Bridles and Reins
The Bridles and Reins category at Westernwelt features high-quality, handcrafted, and carefully selected Western bridles, as well as matching reins for leisure riding, training, and shows. Whether you're looking for headstall bridles, bosals, sidepulls, or models made from harness leather - riders will find functional quality and authentic western style here.
Bridles and reins for western riding
The bridle and reins are the most direct link between the rider's hand and the horse. In western riding the two are traditionally bought separately: a headstall, and then the reins that suit the training and the job. We carry 147 items in this section, from a plain training headstall to a full show set-up.
The headstalls at a glance
Headstall bridles with a browband are the classic form: a continuous browband keeps the bridle securely in place. They sit quietly, adjust well and suit everyday riding, training and shows. 39 models.
→ Bridles with headband
Single and double ear headstalls do without a browband and are carried over one or both ears. They are plain, light and the typical western look in the show pen. 44 models.
→ Single and double ear headstalls
Harness leather bridles are the hard-wearing choice. Harness leather is dense, stuffed with grease and holds its shape – made for ranch work, trail riding and daily training. 14 models.
→ Harness leather bridles
Bosals and sidepulls are the bitless option. Our sidepulls come with a leather noseband, with rawhide and in harness leather with rawhide; the bosals come in several colours and also as a set including mecate and headstall. Slobber bars and a neck rope complete the section. 15 models.
→ Bosals and sidepulls
Reins are available split and closed, in light, chestnut and dark to match the headstalls. Harness leather reins with a weighted end lie especially quietly in the hand and are the classic show rein; alongside them we carry show reins with loops in various colours, optionally set with Swarovski stones, Comfi Grip reins made from Comfi Cord, cotton reins, romals in rawhide, leather and harness leather, and mecates in horsehair or nylon. 35 models.
→ Reins
Matching colour and tooling
Headstall, reins and saddle should work together. That is why we stock matched leather colours and tooling patterns, so that western saddle and western bridle read as one picture. Matching bits are in western bits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a browband and an ear headstall?
A browband bridle has a strap across the forehead and therefore sits particularly securely. Single and double ear headstalls leave it out and are held over the ears – plainer in appearance and the classic look in the show pen.
Do western bridles come with reins?
Usually not. In western riding the headstall and the reins are bought separately so they can be combined freely.
Which leather lasts longest?
Harness leather. It is dense and grease-stuffed, keeps its shape and copes with wet weather and daily work better than soft-tanned leather.
Can you ride western without a bit?
Yes. Sidepull, bosal and neck rope are the usual options; a bosal is traditionally ridden with a mecate.
How do I care for bridles and reins?
Clean off sweat and dust regularly and re-grease with leather grease or balm. That keeps the leather supple and stops it tearing at the buckle holes.