Adjustable saddles have made it easier than ever to adapt your saddle as your horse changes shape. But while adjustable saddle gullet bars are often seen as a quick fix, choosing the correct width (and understanding what it actually changes) is where many riders get caught out.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose the right saddle gullet bar, how to check the fit on your horse, and why width is only one part of the bigger saddle fitting picture.
Why Gullet Bar Size Matters
The gullet bar impacts the width of the saddle at the front, affecting how the saddle sits over your horse’s:
- Withers
- Shoulders
- Scapula movement
As your horse changes shape through work, diet, or season, this width may need to change.
Adjustable saddles allow for this flexibility, but they don’t adjust everything.
How to Choose the Right Gullet Bar
Place the gullet bar 2–3 fingers behind the horse's scapula (shoulder blade).
This is roughly where the saddle tree points will sit.
- Let it rest naturally
- Don’t press it down
- You’re checking angle, not clearance
You’ve got the right width when:
- The bar sits flush against the horse
- It follows the natural shoulder angle
- No rocking, no gaps, no pressure points
👉 This is your closest match
❌ Too Narrow Gullet Bar
Signs your gullet bar is too narrow:
- The ends dig into the horse
- It doesn’t sit down properly
- It forms an “A-shape” on a flatter back
In a saddle, this would cause pinching and restriction; go wider.
❌ Too Wide Gullet Bar
Signs your gullet bar is too wide:
- There’s a gap between the bar and the horse
- The ends stick out
- It may wobble or splay outward
In a saddle, this would feel unstable and drop down at the front; go narrower.
How to Check the Fit With the Saddle On
Once the saddle is in position:
- Run your hand from top to bottom at the front
- You should feel even contact throughout
If it feels:
- Loose at the top → too narrow
- Loose at the bottom → too wide
Saddle Gullet Bars Are Not Universal (Important)
There is no standard “Medium”, “Wide” or “Extra Wide”
- Widths vary between brands
- They can even vary between models within the same brand
- Gullet bars are not interchangeable across brands and even models in some cases.
⚠️ Always use the correct gullet bar system for your specific saddle. ⚠️
Tools to Help with saddle Gullet Bar Selection
Gullet Gauges
- Quick and easy way to estimate width
- Useful for tracking changes over time
- Must match your saddle brand
How to use a gullet gauge:
- Ensure your horse is standing square and is on level ground.
- Place the Gullet Gauge vertically over your horse’s back, where the tree points of your saddle would sit. Check the Gauge is evenly in contact with the horse. The centre of the gauge should be well clear of your horse’s wither.
- The gauge will indicate the correct sized gullet for your horse.
Thorowgood Gullet Guide
Download and print this guide, then use your wither trackings to measure and choose a size.
Cavaletti Gullet Guide
Download and print this guide on A3 card, then use your wither trackings to measure and choose a size.
Wither Tracings & Back Templates
One of the most valuable tools you can use at home.
- Track your horse’s shape monthly
- Spot changes early
- Support conversations with your saddle fitter
Tools like the Perfect Fit Kit allow you to monitor changes accurately and avoid guesswork.
Why Gullet Width Is Only Part of Saddle Fit
This is the bit most guides don’t tell you 👇
One of the biggest misconceptions is that horses fit neatly into:
- Narrow
- Medium
- Wide
In reality, two horses with the same gullet width can have completely different shapes.
Other factors that matter:
- Shoulder angle
- Topline development
- Muscle symmetry
- Panel contact
- Saddle balance
If you have a flocked saddle and the flock has settled, that can affect stability and it might be a case of keeping the gullet bar the same, but adjusting the flocking.
Why Changing the Saddle Gullet Bar Doesn’t Always Fix the Problem
A very common mistake: Riders change the gullet bar to fix an issue that’s actually coming from somewhere else.
For example:
- Settled flocking causing instability
- Uneven panels creating pressure points
- Saddle sitting out of balance
In these cases, the correct solution might be; reflocking, saddle adjustment or a completely different saddle.
Quick Saddle Fit Checklist
Use this as a quick at-home check:
✔️ Is the saddle sitting level?
✔️ Is there wither clearance?
✔️ Is there even contact front to back?
✔️ Does the saddle feel stable?
✔️ Is your horse moving freely?
If not — it’s time to speak to a saddle fitter.
⚠️ Not all saddles are built the same:
- Some have more flare at the top of the tree points
- Some change angle part-way down
- Some horses tolerate this… others don’t
This is why brand, tree shape, and panel design all matter, not just width.
Final Thoughts: It’s One Piece of the Puzzle
Choosing the right gullet bar is an important part of saddle fit… but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Adjustable saddles are a brilliant innovation, but they still need to be fitted as a whole, not just adjusted at the front.
At Saddles Direct, we stock a wide range of new and secondhand adjustable saddles and the accompanying gullet bars.
We know saddles aren’t easy. That’s why we offer:
- Expert, friendly advice
- Virtual saddle fitting support
- Saddle trials so you can check fit properly at home
👉 Not sure if your saddle is the right fit?
Start with a template, send it to us, and we’ll guide you from there.
Gullet Bar FAQs
How do I know if my gullet bar is the right size?
Your gullet bar should sit flush against your horse’s shoulders with even contact on both sides, without gaps, pressure points, or rocking.
Can I use any gullet bar in my saddle?
No. Gullet bars are not universal and must match your specific saddle brand and model.
How often should I change my gullet bar?
Only when your horse’s shape changes significantly. Regular checks (monthly) are recommended.
Does changing the gullet bar fix saddle fit issues?
Not always. The gullet only adjusts the front width, other issues like flocking or panel contact may still need professional adjustment.
Can I change the gullet bar myself?
Yes, you can do this at home. While we always recommend professional saddle fitting, we understand that horse owners want to play an active role in monitoring their horse's comfort.
We've put together a 5-step guide on how to change your gullet bar.
