How to Measure the Gullet Size on an Australian Saddle

Proper saddle fit is important to the health and happiness of your horse. The gullet is the space between the panels that run from the front of the saddle, at the withers, down the spine to the back of the saddle. If the gullet is too narrow, it will pinch your horse’s spine and cause discomfort. Most Australian saddles are made with narrow, standard and wide gullets, but measurements can vary by manufacturer. Wither tracing will allow you to have an idea of the gullet your horse needs before you purchase a saddle.

Things You'll Need

  • Coat hanger or bendable wire
  • Measuring tape or ruler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find the spot where the front of the saddle will sit. Australian saddles sit forward on the withers. Make an imaginary line straight up to the withers from the back of the horse’s front leg--this is where the saddle will sit.

    • 2

      Cut off the twisted ends of a coat hanger or use other bendable wire. Form the wire over the withers at the spot found in Step 1 and down 6 to 8 inches on each side, maintaining a snug fit. Remove the wire from your horse’s withers, taking care to maintain the shape of the wire.

    • 3

      Trace the shape of the wire onto a sheet of paper.

    • 4

      Measure the distance between the sides of the withers with a ruler or measuring tape and mark it on the paper. The gullet on a saddle should be wide enough to comfortably accommodate this distance.

    • 5

      Take the paper copy with you when you purchase a new saddle. You can use it as a reference point to decide whether the saddle will fit your horse comfortably. The angle of the shoulders can be compared to the angle of the saddle tree as well.