Skip the Browband Pressure—Keep the Western Style

The Cashel Chocolate Slip Ear Headstall solves the browband problem for horses that fuss with forehead pressure. The single-loop slip ear design eliminates poll and browband restriction while sitting securely behind the ear—ideal for sensitive horses or those with thick forelocks. Premium chocolate leather with hand-tooled Desert Flower detail and antique Guns & Roses hardware deliver that custom artisan look without the custom price tag.

Built from heavy-duty Cashel leather, this headstall handles daily ranch work, schooling sessions, and weekend shows. Dual adjustable cheekpieces with buckles on both sides let you dial in exact bit height and balance. Latigo leather bit ties provide secure attachment and make bit changes faster than wrestling with Chicago screws. This is the headstall that gets better with age—from our barn to yours.

Why Riders Choose the Cashel Slip Ear Headstall

• Eliminates browband discomfort for sensitive horses — Slip ear design removes forehead and poll pressure, ideal for horses that pin ears or toss heads with traditional browband headstalls.
• Hand-tooled Desert Flower detail with Guns & Roses hardware — Intricate rosebud tooling and antique-finish buckles give you high-end, custom-tack appeal at a working rider's price point.
• Dual adjustable cheekpieces for precise bit placement — Buckles on both sides let you fine-tune bit height and achieve balanced contact for various head shapes and mouthpiece styles.
• Heavy-duty chocolate leather built to last — Premium Cashel leather stands up to daily use, trail miles, and tack room humidity while maintaining suppleness and structural integrity.
• Latigo bit ties for fast, secure attachment — Traditional leather ties keep your bit locked in place and make swapping bits easier than fumbling with screws or clips.
• Standard horse sizing with room to adjust — Fits most horses 14.2–16 hands; dual adjustment points accommodate refined to average head shapes.

Best For

Western riders with poll-sensitive or fussy horses looking for browband-free comfort without sacrificing show-ring style or everyday durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of bit works best with this slip ear headstall?

This headstall pairs best with leverage bits like curbs or shanked bits—the downward pressure helps stabilize the slip ear design and keeps the headstall centered without needing a throatlatch. If you're running a snaffle, consider adding a separate throat strap for extra security, especially on green horses or during lateral work.

Q: Will this Cashel headstall hold up to daily ranch work, or is it just for shows?

It's built for both. The chocolate leather is heavy-duty Cashel stock—designed to handle daily schooling, trail rides, and working sessions. The Guns & Roses hardware adds flash for local shows, but the base construction is rugged enough for everyday wear. This headstall ages beautifully with regular use—just treat it with leather conditioner every few months to keep it supple.

Q: How do I know if the slip ear design will fit my horse?

This is standard horse sizing, typically fitting horses from 14.2 to 16 hands with average to slightly refined heads. The slip ear loop should fit snugly around the base of one ear without pulling or pinching. If your horse has especially small ears, a very short head, or a draft-type build, measure your current headstall's cheek length and ear loop diameter to compare before ordering.