When it comes to Western riding, the fit of your tack isn’t just about appearance—it directly affects your horse’s comfort, your control, and overall safety. Two essential components of your tack setup are the headstall and the breast collar. If either piece doesn’t fit correctly, it can cause rubbing, restricted movement, or even injury. A well-fitted tack not only ensures a smooth and comfortable riding experience but also enhances your control, supports your horse’s natural movement, and maximizes overall performance. It eliminates discomfort and distractions, allowing both you and your horse to ride with confidence, ease, and complete satisfaction.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to properly fit a headstall and breast collar for a secure and comfortable ride, whether you’re training, trail riding, or competing in rodeos.
Why Fit Matters
A well-fitted headstall is essential for both performance and your horse’s well-being. It helps prevent discomfort, rubbing, sores, or pressure points that can result from an improper fit. When the headstall sits correctly, it allows your horse to move freely without restriction, promoting better flexibility and responsiveness. Proper fit also ensures clearer communication between you and your horse, giving you better control and enhancing your riding precision. Additionally, it protects your investment in high-quality tack by reducing unnecessary wear and tear caused by strain or misalignment.
Fitting the Headstall
The headstall holds the bit in the horse's mouth and connects to the reins. A poor fit can affect control and hurt the horse’s mouth, poll, or cheeks. The bit needs to be placed correctly in your horse's mouth. Many people mistakenly think that bits can be used in either direction, but that’s not true. There is a correct orientation for the bit. To check, hold the rings of the bit and look down at it. From the top, the mouthpiece should show a gentle curve that bends outward, creating a "V" shape. This positioning ensures the bit is comfortable for the horse and works properly while riding.
How to Check Headstall Fit: Key Components Explained
1. Cheek Piece Straps:
Adjust the cheek pieces so that the bit rests comfortably at the corners of your horse’s mouth, ideally forming one or two gentle wrinkles. If the bit sits too high, it can cause pinching and discomfort. If it’s too low, the bit may hang loosely and risk slipping, reducing your control and causing confusion or irritation for the horse.
2. Browband (if present):
The browband should lie flat across the horse’s forehead, just below the ears. It must not be so tight that it pulls the headstall forward or causes pressure behind the ears. A properly fitted browband helps keep the entire bridle balanced and prevents shifting during movement.
3. Throatlatch:
Ensure the throatlatch is snug but not restrictive. You should be able to comfortably slide 3–4 fingers between the throatlatch and the horse’s throat. If it’s too tight, it may interfere with breathing and flexion; too loose, and the bridle could become unstable or even slip off during activity.
4. Ear Clearance:
For one-ear or two-ear headstalls, make sure the ear loops sit properly around or behind the ears without rubbing, pinching, or causing irritation. Every horse's ear shape and sensitivity differ, so it’s important to adjust for comfort and avoid pressure points, especially during long rides.
5. Final Check:
After saddling up, always do a full tack check to ensure the headstall hasn't shifted and all straps and buckles are secure. Movement during grooming or saddling can cause the fit to change, so a final adjustment can prevent issues once you’re in the saddle.
Fitting the Breast Collar
The breast collar helps keep your saddle in place, especially during quick movements, barrel turns, or rides on steep terrain.
How to Check Breast Collar Fit: Key Components Explained
1. Shoulder Positioning:
The breast collar straps should lie above the point of the horse’s shoulder, resting flat without cutting into the muscles. Proper positioning is essential to avoid restricting your horse’s natural front leg movement. A collar that sits too low can interfere with stride and cause discomfort, while one that’s too high can chafe or pinch sensitive areas.
2. Center Ring or Decorative Concho:
The center ring (or concho, if decorative) should be aligned in the middle of the horse’s chest, just above where the hair starts to separate on the sternum. This ensures even pressure distribution and maintains the aesthetic symmetry of the tack. Misalignment can lead to uneven tension and discomfort.
3. Tug Straps (Side Straps):
These connect the breast collar to the saddle’s D-rings. Adjust them so they are snug—firm enough to hold the breast collar in place, but not tight enough to restrict your horse’s movement. They should allow natural motion without pulling the saddle or digging into the sides. A good rule of thumb: you should be able to fit a couple of fingers between the strap and the horse’s body.
4. Wither Strap (Optional but Recommended):
The wither strap connects the left and right sides of the breast collar and helps keep it from slipping down. It should sit comfortably just in front of the withers, not too high, which could press on the neck, and not too loose, which would make it ineffective. This strap is especially helpful for horses with low shoulders or when riding over rough terrain.
5. Function Over Force:
The breast collar is designed to stabilize the saddle during motion, especially in activities like roping, trail riding, or barrel racing, but it should never pull the saddle forward. If it’s overly tight, it can create unnecessary strain on the shoulders and chest and negatively impact your horse’s performance.
Final Tip: After fitting the breast collar, walk your horse around and observe movement. Look for signs of rubbing, slipping, or tension. Making minor adjustments can make a significant difference in comfort and performance.
Fit Checklist Before You Ride
Use this quick checklist every time before you mount to ensure your tack is secure, balanced, and comfortable for your horse:
1. Bit Position: The bit should rest comfortably in the horse’s mouth, creating one or two soft wrinkles at the corners. Too high can cause pinching, while too low can reduce control and increase the risk of slippage.
2. Throatlatch Fit: Ensure the throatlatch is snug but not restrictive. You should be able to fit 3–4 fingers between the strap and the horse’s throat to allow for natural breathing and movement.
3. Breast Collar Positioning: The breast collar should rest above the point of the shoulders, not impeding front leg movement or causing pressure on the chest muscles.
4. Tug Straps Adjustment: Tug straps connecting the breast collar to the saddle should be snug and evenly adjusted on both sides to maintain balance without restricting motion.
5. Wither Strap Check (if present): Confirm that the wither strap sits comfortably in front of the withers to keep the breast collar from slipping down.
6. Comfort Check: Walk your horse a few steps and observe body language. Look for relaxed ears, steady movement, and calm behavior as signs of proper fit. Check that there’s no pinching, rubbing, or shifting in any part of the tack.
Common Fit Issue to Watch Out
Identifying and resolving fit problems early prevents discomfort, injuries, and training setbacks:
1. Sores or Rubbing:
Often caused by horse tack that’s too tight, improperly adjusted, or made from rough/dirty materials. Regular cleaning and routine adjustments can prevent skin irritation and hair loss.
2. Slipping Gear:
If the headstall or breast collar shifts during riding, this may indicate loose straps, incorrect sizing, or improper placement. Recheck all fastenings and consider resizing if slipping persists.
3. Uneven Wear:
Visible wear on only one side of the tack (e.g., fraying, stretching, or fading) could mean your setup is unbalanced. This not only affects durability but can lead to uneven pressure distribution and discomfort for the horse.
4. Unusual Behavior:
Watch for head tossing, ear pinning, tail swishing, reluctance to move forward, excessive mouthing of the bit, or anxiety when being tacked up. These are often signs that something doesn’t feel right. Always investigate behavioral changes—they’re your horse’s way of communicating discomfort.
5. Pressure Points:
If the tack leaves deep impressions or raised marks after a ride, it may be applying excessive pressure in certain areas. Adjust the fit or padding as needed to ensure even pressure.
6. Misalignment:
If the breast collar or headstall appears crooked, it could throw off the balance of the saddle or your control. Always make sure everything sits symmetrically on your horse's body.
