What is a bosal?

A bosal is a kind of bitless bridle used entirely in western riding. It consists of a simple braided noseband, with the reins secured to the back of the noseband. A bosal can only be used with a horse that is trained to neck rein, as the rider cannot use the reins to steer directly, only to slow the horse.

It is used primarily in the vaquero tradition, but is sometimes used by other cowboys, especially on horses that are not happy about taking a bit.

A show-style bosal on an Arabian mare. Image source: BLW via Wikimedia Commons.