Western Tack: Headstalls & Bits — Bos Saddlery, Hamilton, Montana

Bos Saddlery carries a wide selection of western headstalls and bits out of Hamilton, Montana, serving riders across the Bitterroot Valley — Corvallis, Stevensville, Victor, Darby, Lolo, and Missoula. Headstalls range from one-ear and browband styles to harness leather and basket-stamped designs, paired with bits and bosals built for everything from colt starting to finished bridle horses.

Headstalls in stock include one-ear, browband, ranch hand, and rolled styles, in basket-stamped, floral-carved, and plain leather finishes. Bits in stock include Jeremiah Watt snaffles, Avila cowhorse bits, silver-mounted bits, and correction bits, alongside bosals and bosal hangers for hackamore work.

Choosing the Right Bit

A young horse usually starts in a snaffle — a direct-pressure bit with no leverage, forgiving while a horse is still learning to give to the bit. As a horse progresses, some riders move to a hackamore or bosal to keep working without a bit at all, then on to a curb or spade bit once the horse is finished and responding off light rein contact. The right bit depends on where the horse is in its training, not just personal preference.

Matching Headstall to Bit

A one-ear headstall keeps things simple and works well with most bit styles. A browband headstall holds more steadily on a horse that tends to rub or shake its head. Bosal hangers are built specifically to carry a bosal rather than a bit, with a different fit point on the horse's head entirely. Bos Saddlery can help match headstall style to whichever bit or bosal setup a horse is currently working in.

Fit and Adjustment

A bit that sits too high pinches at the corners of the mouth; one that sits too low bangs against the teeth. Headstalls need adjusting as a horse's headgear changes with training and tack changes. Bos Saddlery can help fit both correctly, in person, rather than guessing from a size chart.

Bos Saddlery carries headstalls and bits in stock and can help fit the right combination for your horse. Call (406) 370-6469 or email boslady93@outlook.com.