For every horse owner or rider, having a correctly fitted saddle is critical to both the horse’s comfort and performance.
One of the most crucial components of saddle fit is ensuring that the gullet, the curving channel along the saddle’s bottom, allows enough room for the horse’s spine.
An ill-fitting gullet can cause severe discomfort, agony, and possibly long-term injury to the horse’s spine.
Measuring the gullet is an important step in deciding if a saddle is appropriate for a certain horse.
But how to measure it? What tools should I use to measure a gullet?
In this blog, we will look at the significance of gullet measuring, the instruments needed, and the step-by-step procedure for correct Saddle Gullet measurement.
What is a Gullet?
A gullet is a saddle component that helps the horse fit and feel more comfortable.
The gullet is the curved or arched portion at the front of the saddle, directly beneath the withers (the ridge joining the horse’s shoulder blades).
When the saddle is secured, it creates a channel or clearing region, preventing pressure from being delivered directly to the horse’s spine and withers.
A properly fitted gullet gives the saddle just enough space to clear the withers without pinching or creating sores.
Gullet sizes are defined based on their breadth, such as narrow, normal, and wide. Matching the gullet to the width of the horse’s withers is crucial.
The Importance of Gullet Measurement
An essential component of a saddle’s overall fit is the gullet.
It should not put undue strain on the surrounding muscles and tissues but rather be sufficiently wide to take in the horse’s withers and provide adequate room for the spine.
A too-broad gullet can cause instability and perhaps injure the rider, while a gullet that is too tight might squeeze the horse’s withers and cause pain and suffering.
An incorrectly fitting, too-wide gullet can cause saddle instability. One that is excessively thin may pinch and cause painful pressure points.
For several reasons, accurate gullet measurement is crucial.
Comfort: If the gullet is too small or too large, the horse may experience severe pain and discomfort, which may result in behavioral difficulties, decreased performance, and chronic back problems.
Saddle Stability: The function of the gullet is essential for saddle stability. The rider’s balance and control may be compromised by a seat that shifts or rocks due to an excessively broad or small gullet.
Muscle Development: The shoulders and back muscles of the horse can grow appropriately, free from unnecessary pressure or restriction when the gullet is fitted correctly.
Injury Prevention: Improper clearing of the gullet by saddles can cause long-term pain, atrophy of the muscles, and in extreme situations, spinal injury.
Tools for Gullet Measurement
It’s crucial to have the appropriate instruments ready before you start measuring the gullet.
A saddle’s gullet must be measured to guarantee a good fit and to shield the horse and rider from pain or harm.
The following are some necessary instruments for precisely gauging the gullet and its applications:
1. Gullet Gauge
An instrument made especially for measuring the breadth and depth of a saddle’s gullet is called a gullet gauge.
Usually, it’s made of a piece of bent plastic or metal that resembles the withers of a horse. Saddle gullets are measured using a gullet gauge, which is a specialized instrument.
Usually, it’s only a flexible, bent arm made of plastic or metal with markings for measurements.
A sliding part or movable wings are additional features that certain gauges have to help with precise measurement.
Once the gauge is put into the gullet, the markings on the gauge may be used to interpret the breadth and depth data.
Professional saddle fitters and saddle fitters would find this equipment invaluable since it offers accurate measurements.
2. Measuring Tape or Ruler
The best instrument for measuring gullet dimensions is a gullet gauge, however, stiff rulers or flexible measuring tapes will also work.
Manual measurements are made of the depth and width after inserting the ruler or tape within the gullet.
In situations when a specialized tool is not available, this approach can be a good substitute even if it might not be as exact as using a gullet gauge.
To measure the gullet’s width at different spots, you’ll need a flexible measuring tape or ruler in addition to a gullet gauge.
3. Pencil or Marker
When noting measurements or marking spots on the saddle or gauge, a pencil or marker might be useful.
It facilitates measurement tracking and accuracy assurance during the fitting procedure.
Marking the saddle’s points of contact with the horse’s back with a marker also helps to provide important information for modifications.
4. Saddle Stand or Mounting Block
When the saddle is on the horse’s back, it might be difficult to measure the gullet precisely.
To make the gullet region easier to reach and see, you may use a mounting block or a saddle stand to raise the saddle to a comfortable working height.
This instrument makes it easier to take accurate measures and lowers the possibility of putting pressure on the neck or back when taking measurements.
By enabling you to set the saddle at a comfortable height, a strong saddle stand or mounting block helps facilitate the measuring procedure.
Measuring the Saddle Gullet for an English Saddle
Now that you have the required equipment, let’s begin by going over the procedure step-by-step for measuring the English saddle gullet:
Step 1: Prepare the Saddle
Start by setting the saddle down on a level, sturdy platform, such as a mounting block or saddle stand.
Ascertain that the saddle is properly positioned, with the panels spaced equally and the pommel and cantle level.
Step 2: Insert the Gullet Gauge
Starting from the pommel end, carefully slide the gullet gauge into the gullet channel.
Take care not to force the gauge through or harm the saddle as you gently push it until it reaches the cantle end.
Step 3: Check for Clearance
Once the gullet gauge is in position, visually check if there is enough space for it to pass through the saddle’s gullet channel or the horse’s withers, if one is present.
The ideal distance between the gauge and the withers or channel should be around the width of two fingers.
Step 4: Mark Measurement Points
Mark many locations along the gullet’s length with a pencil or marker on the saddle or gullet gauge. Measurements will be taken using these markers as a point of reference.
Step 5: Measure the Gullet Width
After removing the gullet gauge from the saddle, measure the gullet’s width at each designated location using a measuring tape or ruler.
Note the precise place (such as the pommel, middle, or cantle) for each measurement when you record them.
Step 6: Evaluate the Measurements
Once all of the measurements have been taken, review the information to see if the gullet width is suitable for your horse.
The standard recommendation for gullet width for most horses is 2 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm), although this might vary based on the horse’s size and structure.
It’s crucial to remember that the gullet width shouldn’t be constant all the way along.
To allow for the horse’s withers, the gullet should be narrower at the pommel and cantle ends and progressively wider towards the center.
Step 7: Repeat the Measurement (Optional)
Repeat the measuring procedure if you have any doubts about your measurements or would like to confirm your results. Measurement consistency is essential for proper assessment.
Measuring the Saddle Gullet for a Western Saddle
The procedure for measuring the gullet of a western saddle is similar to that of an English saddle, but there are some variations.
Follow these steps to measure the gullet for a western saddle:
Step 1: Prepare the Saddle
Put the western saddle on a sturdy stand or rack, with the pommel and cantle level.
Also, ensure that the saddle’s panels are equally spaced apart.
Step 2: Insert Gullet Gauge (Optional)
Some western saddles have large gullets that may require specialized tools like a ranch ruler to measure accurately.
In this case, you can use a gullet gauge to measure the width of the saddle’s gullet.
If your western saddle has a standard-sized gullet, you can skip this step and proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Place the Measuring Tape
Gently push one end of a measuring tape into one side of the saddle’s gullet channel, making sure it goes through without forcing or bending.
Step 4: Measure Gullet Width
As with an English saddle, take measurements at various points along the length of the gullet using a measuring tape or ruler.
Note down these measurements for future reference.
Step 5: Evaluate the Measurements
After recording all the measurements, check if the gullet width is appropriate for your horse.
As with an English saddle, the recommended gullet width for a western saddle also ranges from 2 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm).
It’s essential to note that the gullet’s size should be larger at the points where it comes in contact with the horse’s withers and gradually become narrower towards the center of the saddle.
Step 6: Repeat Measurement (Optional)
If you are unsure about any of your measurements or want to double-check your results, you can repeat the process to ensure accuracy.
Additional Considerations
There are a few more things to take into account in addition to the broad guidelines provided by the preceding step-by-step approach for measuring the saddle gullet:
1. Horse Conformation
The musculature, withers, and conformation of every horse are distinctive.
It’s critical to take into account each of these distinct features when assessing the gullet fit.
A horse with low, mutton withers could need a narrower gullet, whereas a horse with prominent withers might need a broader one.
2. Saddle Type
The gullet arrangements of various saddle types, including Western saddles, jumping saddles, and dressage saddles, might differ.
Make careful to adhere to any special instructions given by the saddle maker, or consult a trained saddle fitter for guidance.
3. Saddle Panels
Apart from the gullet, the saddle panels are also essential for overall comfort and fit.
To distribute the rider’s weight equally and prevent too many pressure points, make sure the panels are appropriately flocked or modified.
4. Professional Fitting
A thorough assessment of the saddle fit should always be carried out by a skilled saddle fitter, even though measuring the gullet is a crucial first step.
An expert saddle fitter can take into account the horse’s anatomy, musculature, and gaits in order to get the best fit possible.
Conclusion
Assessing the saddle gullet is an important step in ensuring your horse’s comfort, performance, and general well-being.
Follow this tutorial’s step-by-step procedure and use the relevant tools to accurately check gullet width and determine if changes or a new saddle are needed.
Ensuring a harmonious connection between horse and rider can maximize their potential and enjoyment of the riding experience, given the right tools and procedures.
Remember that a well-fitted saddle not only improves the horse’s comfort but also adds to a more joyful and effective riding encounter for both horse and rider.
Leave a Reply