How to Size Horse Headstalls

Choosing the proper sized headstall, or the piece of equipment your horse wears on his head when you ride him, is essential for a pleasant ride. A headstall that is too small will put strain on your horse's face and will make the bit, or metal bar that goes in your horse's mouth, too tight. If your headstall is too big, it will hang loosely and you will lose control. But there is a simple method you can use to measure your horse's head for his headstall size.

Things You'll Need

  • String
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie a small loop in one end of the string that you can fit your thumb into.

    • 2

      Stand on the left side of your horse facing the same direction he is, with your shoulder at your horse's cheek.

    • 3

      With your right thumb in the loop you made, hold the string at the right corner of your horse's mouth.

    • 4

      Pull the string up the right side of your horse's face, across the top of his head behind his ears, and down to the left corner of his mouth.

    • 5

      Holding the spot where the string meets the left corner of your horse's mouth, let go of the right side of the string.

    • 6

      Tie a knot at the spot in the string that meets the left corner of your horse's mouth.

    • 7

      Use the measuring tape to measure the length of the string from the end to the knot you made.

    • 8

      Pick your headstall size based on the measurement you took. A 40- to 43-inch headstall is a small, a 43-46 inch headstall is a medium, a 46-49 inch headstall is a large and above 49 inches is an extra large.