headstall

[ hed-stawl ]

/ ˈhɛdˌstɔl /

that part of a bridle or halter that encompasses the head of an animal.

Origin of headstall

First recorded in 1425–75, headstall is from the late Middle English word hedstall. See head, stall¹

The others at the same time made the bridles fast to the headstall of the wheelers drawing the wagon.

Indian and Scout |F. S. Brereton
The horse must also carry a headstall and a halter; I like one with plenty of tassels, to keep off the flies.

The Art of Travel |Francis Galton
Take the girl on the horse with you, and let Chris lead by the headstall.

King Spruce, A Novel |Holman Day
One was caparisoned with a tiger-skin, and from his headstall floated streamers of divers-coloured horsehair.

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 66, No 405, July 1849 |Various

He crouched, backed, half turned and Nora's spur caught under the headstall of his bridle.

Bruce of the Circle A |Harold Titus

headstall

/ (ˈhɛdˌstɔːl) /

another word (esp US) for head collar