Western Headstall vs. Bridle: What’s the Difference?

May 12, 2025

When it comes to western riding, the two terms headstall and bridle are often used interchangeably, We will discuss the difference between the western headstall and bridle; these are two of the most commonly confused pieces of equipment in western equestrian riding. At first glance, they may look similar, but they serve distinct functions and have marked differences in their design, components, and usage. One important difference is that the term 'headstall' typically refers to the headgear used in Western riding, whereas 'bridle' is a more general term used in both Western and English riding styles.

In this article, we’ll break down the basic features of each, explore their components, explain how they function, and when each is typically used. Whether you're a beginner rider looking to understand your tack or an experienced horseperson refining your knowledge, this guide will help clarify the distinction between a western headstall and a bridle.

Understand What is a Western Headstall?

A Western headstall is a key component of a Western bridle, which is used to control a horse when riding. A western headstall fits over a horse's head, connecting the cheek pieces on either side and holding the bit in place. It’s essentially the framework of the bridle, consisting of the straps that go around the horse’s ears and attach to the bit. In western riding, the term headstall is often used to refer specifically to the headgear without reins or a bit, although it can also be part of a complete bridle setup.

There are many types of western headstalls, including:

One-ear headstall – featuring a single loop over one ear for a minimalist design.
Two-ear headstall – with loops over both ears for a more balanced fit.
Browband headstall – includes a strap that goes across the horse's forehead, providing additional stability.

Note: If you want to know more about the types of headstalls I refer to, go to this blog article: Types of Western Headstall Set.

Western headstalls are typically made of leather and can range from simple, functional designs to highly decorative pieces used in shows, often featuring silver accents and intricate tooling. In essence, the headstall is what secures the bit to the horse’s mouth and ensures proper communication between rider and horse, making it a critical part of any western tack setup.

Parts of a Western Headstall:

A Western headstall is an essential piece of tack used to guide and communicate with a horse during riding. While it may vary slightly in design, the fundamental parts serve the same purpose—providing a secure and effective connection between the rider and the horse. Here's a breakdown of each component:

Crownpiece: The strap that sits over the horse's poll, behind the ears.
Browband or Earpiece: Depending on the style, this either spans the horse’s forehead (browband) or loops over one or both ears (earpiece).
Cheekpieces: Straps that connect the bit to the headstall and allow for size adjustments.
Throatlatch: A strap that extends from the crownpiece and buckles under the horse’s throat, helping to keep the headstall securely in place.
Bit: The metal piece that goes in the horse’s mouth; it’s interchangeable depending on the horse’s training and needs.
Reins: Attached to the bit and used by the rider to communicate with and guide the horse. Reins vary in style and length depending on the discipline and rider preference.

Different Types of Bit Ends in a Western Headstall?

The way a bit connects to the headstall or bridle can vary based on the material used. Each type of bit end serves a different purpose, so the best choice for one rider might not be ideal for another. Additionally, some bits ends are better suited for specific types of bits. Interested in learning more about bits? Keep reading for a breakdown of bit mouthpieces and explore our full collection of horse bit articles for more insight

Tie Ends: Use thin leather strings to tie the headstall to the bit. This style is traditional and lightweight, making it popular in ranch and Western pleasure tack. However, it takes more time to adjust or switch bits, which may be inconvenient for frequent changes.
Buckle Ends: Feature small buckles that securely fasten the headstall to the bit. They're easy to adjust and allow quick bit swaps, making them ideal for everyday riding or training. The only downside is the added bulk and slight increase in weight compared to tie ends.
Chicago Screws: Use flat metal screws to fasten the leather around the bit ring. They provide a clean, professional appearance and are fairly secure, but they can loosen over time and require regular tightening with a screwdriver. Often chosen for show tack due to their polished look.
Quick Change Snaps / Trigger Snaps: Include metal clips or snaps that allow riders to change bits quickly without tools. Extremely convenient for those working with multiple horses, but they can be bulky, noisy, and don’t match the traditional Western style as closely.

Understand What is Horse Bridle?

A horse bridle is a piece of equipment used to control and direct a horse while riding or driving. It consists of several components, i.e, in the headstall, along with an additional noseband, and its primary function is to provide a means for the rider to communicate with the horse, especially for steering and controlling its speed. This includes similar components like a headstall with an additional noseband.

Types of Bridles and their use:
There are several types of bridles available for different riding disciplines and preferences. Each type of bridle has its own unique design and purpose. Here are some common types of bridles:

English Bridle: A streamlined bridle used in English riding disciplines like dressage and show jumping, often featuring a snaffle bit for clear and direct control of the horse.
Western Bridle: Common in Western riding, this bridle is more robust with longer reins and can include a curb bit or bosal, providing control suited for trail riding, rodeo events, and ranch work.
Double Bridle: Used in advanced dressage, this bridle combines two bits— a snaffle and a curb— along with four reins, allowing precise control over the horse's movements.
Hackamore: A bitless bridle that uses a noseband or nosepiece to control the horse by applying pressure on the nose and chin, ideal for horses sensitive to bit pressure or in training.

Parts of a Horse Bridle:

A bridle consists of multiple parts, all connected by the headstall, and often includes an additional noseband for added control. Here's a breakdown of each component:

Headstall (Crownpiece): The main strap that goes over the top of the horse's head, behind the ears. It holds the rest of the bridle together.
Browband or Earpiece: A horizontal strap that runs across the horse’s forehead, connecting the two sides of the bridle and preventing it from sliding back.
Cheekpieces: Straps that run down the sides of the horse’s face and connect the headstall to the bit, helping position the bit correctly in the horse’s mouth.
Noseband: A strap that encircles the horse’s nose and jaw, used to control the horse’s mouth movement and keep it from evading the bit.
Throatlatch: A strap that goes under the horse’s throat to help keep the bridle securely in place and prevent it from slipping off over the head.
Bit: A metal (or synthetic) piece that sits in the horse’s mouth, resting on the bars (gums) and used for communication through the reins.
Reins: Attached to the bit and used by the rider to communicate with and guide the horse. Reins vary in style and length depending on the discipline and rider preference.

Final Thoughts:
Understanding the differences between a Western headstall and a bridle not only informs equestrians in choosing the right gear but also highlights the connection between riding culture, functionality, and the unique demands of each riding style. Whether you’re navigating the rugged trails in the West or refining your movements in the arena, the right headgear can make a significant difference in your performance, comfort, and bond with your horse. Both pieces of equipment serve as more than just functional tools—they are integral to the identity and practice of the riding disciplines they represent.

Feature	Western Headstall	Bridle (General Use, including English & Western)
Primary Definition in Western Riding	Often used interchangeably with "bridle" to refer to the entire headgear assembly (including bit and reins). It can also specifically refer to the part that goes over the head and holds the bit.	A more general term for the complete headgear assembly used for control, including the headstall, bit, and reins. In English riding, it always includes a noseband. In Western culture, "headstall" often serves this purpose.
Noseband	Typically does not include a noseband as a standard component.	Usually includes a noseband as an additional strap for added control and to prevent the horse from evading the bit.
Key Components	Crownpiece, cheekpieces, throatlatch (sometimes), browband or earpiece(s), bit, and reins.	Headstall (crownpiece, cheekpieces, throatlatch, browband or earpiece(s)), noseband, bit, and reins.
Purpose	To secure the bit in the horse's mouth, allowing communication between rider and horse. The headstall is the framework for this connection.	To control and direct the horse, especially for steering and speed control. The noseband adds another level of control and can influence the horse's mouth and head position.
Usage Context	Primarily associated with Western riding disciplines (trail riding, ranch work, rodeo, Western pleasure).	Used in both Western and English riding disciplines. The specific style and components vary depending on the discipline (e.g., English bridle for dressage, Western bridle/headstall for Western riding).
Bit Connection Types	Tie ends, buckle ends, Chicago screws, quick change/trigger snaps.	It varies depending on the style, but it is often buckle or hook attachments. Western bridles (often called headstalls) will use the Western-specific connection types.
Reins	Often split reins (two separate reins).	Can be split or connected reins, depending on the riding style and discipline. Western bridles/headstalls often feature split reins.