Billy Royal Headstalls and Bridles

A headstall holds the bit; a bridle is a headstall plus reins. In Western tack the two words overlap, so listings use them loosely. What matters is the style: where the leather sits on the head, how the bit attaches, and how many adjustments the fit has.

Styles explained

• One ear. A single loop slips over one ear, leaving the other free. Quick to put on and off, and a clean look.
• Two ear. A loop for each ear, generally a more formal and stable shape.
• Browband. A band across the forehead, held by cheeks and crown, which stays put without ear loops.
• Quick change. Bit ends fold over and lock, so bits can be swapped without unbuckling the cheeks.
• Water tie. A sewn loop at the bit end that ties on rather than buckling or snapping.

The Billy Royal headstalls and bridles

Choosing between them

For schooling and bit changes: the quick change and Arabian training bridles are built around swapping bits. The Work Bridle also uses brass snaps at the bit ends. A snap is quick but adds a hardware point near the bit ring.

For everyday ranch and show use: the Canyon Ranch two ear style and the Hermann Oak browband headstall are finished with hand-rubbed edges and contrast stitching or water tie ends.

For quiet, simple tack: a one ear headstall has fewer parts and is quick to adjust. Check that the ear loop slides to suit your horse's ears.

For Arabians and similar breeds: the Arabian training listings say the bridle is designed to fit most Arabians, half Arabians and similar breeds. That is the manufacturer's intent, so measure your own horse as well. A snug-fitting bit and noseband matter more than a label.

Size and fit

Measurements on listings are bit end to bit end with adjustment, so they describe the longest setting. Measure your horse's head from bit ring to bit ring over the poll and compare. Allow for the bit you will use. Buying a size for "full horse" is not the same as buying for your horse; check the listed range.

Unlike a saddle, a headstall does not change shape to suit a horse, so range of adjustment is your best friend.

Materials and origin

Many of the bridles are made from hand-rubbed and oiled harness leather with brass or stainless hardware. The Hermann Oak browband and the Canyon Ranch headstall are listed as made by Amish craftsmen in the USA. For the other bridles in this table, the listings reviewed do not state a country of origin; see Where Billy Royal saddles are made for why origin is stated product by product.

Care

Wipe sweat from the cheeks and crown, check stitching and buckles, and condition lightly as described in Oiling smooth leather. Match your headstall with reins from Reins.

What we can't confirm

• The Hermann Oak browband listing mentions a workman's warranty without stating its terms. Ask before relying on it.
• Listings do not give cheek or crown lengths for every model.
• Hardware material is stated for some models only. Check the listing's details.