Western tack offers a wide range of styles designed to suit different disciplines, horses and rider preferences. Among the most common choices riders face is whether to use a browband headstall or a single ear headstall. While both serve the same purpose (i.e., holding the bit in place), their design can affect how the bit fits and functions on the horse.
For many equine professionals, the decision often comes down to the type of bit being used. The shape and mechanics of a snaffle, bosal, or shanked (curb) bit can influence which headstall style provides the best fit and stability.
“I prefer to use a browband if I'm riding with a snaffle or bosal, then an eared headstall if I'm riding with a shank bit,” says Crysta Brown, a professional horsewoman based in Arizona and the United Kingdom.
A headstall with a browband is considered more secure. This is why a snaffle bit is best used with a browband headstall, as it helps keep the bit in the correct position. Having a headstall with a throatlatch helps prevent it from moving or being removed when the horse shakes his head. In addition, the browband not only keeps the bridle from slipping backwards on the horse’s head, but it also helps to keep the cheek pieces in the correct position without pressure or pinching on the ears.
An eared headstall is seen more with shanked (curb) bits. A shanked bit utilizes a curb strap, which is used not only for additional communication with the horse, but to secure the bit in the mouth. Eared headstalls do not have a throatlatch and are often easiest to put on and take off the horse.
Eared headstalls come in a variety of styles:
- Single ear – One U-shaped piece of leather for the earpiece that slides on the crown into position, typically for the right ear.
- Double ear – Two U-shaped pieces of leather for two earpieces that slide on the crown into position for the two ears.
- Slit/Slot ear – The leather for the crown will typically be wider towards the top and a section of leather is cut to leave a slot for the ear. Slit ear headstalls are exactly that—a slit cut in the leather. Slot ear headstalls have a section of leather cut from the crown, leaving a slot for the ear.
There aren't any fashion rules about which type of eared headstall to choose—it's more of a matter of what not only works best with your bit and for your riding style, but also which style is most comfortable for your horse.
Horses with sensitive ears may not like the slit ear style because that tends to be a tighter fit around the base of the ear. Sensitive-eared horses might not like you slipping their ears into the holes, either, so it might be best to use a browband.
You should also take into consideration your horse's looks. If your horse has a small head with beautiful markings, you don't want to cover it up with a lot of leather. Or, if your horse is simpler looking, you can dress him up with your tack even more.
Once you've chosen the headstall for your horse, make sure it fits comfortably and that all leather ties or screws are secure.
Adjusting a Headstall
If your horse is constantly chewing on the bit, opening his mouth or tossing his head, then the setup is not comfortable for the horse. Have your veterinarian check your horse for any dental issues.
- Cheek pieces: If your bridle has buckles on both sides for cheek pieces, make sure that when you adjust the buckles on each side evenly. You want the bit to be level in the horse’s mouth.
- The bit is in the correct position when it’s snug against the corners of the mouth.
- Browband headstall: The brow band should keep the cheek pieces in position, while making sure the crown sits comfortably behind the ears and not pinching the base of the ears.
- A curb chain/strap has a different purpose depending on the kind of bit it is being used with.
- A snaffle bit should have a curb strap only to keep the rings of the snaffle from being pulled through the horse's mouth when turning. It should not be tight, but rather it should hang loosely.
- With a shanked bit, the curb is attached in the bridle ring where the headstall is attached to the cheek pieces. The chain should be set so that when the reins are pulled slightly, the chain makes contact with the chin.
Choosing the Right Fit
Of course, the most important thing about choosing a headstall is if it's the right fit for your horse and for you. You might find that a double-ear headstall looks the best, keeps the bit in the proper place in your horse's mouth and fits your budget and style. If that's the case, it's okay to buck tradition. Comfort and safety are the most important considerations.
