Your horse deserves gear that works as hard as you do.
If you’re shopping for a western headstall—whether for ranch work, weekend rides, or the show pen—you’re in the right place. Headstalls aren’t just leather straps and pretty stitching… they’re your direct line of communication with your horse.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: styles, fit, materials, must-have features, maintenance, and how to pick the right one for your horse.
And if you’re ready to shop, you can browse all premium Ranch Hand tack right here:
👉 https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/
Let’s ride.
🐴 What Is a Western Headstall & Why It Matters
A western headstall holds your bit (or hackamore) and allows you to give clear cues to your horse. Whether you’re roping, trail riding, or showing, your headstall needs to offer stability, comfort, and responsiveness.
Think of it like the steering wheel of your pickup: if it’s loose, stiff, or poorly made, everything else feels off.
If you’re looking for a new one, here’s the full selection:
👉 Western Headstalls: https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/headstalls-for-horses/
🤠 Western Headstall Styles (And Which One You Need)
1. Browband Headstall
The classic. Solid, reliable, great for green horses, snaffles, and general riding.
Perfect for riders who want stability without fuss.
2. One-Ear Headstall
Sleek, clean, and ideal for finished horses.
Great for the arena or when you want that classy minimalist look.
3. Split-Ear or Two-Ear Headstall
Balanced, secure, and sharp-looking.
Popular with riders who want a standout style without sacrificing function.
4. Bitless / Hackamore Headstall
Gentler riding, training young horses, or trail riding.
A great option if your horse prefers less mouth pressure.
Shop all Ranch Hand headstall styles here:
👉 https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/headstalls-for-horses/
👜 Materials: What Your Headstall Should Really Be Made Of
A headstall is only as good as the materials it’s built with.
✔ Full-Grain Leather (Ranch Hand’s top pick)
- Ages beautifully
- Softens and molds to your horse
- Durable enough for real ranch work
✔ Braided Leather & Rawhide Accents
- Strong
- Eye-catching
- Great for arena and show work
✔ Stainless Steel or Rose-Gold Hardware
(Your Ranch Hand signature look, Jesse.)
- Sweat-proof
- Rust-resistant
- Adds that premium finish
If you want matching gear, check out:
👉 Horse Breast Collars: https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/horse-breast-collar/
👉 Horse Reins: https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/horse-reins/
👉 Mane & Tail Bags: https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/mane-bags-tail-bags/
🔧 How to Fit a Western Headstall Properly
Nothing ruins a good ride like a headstall that’s pinching, slipping, or rubbing.
Here’s the quick “Jesse-approved” fit checklist:
✔ 1. Cheekpieces
Should line up cleanly with the corners of the mouth (for bitted setups).
No drooping, twisting, or pulling.
✔ 2. Browband / Ear Piece
- Browband: sits flat, no pressure on the ears
- One-ear: doesn’t squeeze or ride too low
✔ 3. Throatlatch
Should allow two fingers between the strap and the horse’s throat.
✔ 4. Bit Position
Two gentle wrinkles for most setups.
Hackamores: noseband sits 1–2 fingers below the cheekbone.
All Ranch Hand headstalls follow standard Quarter Horse sizing — designed for the stock horses you and I grew up riding.
🧽 How to Take Care of Your Headstall So It Lasts (And Looks Damn Good)
Leather Headstalls
- Wipe after rides
- Condition monthly
- Keep out of direct heat
- Oil lightly (don’t drown it like a pancake in syrup)
Rawhide/Braided
- No soaking
- Light brushing
- Dry naturally
Synthetic Options
- Hose down
- Mild soap
- Practically zero maintenance
If you want low-maintenance tack, consider pairing your headstall with weather-proof mane bags:
👉 https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/mane-bags-tail-bags/
⭐ Why Ranch Hand Headstalls Outperform the Competition
Let’s be honest:
Most headstalls online look pretty… until you ride them hard. Then they stretch, crack, fade, or twist like a cheap belt.
Ranch Hand tack is built for real riders:
- Premium full-grain leather
- Rose-gold and stainless hardware options
- Thick stitching
- Designed by riders in Alberta
- Arena-worthy looks and ranch-worthy durability
- Ships across Canada & the U.S.
Shop the full collection here:
👉 https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/headstalls-for-horses/
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
Do these headstalls fit Quarter Horses?
Yes. All Ranch Hand headstalls are designed around standard Quarter Horse builds.
Can I swap bits easily?
Most models offer quick-change ends—buckles, snaps, or tie-end.
Does the rose-gold hardware hold up?
Absolutely. It’s sweat-resistant, rust-resistant, and looks sharp in the arena.
Do you have matching tack?
Complete your setup:
- Breast collars → https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/horse-breast-collar/
- Reins → https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/horse-reins/
🎯 Final Call to Action: Upgrade Your Ride
If you’re shopping for a western headstall, don’t settle for something that’ll quit before you do.
Get gear built by people who live the life, ride the horses, and actually know how tack should fit.
👉 Shop Western Headstalls: https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/headstalls-for-horses/
👉 Explore All Horse Gear: https://ranchhand.store/product-category/horse/
Your horse will feel the difference.
Your hands will feel the difference.
And honestly?
So will your Instagram photos.
