How to Determine the Correct Gullet Bar Size for Your Horse's Adjustable Saddle
When it comes to adjustable gullet saddles, understanding the right gullet bar size for your horse is crucial. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of measuring your horse to determine the most suitable gullet bar.
Why Gullet Bar Size Matters
At Saddles Direct, we stock a wide range of new and secondhand adjustable saddles and the accompanying gullet bars. These saddles offer the flexibility to adapt to your horse's changing shape throughout the year. Factors such as workload, rider changes, stable adjustments, grazing quality, and diet can all influence your horse's physique. It's essential to monitor these changes to ensure your saddle remains appropriately sized, neither too narrow nor too wide.
While we always recommend professional saddle fitting, we understand that horse owners want to play an active role in monitoring their horse's comfort. In this article, we'll equip you with simple checks to recognise when a change might be necessary, allowing you to schedule timely appointments with your local saddle fitter.
Measuring Your Horse for the Right Gullet Bar Size
Watch our informative video below for a step-by-step guide on how to check which size gullet bar your horse needs. It's advisable to keep a few spare gullet bars on hand to regularly assess any changes in your horse's shape or size. Remember, besides gullet width, consider the fit of the panel and tree.
Tools to Aid in Gullet Bar Selection
If you don't have access to a wide range of bar widths or currently lack an adjustable saddle, we offer helpful tools to assist you in choosing the right gullet bar:
Easy-Change Gullet Gauge: Produced by the reputable team behind Bates, Arena, and Wintec saddles, this gauge simplifies the process.
- Ensure your horse is standing square and is on level ground. In order use the EASY-CHANGE® Gullet Gauge it needs to be positioned where the tree points will be within your saddle.
- Place the EASY-CHANGE® Gullet Gauge vertically over your horse’s wither. 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.
You can do this every 3-6 months to check your horse is still in the correct range.
Learn more about the Easy-Change Gullet Gauge.
Templating Kit: A tool commonly used by professional saddle fitters to template horses during fittings. We recommend checking your horse's template monthly to detect any shape changes and prevent potential saddle issues.
Learn how to template your horse with our helpful blog post, get your complete starter kit from the Perfect Fit Kit.
Remember, while these tools provide valuable insights, we always advise having a professional saddle fitter assess both you and your horse to ensure the perfect fit. Find your local saddle fitter.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our friendly customer support team at 01282 471 911or via email at customerservice@saddlesdirect.co.uk.
At Saddles Direct, we're dedicated to helping you make informed decisions for you and your horse.
