tooling accents, and contrast stitching all come together seamlessly on this high-quality headstall. The bold and stylish design is not only pretty to look at, it's also functional with lace-tie leather bit ends and adjustable buckle attachments! |
Closing Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed diving into our favorite western bridles and headstalls in this buying guide! At Riding Warehouse, we want to help you make an informed purchase when choosing horse tack, so you can have the best horse riding experience possible. Our staff has decades of horse experience, and we've grouped these best western bridles and headstalls based on their quality and style, as well as our customer feedback. We aim to have an option for every type of rider, and we encourage you to reach out to us at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com if you have any questions. Happy riding!
Shop the Best Headstalls of the Year!
Related Articles:
