What is a “one ear” or “single ear” bridle? This is typically a western headstall and instead of having a browband, it has a “loop” that goes around one of the horse’s ears. I’ve seen them on both right and left so it doesn’t appear that there is a standard. It is also an option to have a pair of one ear loops – a two ear or double ear headstall.

These types of headstalls are usually used with a shank or curb bit. Because of the leverage action of a bit with a shank, the headstall will create pressure at the poll when the bit is engaged. A snaffle bit has a different action and can cause slack at the poll which can actually cause the headstall to fall off – I’ve actually seen that happen!

Anyway, I haven’t been able to find the actual term for this loop that goes around the ear so I’ve taken to referring to them as “earpieces”. If any of our readers know of the correct terminology, we’d love to hear from you!