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The Easy Change Gullet System Complete Kit is available at Aussie Saddlery, Australia's best online saddlery and equestrian retail store. The kit includes gullet plates that fit all Bates, Arena, and Wintec branded WIDE model saddles, along with an easy-change gullet gauge and the necessary fixings for installation. You can visit their store to see, touch, and try out these products, and their friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Saddle type | English or Western |
| Saddle stand | Required |
| Measurement tools | Measuring tape or ruler |
| Measurement location | 2 inches below the narrowest section |
| Measurement technique | Measure from left to right across the section |
| Adjustment tools | Long-handled Philips Head #3 screwdriver, EASY-CHANGE® Locating Tool, EASY-CHANGE® Gullet Kit |
| Adjustment technique | Remove and replace gullet plate, stretch tree, fit new gullet, and secure with screws |
| Saddle fitting | Professional saddle fitter recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Fitting an Australian gullet
To measure the gullet size, stand the horse on a level surface and place the saddle directly on its back without using a saddle pad. Look at the saddle from the front; the gullet should span the withers, resting about 2 inches below their highest point and leaving a gap between the top of the withers and the bottom of the saddle. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two to four fingers in the gap between the withers and the saddle. If three or more fingers fit, the gullet is too narrow, and if fewer than two fingers fit, it is too wide. Slide your hand under the saddle and along the gullet to check that the pressure from the bars is evenly distributed.
The bars of the saddle control the angle of the gullet and the channel. They must be in full contact with the horse's back to prevent the saddle from rocking and creating pressure points. Bars come in five standard angles, but custom angles can be made by a saddlery. The angle of the gullet and the width of the bars are critical factors in ensuring a proper saddle fit, but other factors such as the length and shape of the horse's back also come into play.
When fitting an Australian saddle, it is important to remember that they sit more forward on a horse's back than traditional western saddles, and the stirrups are attached in a more forward position. This shifts the rider's centre of gravity and weight forward. To ensure even weight distribution, the rider should place 25% of their weight in each stirrup and the rest in the seat of the saddle. Before undertaking a long ride with a new saddle, it is recommended to take several shorter rides to allow the padding to adjust to the horse's back.
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In-store gullet trials
- Find a reputable equestrian store that offers in-store gullet trials. Some stores provide a range of trial saddles with adjustable gullets, allowing you to find the ideal fit for your horse.
- Consult with the store's sales associates or experts. They can guide you through the trial process and help you select the appropriate gullet size for your horse's specific needs.
- During the trial, you will be able to adjust the gullet size to suit your horse's profile. This usually involves using a screwdriver to remove and replace the metal plate on top of the tree with the desired size.
- It is important to follow the store's guidelines for gullet trials. Some stores may require you to fill out necessary paperwork or adhere to specific trial periods.
- Ensure that you handle the saddle with care during the trial. Keep the saddle in the same condition as when you received it. Do not make any unauthorized alterations or adjustments, as this may void the trial or result in unexpected charges.
- Take your time to evaluate the saddle's suitability. Try it on different horses if needed and seek the opinions of others. A comfortable and well-fitted saddle is crucial for the horse's performance and overall well-being.
By conducting in-store gullet trials, you can make an informed decision about purchasing a saddle that ensures a custom fit for your horse. Remember to follow the store's instructions and seek assistance from their staff if needed.
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Qualified saddle fitters
The gullet size of a saddle is important as it determines how well the saddle will fit your horse. A gullet that is too narrow or too wide can cause significant discomfort and pain for the horse. The gullet is the channel between the bars of the saddle and it keeps the weight of the saddle and rider from sitting directly on the horse's spine.
Measuring the gullet is a common misunderstanding in all types of saddles. The only true way to know the gullet measurement is to take the information from the specifications set out by the manufacturer of the saddle. The gullet measurement is only 10% of the information needed to determine if a saddle will fit. Other factors to consider include the angle of the bars, the rock of the bars, and flare.
If you are unsure whether a saddle's gullet will fit your horse, a professional or qualified saddle fitter can help measure your horse and find the perfect saddle fit. It is recommended to have a qualified saddle fitter assess the fit of your horse's saddle at least every 6 months. However, this is not always possible for those who live remotely.
To change the gullet bar, you will need an Allen key and a replacement gullet bar that is the correct width for your horse. Before beginning, check that the bolts are not rusted or rounded off, and replace them if necessary. To remove the current bar, undo the two outer bolts, slide each panel off the point of the tree, fold back the flap covering the gullet bar, undo the bolts holding the gullet bar in place, and remove it. Take care not to lose any small components. Once the old gullet bar has been removed, lay the new bar in place, ensuring it is the correct way around, and line up the holes.
After changing the gullet bar, perform a test fit on your horse before riding. Check for any signs of discomfort or pressure points that may indicate an improper fit.
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XW, 3XW, 4XW gullet plates
The EASY-CHANGE® Gullet System offers a way to adjust the width of the saddle tree to match the profile of your horse. This system is particularly useful for young horses that are growing or horses that change shape seasonally or due to muscle development. It is also ideal for riders who use multiple horses.
The EASY-CHANGE® Gullet System comes in a range of sizes, including XW, 3XW, and 4XW, which are colour-coded by size. The XW gullet is sized as Extra Wide, 3XW as 3 Extra Wide, and 4XW as 4 Extra Wide. These gullet plates are designed to be completely rigid, ensuring they do not spread or change shape under normal usage. They will remain true to their size throughout their life.
To change an EASY-CHANGE® gullet plate, you will need a long-handled Philips Head number 3 screwdriver, an EASY-CHANGE® Locating Tool, and an EASY-CHANGE® Gullet Kit. Before beginning, ensure that the saddle's weight is fully supported so that you have both hands free. You can secure the saddle between your knees, with the panels facing towards or away from you, depending on your preference.
First, locate the large tab folded under the head of the saddle in the chamber. This tab is held in place by Velcro. Untuck the tab from the panel on both sides and lift it away from the tree to expose the gullet plate. If your saddle has flexiblocs or a point girth strap, remove them. Gently pull the panel away from the tree to free the steel post, and then slide the panel down and off the tree point. Repeat this step on the other side.
Remove the screws at the end of the gullet plate and take the gullet plate out of the saddle. Apply pressure to stretch the tree in the direction you will be changing the gullet – wider or narrower – for 30 seconds. Fit the new gullet in the channel and start each screw with your fingers until the gullet is lined up, then fully tighten the screws with your screwdriver.
Refit the panel onto the tree point by sliding the tree point into the point pocket. Insert the EASY-CHANGE® Locating Tool through the hole under the skirt of the saddle and into the steel post. Lever the tool to locate and align the post. Holding the panel, tree, and flap in place, remove the Locating tool and insert the screw. Start it with your fingers, then tighten it with the screwdriver.
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Fixings for fitting
To fit an Australian gullet, you will need a kit that contains a gullet gauge and gullet plates, along with all the fixings. These kits are available for both standard and wide saddles. The standard kit includes a medium black gullet plate, while the wide kit includes a 2XW plate.
The fixings included in these kits are screws, which are used to secure the gullet in place. It is recommended to use new screws wherever possible. If you must reuse a screw, ensure you have applied Loctite 243, or an equivalent removable Loctite, before fitting it into the saddle.
To fit the gullet, first fit the new gullet in the channel and start each screw with your fingers until the gullet is lined up. Then, fully tighten both screws with a screwdriver.
The next step is to refit the panel onto the tree point. Do this by sliding the tree point into the point pocket to refit the panel over the tree point. Insert the locating tool through the hole under the skirt of the saddle, through the hole in the tree, and into the steel post. Lever the tool to locate the post and align by carefully pushing together.
Finally, hold the panel, tree, and flap in place and remove the locating tool. Insert the screw and start it with your fingers, before tightening with the screwdriver.
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