Tack & Leather Guides

Straight answers from a working leather maker — how to size, fit, clean and choose Western tack, belts and leather goods built to last a lifetime.

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Labeled diagram of the parts of a western bridle: crown piece, browband, cheek piece, throatlatch, bit ends, curb strap and split reins
Parts of a Western Bridle: Labeled Diagram, What Each Part Does, and How It Should Fit

Every part of a western bridle labeled by a working tack maker: what each piece does, what separates good leather...

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Curb chain lying flat and untwisted in a horse's chin groove on a western curb bit
How Tight Should a Curb Chain Be? The 2-Finger Rule Done Right

How tight should a curb chain be? Two stacked fingers of slack, lying flat in the chin groove. A tack...

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Tyler Shupe Leather 3/4 inch browband headstall in dark oil English bridle leather
Browband vs One-Ear Headstall: Which Is Right for Your Horse?

Browband or one-ear headstall? Your bit decides. Learn which style fits your horse, how to adjust it, and when a...

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