How to Fit a Headstall: A Step-by-Step Guide

A poorly fitted headstall is one of the most common — and easily fixed — sources of bit problems and resistance in horses. If your horse is tossing its head, avoiding contact, or just seems uncomfortable in the bridle, the headstall fit is the first place to look. Here's how to get it right.

Why Headstall Fit Matters

The headstall positions the bit in your horse's mouth. If it's too loose, the bit hangs too low and the horse can get its tongue over it. Too tight, and the bit is jammed uncomfortably high, creating wrinkles and pain at the corners of the mouth. Even a fraction of an inch makes a significant difference in comfort and response.

Parts of a Headstall to Know

• Crown piece: The strap that goes over the poll, behind the ears
• Cheek pieces: The straps that run down from the crown piece and connect to the bit
• Throatlatch: The strap that goes under the throat to keep the headstall from coming off (not present on all western headstalls)
• Ear loop or browband: Keeps the crown piece from sliding back

Step-by-Step: How to Fit a Headstall

1. Start with the bit height. Bit placement is your primary fitting goal. For most western bits, you're looking for 1–2 wrinkles at the corners of the horse's mouth — just enough to show the bit is making contact without pulling or pinching. Snaffle bits for young or green horses are often fitted looser- 0 wrinkles.
2. Adjust the cheek pieces. Most headstalls have holes or sliding buckles on the cheek pieces. Adjust both sides evenly so the bit sits level in the mouth. 
3. Check the crown piece at the poll. The headstall should sit comfortably behind the ears without digging into the poll. If you're using a one-ear or split-ear headstall, make sure the ear loop isn't pinching the ear base or rubbing.
4. Fit the throatlatch (if present). You should be able to fit roughly 3 fingers between the throatlatch and the horse's jaw. Too tight restricts flexion and breathing; too loose doesn't serve its purpose.
5. Step back and look. Stand in front of your horse and look at the bit from the front. It should be level. Check from the side to confirm the bit height and that nothing is pulling or puckering.
6. Test with light rein pressure. Apply very light pressure to each rein and watch how the bit moves in the mouth. You should see smooth, even response without the horse flinching, gaping its mouth, or tossing its head.

Common Headstall Fitting Mistakes

• Too tight overall: Causes bit to ride too high, pinches corners, creates resistance
• Too loose: Bit drops too low, horse can get tongue over the bit
• Uneven cheek pieces: Tilted bit creates uneven pressure and confusing signals
• Ear loop too tight: Creates soreness at the ear base that can make horses head-shy over time

Shop Our Headstalls

A well-crafted headstall makes fitting easier and lasts for years. Browse our headstalls built for durability and unique western looks.

• Split Ear Headstall
• Hand Tooled Split Ear Headstall