Hooligan Report post Posted July 25, 2010 I normally build headstalls with browbands, but have had alot of people ask me if I build smaller ones for hack's and/or for bits with a long puchase. I'm wondering what the measurements are of a headstall that will fit these? The only ones I've seen to fit these type of bits are the one-eared headstalls... I took some measurements off one girl's headstall (it was a one-ear), and I'll have to shorten my crown strap to 20", and shorten each cheek by at least 2". If I do that I'll have to have my buckle RIGHT above the design, and I'd rather not have it crowded like that... Should I use my computer and just shrink the design? Anyone have any ideas? If I have to switch to a one-ear, that would be fine with me, but again, I don't have any measurements for a one-ear headstall... Does anyone have any measurements and pics they'd like to share? Any help would be appreciated Thanks all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aggiebraider Report post Posted July 25, 2010 When you say one ear do you mean a split ear? or a slide ear? Because technically a slide ear would be no different than a brow band head stall. For that matter, a split ear shouldnt be any different in total length in comparison to a brow band. My grandad has made a few and tomorrow if you need me to I can talk to him and get all of his measurements. He's really old school so he doesnt use any patterns he just takes measurements and does the math in his head lol. He actually made one for a bosal of mine that blood knots holding everything together except for the buckles to adjust length. He makes all of his headstalls 3/4" wide and makes everything straight (no scallops or curving lines on the cheek pieces). I dont have the actual headstall with me but I can see if he has some made up on his rope hackamores that he makes and Ill try to get a pic if you would like. Hope this helps, CW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RunningRoan Report post Posted August 28, 2010 Hooligan, when I make short headstalls for gag bits, I try to do most of my shortening in the cheeks. I mostly use larger, fancier buckles on the headstalls I make and if I shorten the crown too much, the buckles will end up in the horse's eyes. There are quite a few people who prefer browband headstalls for their hacks, gags or long purchase bits. Some of those types of bits aren't safe to use on a single ear and really need the stability of a browband. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites