Ear loop for headstall/ bridle

[NWBicketLeatherCollc]

looking to make a few single ear loop headstalls- nothing fancy but sturdy and clean for everyday ranch use. I have been thinking of using H.O. 7/8 oz. Bridle leather doubled up and stitched for strength then buttered and hot oiled for feel and durability. I am getting stuck on the ear loop. It seems your general store-bought options are "ok" and functional but I saw a couple in Vegas last year that were rolled, almost hiding the stitching. I really liked this because it was really really well-made. The extra steps to round off and roll the loop made it less stiff but almost seemed stronger- if that makes sense? In addition, I really like how it would lay on the horses head as opposed to the general flat,strap-like generic ear loops.  Now my issue is I should have just bought it so I could dissect it and see how it was done.

Has anyone seen a loop like this? Do you have any processes for making them? What kind of leather do you prefer for headstalls/ bridles and how do you oil yours for that supple yet durable feel?

 

Thank you all in advance.

[Smartee]

I might have something at home I can dissect for you.  I have/had a couple headstalls and reins like this and not sure how they were sewn.

[NWBicketLeatherCollc]

That would be awesome! Thank you!

[NWBicketLeatherCollc]

On 11/13/2019 at 11:18 AM, Smartee said:

I might have something at home I can dissect for you.  I have/had a couple headstalls and reins like this and not sure how they were sewn.

Any luck on figuring this style?!

[Smartee]

Oops!  Sorry!  Been out of the office and wasn't able to log in from home because I can't remember my password   I'll take a look this evening.

[NWBicketLeatherCollc]

19 hours ago, Smartee said:

Oops!  Sorry!  Been out of the office and wasn't able to log in from home because I can't remember my password   I'll take a look this evening.

Ain't that the truth- in this modern world of passwords, I can hardly ever remember username/ passwords for each site.

 

No rush, I really appreciate your help!

 

-Nick

[Smartee]

I dug some out last night.  Have to dissect for the details

 

[Smartee]

For now - take a look at this:

https://brucejohnsonleather.com/files/8814/0658/3888/BruceJohnsonLeatherTutorialReinRounderUse.pdf

 

 

[Kj86]

Hi here is a quick draft of the one I use on my sliding ear bridle.

its really basic can be tweaked to change it up

hope this helps

[NWBicketLeatherCollc]

On 1/27/2020 at 7:18 PM, Kj86 said:

Hi here is a quick draft of the one I use on my sliding ear bridle.

its really basic can be tweaked to change it up

hope this helps

Awesome! Thank you- what is the width from outside to outside?!

[Kj86]

Your welcome hope it helped. 

The width from outside to outside will vary depending how how wide you make the ear piece. I generally make them the same width as the crown of my bridle especially for the working ones, 5/8”-3/4”.

 

[Annie977]

Not sure if you'd still like to know this...made one of these not too long ago - still have to mould the ear loop a bit to get it to lay flat. Worked it by hand for a bit (while damp) and it lays flat just fine. Did have to toss a few initial attempts - if not long enough...not sure it'll ever lay flat.