Whether starting out, or well-versed in a Western discipline, having the right Western bridle for your horse is crucial for success. You need a Western bridle that fits comfortably on your horse and fits with the Western discipline you are riding. Simple Western bridles are a wonderful choice for working on a ranch or trail ride. When your horse is in the show arena, you want to choose a flashy Western bridle with silver and designed leather to compliment your horse’s moves and style.
History of the Western Bridle
Did you know that the Spanish Conquistadors brought Western riding, as American as it is? Though they brought discipline to our shores, we have made the riding style uniquely American with our style and use of Western tack. The origins of the Western bridle date back to the late 1700s, when cowboys were prevalent in the southwest, working the land, herding cattle, and working on ranches. Although that lifestyle and work is still a part of the American landscape, Western riding and bridles are now more commonplace in show arenas and on the trail.
Understanding the Western Bridle
Western bridles are just that: bridles are meant to be used for Western disciplines, such as trail riding, rodeos, and reining. They are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for a horse that may be working for long distances. The reins on the Western bridle are also held loosely in the hand, with the rider using neck reining to communicate with the horse. Western bridles consist of 6 parts: the crown, browband, throatlatch, cheekpiece, curb strap, bit, and reins. Some kinds of western horse bridles also have nosebands or cavessons. Western bridles are very different from their English counterparts, which almost always have a noseband and browband and also have shorter reins meant to be held in both hands.
The Different Types of Western Bridles
Several types of Western bridles, or headstalls, are sold on the market today. Choosing the right one depends on your horse's comfort, the particular style of Western you ride, and the bit your horse does (or does not) wear.
One Ear and Split Ear Headstalls
One ear and split ear headstalls are a popular option for Western riders. One ear headstalls have a crown with an adjustable loop that one of the horse’s ears goes through. Split ear headstalls have a slit towards the top of the crown that opens for the horse’s ear to go through. These headstalls are great for horses that don’t tolerate browbands well. However, these headstalls are not great for horses that need a snaffle bit, as these headstalls work best with shanked bits. One and split-ear bridles are worn in various disciplines, such as western pleasure, cutting, reining, reined cowhorse, barrel racing, roping, ranch work, and trail riding.
Double Ear Headstalls
Double ear headstalls provide additional security so the crown will not slip too far back on your horse’s head, but can still be worn with shanked or curbed bits. The two separate, symmetrical loops for the horse’s ears also help improve the balance of the bridle. These headstalls are perfect in the show ring, as they are usually styled with tooled leather and flashy metal for a polished and stylish look.
Browband Headstalls
Browband headstalls have a piece of leather that sits below the horse’s ears and attaches to the sides of the crown. It also includes a throat latch, which prevents the bridle from slipping on the horse’s head. These headstalls are a great everyday Western bridle, perfect for everything from trail riding to ranch work to roping arenas. These headstalls are also perfect for use with snaffles, which is great for schooling or young horses.
Western Show Bridles
Western show bridles are designed with the show ring in mind and often have beautiful silver work and intricate stitching. Western show bridles are made in single and double-ear headstalls, depending on your preference. These blingy and stylish Western bridles are best reserved for show days, so keep this one shined and oiled up to show off your style at the arena and purchase a simpler Western bridle for schooling at home.
Hackamores, Bosal Bridles, and Macates
Hackamores, bosal bridles, and macates are perfect options for green horses or horses that need a break from bits. Bosals are leather headstalls with thick, heavy nosebands made of cowhide material. Instead of traditional split or single reins, a mecate is attached to the bosal bridle under the horse’s chin. This bridle is a stepping stone to neck reining as it uses nose pressure instead of leverage.
Loping hackamores consist of a browband headstall, a thick string-like throatlatch, a soft, plaited noseband, and a set of split or single reins. These bridles are popular among cutters and cowhorse riders to warm up or cool out their horses. Loping hackamores are less sophisticated than other hackamores but help teach basic lateral cues.
A mecate rein is a single length of rope used as a rein system for a bosal bridle or hackamore. Mecate reins are often made of twisted horse hair or nylon and can be 20–25 feet long and up to 3/4 inches in diameter. They're a versatile training tool for trail riders and can be used in several ways, including refining cues as well as doubling as a lead rope.
The Styles and Aesthetics of Western Bridles
While Western bridles can be made of everything from leather to synthetic materials, Western bridles have traditionally been made from natural materials with added bling specialized toward the Western tradition. While English bridles are generally kept in classic colors with very little design, Western bridles are designed to stand out in the crowd. Below are some of the most traditional Western styles and aesthetics.
Leather
Most Western bridles are made of traditional leather that has been tanned (chemically processed hide that changes the molecular structure of the hide for durability). Cowhide is a common choice of leather because it is strong and durable.
Rawhide
Rawhide is hide or animal skin that has not been exposed to tanning. It’s lighter in color than traditional leather, is more susceptible to water than traditional leather, and quickly softens and stretches if not waterproof.
Silver Accents
Want to bring bling to the ring? Western show bridles are renowned for their shiny metal accents, from oval buckles with floral designs to silver plate ball ferrules. Silver is the traditional bling choice for Western riders, and how much is up to you.
Tooling
Silver is not the only way to show off your style. Western bridles often feature tooled designs in the leather, from intricate patterns to floral designs.
Fitting a Western Bridle
No matter how beautiful or functional your horse’s Western bridle is, it will be useless unless it fits comfortably. You should be able to place about two fingers underneath the headstall. You must also make sure the bit (if using) looks even on both sides of the horse’s face. For single or split-ear headstalls, ensure the loop does not pinch the horse’s ear or is too constricting.
Western bridles have a long and storied history, from their use on the ranch to barrel racing to the trail and more. These bridles are an integral part of the Western riding experience, and having the right bridle for your Western discipline will make all the difference for you and your horse.
