Homemade Cowboy Headstalls

A headstall and a bit make up a bridle. Creating homemade cowboy headstalls is a trade from the Old West that still thrives in ranching and rodeo circles today. Determining your materials, style, fit, function and the look is a creative and practical process.

  1. Essential Elements

    • Most headstalls have the following elements: the crown piece, cheek pieces, throat-latch and the brow-band or one-ear. You can easily order the materials from wholesalers, including the headstall material itself, in either leather, horsehair or a synthetic nylon or biothane.

    Construction

    • Simply measure your horse for the different headstall elements. If you want it to be interchangeable with other horses, take that into consideration as you construct the headstall to make room for adjustments. Determine how you will attach the elements and the bit; they are typically fastened with leather strings or Chicago screws. Determine the style, how ornate or simple you want it to be.

    Signature Style

    • Signature style is probably the best part of making your own headstalls, as your only limit is your imagination. When considering the style, always put functionality and comfort for your horse and rider first.