Martin Saddlery Ranahan Split Ear Headstall - Hermann Oak Leather

Built to Stay Put When the Pressure's On

The Martin Saddlery Ranahan Split Ear Headstall solves the problem every roper and ranch rider knows too well — headstalls that shift, slip, or fail when you need them most. Handcrafted from Hermann Oak harness leather and finished with a hand-oiled treatment, this headstall arrives broken-in and ready to work. The split-ear design with secure neck tie knot keeps everything centered during high-speed maneuvers, heavy pulls, and long days in the saddle.

What sets the Ranahan apart is the combination of tool-free leather bit ties and a single stainless steel cart buckle — you can swap bits in seconds and adjust length on the fly without fumbling for tools at the trailer. It's the kind of tack that earns its place in your string because it just works, ride after ride.

Why Riders Choose the Ranahan Headstall

• No-slip split ear design — Stays secure and centered during roping, reining, and ranch work without shifting off the poll.
• Hermann Oak harness leather — Dense fiber structure and high oil content resist stretching, cracking, and weather damage over years of daily use.
• Tool-free bit changes — Leather bit ties let you switch bits in seconds without screwdrivers or pliers — saves time in the practice pen or at jackpots.
• Ready-to-ride comfort — Hand-oiled finish delivers a soft, broken-in feel right out of the box, so your horse stays comfortable from day one.
• Single cart buckle for quick adjustments — Stainless steel buckle on one side makes it easy to share across multiple horses or fine-tune the fit.
• Standard Western sizing — Pre-punched holes fit most horses 14.2 to 16 hands with room to adjust for individual head shapes.

Best For

Ropers, ranch riders, and performance competitors looking for a headstall that won't shift or fail during high-pressure maneuvers and heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this headstall hold up to daily ranch work and weather exposure?

Yes. Hermann Oak harness leather is chosen specifically for its high oil content and dense fiber structure, which prevents brittleness and stretching even with constant sweat exposure and outdoor use. The hand-oiled finish adds an extra layer of weather resistance, so this headstall maintains its integrity through years of hard work.

Q: Can I use this for barrel racing or team roping?

Absolutely. The Ranahan Split Ear Headstall is engineered for high-impact Western disciplines. The split-ear design with secure neck tie keeps the headstall stable and centered during the intense speed and pressure of the performance arena, making it a solid choice for both timed events and rope work.

Q: How easy is it to change bits with the leather bit ties?

Very easy — no tools required. The leather bit ties are designed to slip on and off quickly, so you can swap bits in seconds at the trailer or between horses. It's one of those details that saves you time when you're working multiple horses or switching disciplines.