Before finding a perfect saddle for your horse,you need to know about how to measure a gullet of saddle. You must know about gullet width because it directly affects your horse’s comfort, balance, and performance on the trail or in the arena. If the gullet width is too narrow the saddle may pinch and hurt your horse.
The gullet with wide spread may cause spine pressure and poor fit. That’s why measuring your saddle’s gullet isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential. Whether you’re adjusting an old saddle or buying a new one, knowing the horse saddle gullet width, western saddle gullet, and saddle tree width will help you choose the right one. In this guide, we explain everything in simple words. Let’s start.
- What Is a Gullet and Why It Matters in Saddle Fitting
- Tools You Need to Measure a Saddle’s Gullet Correctly
- Understanding Gullet Size vs. Saddle Tree Width
- How to Measure the Gullet on a Western Saddle
- How to Measure the Gullet on an English Saddle
- Measuring a Saddle’s Gullet with a Wire Template
- Gullet Size Chart – What Width Fits What Horse?
- Common Mistakes People Make When Measuring Gullet Width
- Final Thoughts – Always Match the Gullet to the Horse
- Contact Us
What Is a Gullet and Why It Matters in Saddle Fitting
A gullet is a space under the saddle that is placed over the horse’s withers. It helps the horse to protect the spine and gives room for shoulder movement. A saddle with the wrong gullet can cause pain, soreness, and even long-term damage. Knowing the gullet width measurement is key to giving your horse the comfort and freedom to move.
A narrow gullet will pinch the withers, while a wide one will sit too low and press on the spine. A correct saddle fit starts with a well-sized gullet that supports the saddle tree width without causing pressure. Matching your horse’s body shape with the gullet ensures balanced weight and safer riding.
Tools You Need to Measure a Saddle’s Gullet Correctly
If you want to measure the gullet accurately, you need just a few tools.
Ruler or coat hanger wire : You can use these tools to trace the horse’s withers. You’ll also need a marker, paper, and a measuring tape. Some riders use adjustable gullet saddles to test different fits easily.
Using a withers tracing for saddle fit helps you compare the horse’s shape with the saddle tree. Make sure the horse is standing on flat ground. Take measurements slowly and double-check. A clean and precise process leads to better results, especially when dealing with different horse saddle dimensions.
Understanding Gullet Size vs. Saddle Tree Width
Sometimes rides are confused due to saddle tree width with the gullet size. While they are related, they are not the same thing. Gullet size refers to the open space under the fork or pommel, while tree width refers to the angle and spread of the bars that sit along the horse’s back.
A wider tree doesn’t always mean a wider gullet. That’s why it’s important to measure both and consider your horse’s shape. Horse conformation saddle fit varies depending on breed and build, so always match both the tree width and gullet space for the best results.
How to Measure the Gullet on a Western Saddle
If you want to know about how to measure saddle gullet width on a Western saddle, start by turning the saddle upside down. Look under the pommel where the bars of the saddle tree begin. Measure straight across from the inside of one bar to the other.
This space is your western saddle gullet width. A standard Quarter Horse might fit a 6.75 to 7-inch gullet. A wider horse may need a full QH bar with 7 to 7.25 inches. Always compare your reading to a saddle gullet size chart to find a good match.
How to Measure the Gullet on an English Saddle
Remember measuring a saddle gullet on an English saddle is different. Most English saddles measure the gullet from dot-to-dot on the front arch. Use a ruler to check the distance between the two screws or nail heads at the front of the saddle.
Standard English sizes often come in Narrow, Medium, Wide, and Extra Wide. Each brand varies slightly, so always confirm using their chart. Some english saddle gullet systems, like Wintec or Bates, allow you to change gullets using insert plates. This helps fit a range of horses without buying a new saddle.
Measuring a Saddle’s Gullet with a Wire Template
Put the wire on the fit over the horse’s withers, right behind the shoulder blade. This is known as a withers tracing for saddle fit. Place the wire on paper and trace the shape. This helps you compare the horse’s back to the saddle tree.
A good fit will show enough gullet clearance and match the curve of the bars. If you’re unsure, bring the template to your saddle shop. Some pros can help you find the right gullet bar spacing using your template as a guide.
Gullet Size Chart – What Width Fits What Horse?
Follow this chart which matches horse types with common gullet width in inches. Always adjust for individual builds, as not all Quarter Horses are the same.
| Horse Type | Gullet Size (inches) | Gullet Fit Label |
| Narrow Thoroughbred | 5″ to 5.5″ | Narrow |
| Average Arabian | 6″ to 6.25″ | Medium |
| Quarter Horse | 6.5″ to 7″ | Full QH Bars |
| Draft or Wide Breed | 7.25″ to 8″ | Extra Wide |
Use this gullet measurement guide for beginners to compare results with your wire tracing and the saddle specs.
Common Mistakes People Make When Measuring Gullet Width
Don’t make these mistakes when measuring from the outside of the saddle rather than the inside bar points. This gives a wrong reading. Others forget that pad thickness or flocking changes the fit, especially in english saddle gullet measurements.
Another mistake is assuming all 7-inch gullets are the same. They’re not. Tree angles vary, so a 7-inch gullet in one brand may not fit like another. Always measure your horse and saddle carefully. Does gullet size affect saddle fit? Yes—hugely. So don’t guess.
Final Thoughts – Always Match the Gullet to the Horse
In the final words great riding begins with saddle fit. Start with your horse’s shape, not the saddle you already own. A proper gullet width measurement can make all the difference in comfort, performance, and safety.
When in doubt, use wire templates, check fit visually, and test ride. The right gullet provides freedom for the spine, room for movement, and better balance for both horse and rider.
Contact Us
If you want to know about more saddles,how to choose them ,and how to care for them you may visit us at https://horsesaddledeals.com/. An online consultation with our horse saddle experts can assist you in deciding the best gear for your horse. We offer a wide range of horse-riding gear; and will not disappoint you by the quality of our service.