Western Bridles and Headstalls
Western headstalls are usually simpler than English bridles, often without a noseband. A one ear headstall has a loop over a single ear instead of a browband.
Browband styles range from plain and shaped to futurity knot designs with lacing and stamping. A curb strap sits under the chin when the headstall is used with a curb bit. For English bridles see horse bridles, and for bits see horse bits.
Western and Stock Reins
The rein style suits the discipline, so choose by how you ride.
- Split reins are two separate reins, common for western pleasure, trail and reining.
- Roping and barrel reins are a single closed loop that is easy to hold at speed.
- Rommel reins are joined reins with a long leather end, popular with stock riders.
- Contest reins are laced or braided for grip in fast events.
English and general reins are in horse reins.
Cinches, Latigos and Breast Collars
A western saddle is held on with a cinch rather than a buckled girth. The latigo on the nearside is threaded through the cinch ring and tied or buckled, and an offside latigo or billet holds the other side.
Roper cinches are shaped at the centre, straight cinches are even along their length, and mohair and fleece suit sensitive horses. A back cinch is a second, rear cinch on roping saddles. Breast collars stop the saddle sliding back on steep ground. English girths are in girths and breastplates in breastplates.
Halters, Ropes and Groundwork
Rope halters and training flags are used for groundwork and horsemanship. Ranch ropes and lariats are for roping, and kids loopers let young riders practise on a roping dummy. See also horse halters and training ropes.
Hobbles teach a horse to stand quietly. Introduce them carefully and only on a horse that has been trained to accept them.
Saddles, Pads and Rider Gear
Stock and western saddles need a thick, shaped pad. See western saddle pads and horse saddles.
For the rider, browse western boots, spurs and spur straps and hats.
Brands in This Category
Western tack comes mainly from Ezy Ride, with pads from ThinLine and Oregon.
