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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White Heritage buckstitch western belt, a handmade gift for cowgirls
Gifts for Cowgirls and Barrel Racers: Western Gifts for Her (2026)

My gift picks for cowgirls, barrel racers and show moms: laced reins, colored headstalls and matching tack, buckstitch and suede...

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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

My labeled diagram of a Western bridle, with what each part does and how I like each part to fit,...

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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?

How I set a curb strap, the two mistakes I see most, and why chain, leather or paracord doesn't decide...

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Tyler Shupe Leather 3/4 inch browband headstall in dark oil bridle leather
Browband vs One-Ear Headstall: How I Choose

The difference between browband and one-ear headstalls, when I use each one on my own horses, sliding ear vs split...

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