Ruqayyah Snyder
The gullet of a saddle is the channel between the bars of the saddle, which keeps the weight of the saddle and rider from sitting directly on a horse's spine. A poorly-fitted gullet can cause significant discomfort and pain for a horse. Some saddles have fixed gullet plates, while others have gullet plates that can be swapped out for a different size, known as easy-change gullets. The gullet width and angle should be measured carefully to ensure a good fit, and there are adjustable gullet saddles available that can accommodate horse changes over time. This paragraph will discuss how to change an Australian saddle gullet, a process that requires careful attention to detail and the right tools.
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What You'll Learn
Measuring the gullet
Start by locating the gullet plates on your Australian saddle. These are the metal bars that run along the channel of the saddle, and they can usually be found under the panels or flaps. It is important to ensure that your saddle is balanced and centred on your horse's back before taking any measurements.
The next step is to measure the width of the gullet. Use a gullet gauge or a measuring tape to determine the distance between the two gullet plates at the widest point. This measurement is crucial in determining the correct gullet size for your saddle. A standard gullet gauge will have different size options, allowing you to find the best fit for your horse's withers and back.
Once you have determined the width, it's important to consider the height of the gullet. This measurement is especially important if your horse has high or low withers. Use a measuring tape or a gullet stick to determine the clearance between the gullet and your horse's spine. The ideal height will provide sufficient clearance, ensuring that the saddle does not put pressure on the withers or restrict your horse's movement.
In some cases, you may need to adjust the gullet plates to find the perfect fit. Many modern Australian saddles come with interchangeable gullet systems, allowing you to customize the width and fit of the gullet to your horse's unique conformation. Adjust the gullet plates symmetrically, ensuring that both sides are adjusted equally to maintain balance.
Always remember to consult a professional saddle fitter if you're unsure about the gullet size or any other aspects of your saddle fitting. They can provide expert advice and ensure that your saddle is properly fitted to your horse's individual characteristics, promoting comfort and preventing long-term health issues.
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Preparing the saddle
Positioning the Saddle:
Start by ensuring the saddle is securely held in place. If you prefer to stand while making adjustments, place the back (cantle area) of the saddle between your knees and a covered table, with the saddle panel facing away. This setup will provide a stable base and allow you to work with both hands free. Alternatively, if you prefer to sit down, grip the back of the saddle securely with your knees, keeping the panels facing towards you for easy access.
Accessing the Gullet:
Locate the large tab folded under the head of the saddle in the chamber. This tab is typically secured with Velcro. Untuck the tab from under the panel on both sides, and gently lift it away from the tree, revealing the saddle's gullet plate. If your saddle has flexiblocs or a point girth strap secured with a Velcro tab, remember to remove or release them before proceeding.
Removing the Gullet Plate:
Once the gullet area is exposed, carefully pull the panel away from the tree to free the steel post from the hole. Slide the panel down and off the tree point, repeating this step on the other side to ensure full access to the gullet area. With the panels removed, you can now see inside your saddle and prepare for the gullet change. Remove the screw at the end of the gullet plate, and repeat this step on the other side to completely detach the gullet plate from the saddle.
Preparing for the New Gullet:
With the old gullet plate removed, it's important to prepare the saddle for the new gullet size. Using your hands, gently apply pressure to stretch the tree in the desired direction—wider or narrower—for approximately 30 seconds. This step helps ensure a proper fit for the new gullet size.
Installing the New Gullet:
Select the appropriately sized gullet from your gullet kit and fit it into the channel. Start each screw with your fingers until the gullet is aligned correctly, then use a screwdriver to fully tighten both screws, securing the new gullet in place. It is recommended to use new screws whenever possible for added security.
Reassembling the Saddle:
After installing the new gullet, carefully refit the panel onto the tree point by sliding the tree point into the point pocket. Ensure the panel is securely refit over the tree point. Insert the EASY-CHANGE® Locating Tool through the hole under the skirt of the saddle, through the hole in the tree, and into the steel post. Gently lever the tool to locate and align the post. Hold the panel, tree, and flap in place, and remove the locating tool. Finally, insert the screw and start it with your fingers, then tighten it securely with a screwdriver.
Final Adjustments:
Check that the D-ring, if present, is correctly positioned at the end, and repeat this check on the other side. Tuck the large tab back into the chamber and under the panel on each side, ensuring a seamless finish. Remember to reattach any flexiblocs and secure the point girth strap under the Velcro tab if applicable.
These comprehensive steps outline the process of preparing an Australian saddle for a gullet change. By following these instructions, riders can ensure a secure and comfortable fit for their horse, providing an enhanced riding experience.
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Removing the gullet plate
To remove the gullet plate, start by ensuring you have the right tools. You will need a long-handled Philips Head #3 screwdriver, an Easy-Change Locating Tool, and an Easy-Change Gullet Kit. It is important that the weight of the saddle is fully supported so that you have both hands free and a clear view of what you are doing. You can do this by securing the back (cantle area) of the saddle between your knees and a table, with the saddle panel facing away from you.
Next, locate the large tab folded under the head of the saddle in the chamber. This is held in place with Velcro. Untuck the tab from under the panel on both sides and lift it away from the tree. You will now be able to see your saddle's gullet plate. If your saddle has flexiblocs attached, remove them. If your saddle has a point girth strap, release the Velcro tab securing it in place. Gently pull the panel away from the tree to free the steel post from the hole in the tree. Slide the panel down and off the tree point, and repeat this step on the other side.
You can now see inside your saddle and are ready to change the gullet plate. Remove the screw at the end of the gullet plate and repeat on the other side. Take the gullet plate out of the saddle. Using your hands, apply pressure to stretch the tree in the direction you will be changing the gullet (wider or narrower) for 30 seconds.
It is important to note that some saddles have a fixed gullet plate that cannot be removed, while others have gullet plates that can be swapped for a different size. These are usually referred to as easy-change gullets. If you are unsure whether your saddle's gullet will fit your horse properly, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional saddle fitter.
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Installing the new gullet
Before installing a new gullet, it is important to ensure that you have the right tools. These include a long-handled Philips Head number 3 screwdriver, an EASY-CHANGE® Locating Tool, and an EASY-CHANGE® Gullet Kit. It is also important to ensure that the weight of the saddle is fully supported so that you have both hands free and a clear view of what you are doing. You can secure the back (cantle area) of the saddle between your knees and a table, with the saddle panel facing away from you, or you can grip the back of the saddle securely with your knees with the panels facing towards you.
To begin the installation, locate the large tab folded under the head of the saddle in the chamber. This is held in place with Velcro. Untuck the tab from under the panel on both sides and lift it away from the tree. If your saddle has flexiblocs attached, remember to remove them. If your saddle has a point girth strap, release the Velcro tab securing it in place. Gently pull the panel away from the tree to free the steel post from the hole in the tree, then slide the panel down and off the tree point. Repeat this step on the other side.
Now that you can see inside your saddle, it is time to change the gullet plate. Remove the screws at the end of the gullet plate and take the gullet plate out of the saddle. Using your hands, apply pressure to stretch the tree in the direction you will be changing the gullet (wider or narrower) for 30 seconds.
Next, 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 your screwdriver. Refit the panel onto the tree point by sliding the tree point into the point pocket to refit the panel over the tree point. Insert your EASY-CHANGE® 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. Holding the panel, tree, and flap in place, remove the EASY-CHANGE® Locating tool and insert the screw. Start it with your fingers, then tighten it with the screwdriver.
Finally, remember to replace your flexiblocs on the saddle, and if applicable, secure the point girth strap under the Velcro tab.
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Refitting the saddle panel
To refit a saddle panel, you must first ensure that the weight of the saddle is fully supported so that you have both hands free and a clear view of what you are doing. Secure the back (cantle area) of the saddle between your knees and a table, with the saddle panel facing away from you. If you prefer to sit down to make adjustments, grip the back of the saddle securely with your knees, with the panels facing towards you.
Next, remove the screw located under the skirt at the head of the saddle. Some models feature a concealed system that unscrews using a fall-down D-Ring. Repeat this step on the other side. Now, locate the large tab folded under the head of the saddle in the chamber. This is held in place with Velcro. Untuck the tab from under the panel on both sides and lift it away from the tree. You will now be able to see your saddle's gullet plate. If your saddle has a point girth strap, release the Velcro tab securing it in place. Gently pull the panel away from the tree to free the steel post from the hole in the tree. Slide the panel down and off the tree point. Repeat this step on the other side.
Now that the saddle panel has been removed, you can adjust the gullet plate or replace it with a different size, if necessary. Once you have made the desired adjustments to the gullet plate, you can refit the panel by sliding the tree point into the point pocket. Insert the EASY-CHANGE® Locating Tool through the hole under the skirt of the saddle, through the hole in the tree, and into the steel post. Holding the panel, tree, and flap in place, remove the Locating Tool and insert the screw. Tighten it with a screwdriver. Finally, remember to replace your flexiblocs on the saddle and, if applicable, secure the point girth strap under the Velcro tab.
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Frequently asked questions
If your horse is in pain or discomfort, it may be that the gullet is too narrow or too wide. You can measure your horse with a flexible curve to get the most accurate measurement.
First, check you have the right tools, including a screwdriver, a gullet kit, and a covered table to protect the saddle. Locate the large tab folded under the head of the saddle, and untuck it from under the panel on both sides. You will then be able to see the gullet plate. 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. Fit the new gullet in the channel and start each screw with your fingers until the gullet is lined up, then tighten the screws with your screwdriver.
The gullet is the channel between the bars of the saddle. It keeps the weight of the saddle and rider from sitting directly on the horse's spine.
