What is a split ear bridle?

A split ear or one ear bridle is a bridle which has a crownpiece that is split and goes around one ear (either the right or the left). This kind of bridle is used by western riders. It has no browband, no noseband and sometimes no throatlatch. Some riders prefer the minimalist look. It can be a good bridle for horses that don't like browbands, but some horses dislike the feel of the leather around their ear. Some also believe a split ear bridle is less secure than a regular one. Two ear bridles also exist, but are much rarer.