7 Best Barrel Racing Headstalls For Ponies for Maximum Control & Comfort

You’re standing at the fence, watching your child and their pony round the third barrel. It’s a partnership built on trust, practice, and the right equipment. But as you look at their gear, you wonder if that hand-me-down headstall is really offering the best support, or if it’s time for an upgrade that matches their growing skills. Choosing the right headstall isn’t just about looks; it’s a crucial decision that impacts your child’s confidence, control, and communication with their pony. This choice is a key piece of the puzzle in helping them feel secure and capable in a fast-paced sport.

Sizing a Headstall for Youth Barrel Racing Ponies

Before we even talk about brands or styles, let’s get the most important thing right: the fit. A poorly fitting headstall is like asking a child to run a race in shoes that are two sizes too big. It’s distracting at best and unsafe at worst, causing rubbing, pinching, or slipping that can interfere with the cues your child is trying to give. A proper fit ensures the bit sits correctly in the pony’s mouth, allowing for clear and gentle communication.

Getting the right size is about more than just buying a "pony" size. Ponies come in all shapes and sizes, from small Shetlands to larger Welsh types. The key is adjustability. You want a headstall with plenty of holes on the cheek pieces to accommodate your pony’s unique head shape and the specific type of bit being used.

To check the fit, make sure the browband isn’t pinching the base of the pony’s ears and the cheek pieces lay flat without gapping. The bit should create one or two soft wrinkles at the corner of the pony’s mouth—not a tight, forced smile, but not so loose that it clanks against their teeth. A well-fitted headstall is the foundation for your child’s control and their pony’s comfort.

Weaver Leather Pony Browband for a Classic Fit

You see this headstall everywhere for a reason. It’s the sturdy, reliable choice that gets the job done without any fuss. For the young rider just starting out (ages 5-9) or the family that needs equipment to last through multiple kids, the classic leather browband is a smart investment. It’s built for function, not fashion, which helps your child focus on the fundamentals of riding rather than distracting bling.

This type of headstall is a workhorse. The leather is durable, and its simple design makes it easy for little hands to learn how to handle and clean their own tack, fostering a great sense of responsibility. Think of it as the foundational piece of equipment that supports the early stages of learning, where consistency and reliability are far more important than sparkle. It’s a purchase you make once and can often pass down, knowing it provided a safe and effective start.

Tough-1 Tooled Leather Pony Headstall for Style

Your child has been riding for a year or two, their commitment is solid, and they’re starting to notice the cool gear the older kids have. The Tough-1 Tooled Leather headstall is the perfect next step. It introduces a bit of personality and style with classic floral or basketweave tooling, making your child feel like a "real" barrel racer without a huge financial leap.

This is a fantastic way to reward progress and keep motivation high, especially for kids in the 8-12 age range who are developing their own identity. Allowing them to have a say in their gear—choosing a tooling pattern they love—gives them ownership over their sport. It says, "I see your hard work, and I support your passion." This headstall balances a touch of personal flair with the durability needed for continued practice and local shows.

Classic Equine Single Ear for Quick Tack Changes

Is your child getting more independent, wanting to tack up their pony by themselves? A single-ear headstall, like the ones from Classic Equine, can be a game-changer. The design makes it much faster and easier to slip over the pony’s ear, which is a huge confidence booster for a child learning to be self-sufficient at the barn. It’s also an excellent choice for ponies that are a bit head-shy or fussy about having their ears handled.

This style represents a move from beginner to intermediate. The rider is likely more skilled, with softer hands that don’t need the stability of a browband to keep the headstall in place. It’s a functional upgrade that streamlines the tacking process, giving your child more time to focus on their warm-up and mental preparation before a run. It’s a subtle shift that supports growing independence and skill.

Showman Crystal Inlay Pony Headstall for Flair

For the child who lives for the spotlight and loves to sparkle, this is it. The Showman headstalls with crystal inlays are all about expressing personality in the arena. If your child is motivated by the performance and showmanship aspect of barrel racing, having gear that makes them feel like a star can be a powerful tool for building confidence. It’s their version of a team uniform, one that makes them feel proud and ready to compete.

While it might seem like just "bling," don’t underestimate the psychological boost this can provide, particularly for kids aged 9-14. When a child feels good about how they and their pony look, they often ride with more poise and assurance. This headstall is for the dedicated competitor who has earned their flair. It’s a celebration of their passion and a fun way to stand out in the arena.

Martin Saddlery Sliding One Ear for Performance

When your child’s focus shifts from completing the pattern to shaving tenths of a second off their time, their equipment needs to evolve, too. The Martin Saddlery Sliding One Ear is a piece of performance equipment designed for the serious youth competitor. The "sliding ear" feature allows the headstall to conform perfectly to the pony’s head, preventing any binding or pulling that could interfere with subtle cues.

This design allows the bit to move more freely and independently from the rest of the headstall, resulting in clearer communication and a quicker response from the pony. It’s a sophisticated piece of tack for a rider who has developed an understanding of nuanced communication with their horse. This is an investment in your child’s competitive progression, providing them with a tool that helps translate their hard-earned skills into better performance in the arena.

Circle Y Slit Ear Pony Headstall for Simplicity

Sometimes, the simplest design is the most effective. The Circle Y Slit Ear headstall is the ultimate in minimalist function. With just a single loop of leather that slips over one ear, there’s no browband or throatlatch to fuss with. This is an excellent choice for a well-trained pony and a confident rider who values direct communication above all else.

This style is particularly great for ponies sensitive to excess pressure on their poll or around their ears. By removing extra straps, you eliminate potential points of irritation, allowing the pony to stay focused and comfortable. For the no-nonsense young rider who is all about the partnership with their pony, this headstall strips everything down to the essentials, proving that effective communication doesn’t require complexity.

Mustang Nylon Browband Headstall for Durability

Let’s be practical. Sometimes you need something that can be left in the trailer, get rained on, and still be ready to go. The Mustang Nylon Browband is the answer. It’s incredibly durable, easy to clean (just hose it off!), and comes in a rainbow of colors that younger kids absolutely love. This is the perfect choice for a first headstall, a spare, or for everyday use in rough conditions.

Because it’s so affordable and resilient, you won’t worry about it getting muddy or scuffed up during practice. This makes it ideal for the youngest riders (ages 5-8) or for use at camps where tack might see some extra wear and tear. It’s a low-stress, high-function option that prioritizes practicality and budget, ensuring your child can ride and have fun without you worrying about ruining expensive leather.

Ultimately, the "best" headstall is the one that safely fits your pony and aligns with your child’s current stage of development. Whether it’s a simple leather browband for their first lessons or a performance-oriented sliding ear for their first big competition, the goal is the same: to provide a tool that fosters clear communication, builds confidence, and supports their love for the sport. Trust your judgment, listen to your child, and choose the equipment that will help them and their pony succeed as a team.