Working Headstall

[Carriesleatherworks]

Hi I'm wanting to make a couple of headstalls for some friends. And I'm wondering what everyone likes to use for leather Bridle, Harness, Latigo,lined or not lined,what oz and where you usually order it from? They are going to really get used so I want them to last. Thanks 

[TomE]

I don't have experience making headstalls, but a Google search of this site using the syntax "site leatherworker.net headstall" turned up quite a bit of information.  Seems folks use bridle, harness, and latigo for headstalls and some recommend doubling the leather or lining with latigo.

I've been very happy with Hermann Oak bridle, harness and latigo leathers for making tack.  Their bridle leather has a firmer hand than the bridle I ordered from Wickett & Craig.  Beiler's Manufacturing in Ronks PA sells HO bridle and harness leathers at good prices, and a variety of unnamed bridle, harness, and latigo leathers that I haven't tried.  I've been very happy with the quality of Beiler's merchandise and their service.  No website - call for a catalog.  There are a number of other retailers that sell HO leather and many are listed on the website of the Hermann Oak Leather Co.  You can buy directly from the tannery if you order a roll (5 sides) or if you're purchasing item(s) that aren't stocked by their retailers.  For example, I buy sides of chocolate harness leather in "rein selection" (big cow size) directly from the tannery.  They fill orders (finish the hides) as they are received and that takes 5-8 weeks in my experience.   

[bland]

You can make headstalls out of all the leathers you referenced.  There are many different types of headstalls.  Tooled, untooled, lined unlined, wide, narrow, single ear, split ear, western, English, browband with throat latch and multiple variations of all of them.  The leather you choose can depend what type you want to make.