Built for the Long Haul — Hand-Oiled Leather That Feels Broken In From Day One

This Martin Saddlery Split Ear Headstall is what you reach for when the work never stops. Built from premium 5/8" hand-oiled harness leather, it delivers the kind of supple feel and weather resistance that only comes from quality materials and old-school craftsmanship. The split-ear design eliminates browband pressure — a real advantage for horses that get fussy about ear handling or prefer a lighter feel around the poll.

Stainless steel cart buckle on the near side gives you secure, rust-proof adjustments, while traditional leather bit ties make swapping bits a simple, tool-free task. Sized to fit most standard Quarter Horses with an adjustable range of 35¾" to 40¼" (bit end to bit end). From our barn to yours, this is the headstall that holds up to daily roping, ranch work, and hard training sessions without complaint.

Why Riders Choose the Martin Split Ear Headstall

• Hand-oiled harness leather feels soft right away — No stiff break-in period. The leather is pre-conditioned for immediate comfort and ready to work the day it arrives.
• Split-ear design eliminates browband bulk — Reduces pressure around sensitive poll and ear areas, keeping horses focused and comfortable during high-intensity maneuvers.
• Stainless steel cart buckle resists rust and corrosion — Handles mud, sweat, and weather without degrading. Built for riders who leave tack on the trailer and use it daily.
• Leather bit ties allow quick, tool-free bit changes — Swap bits between horses or disciplines without carrying hardware or a leatherworking kit.
• Adjustable 35¾" to 40¼" sizing fits most Quarter Horses — Accommodates standard head shapes without custom ordering or modification.
• Martin Saddlery craftsmanship you can count on — Decades of reputation in working western tack. This is gear made by people who understand what holds up under real ranch conditions.

Best For

Working western riders and ropers looking for a durable, no-frills headstall that stays comfortable through long days and heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this headstall with a snaffle bit?

This split-ear design is engineered for leverage bits (shanked bits). The downward poll pressure from a shanked bit keeps the crown stable and secure. With a snaffle bit, the headstall may shift or slide if your horse resists or shakes their head, since there's no browband or throatlatch to anchor it.

Q: Does the leather need a long break-in period?

No. Martin Saddlery hand-oils this harness leather during production, so it arrives soft and supple — ready to use immediately. You won't spend weeks conditioning it before it's comfortable for your horse.

Q: What's the advantage of leather bit ties over Chicago screws?

Leather ties let you change bits without tools, which is a huge convenience if you're switching between horses or training programs. They're also lighter and quieter than metal hardware, and they won't loosen over time the way screws can.