Wondering to yourself, "What is a good gullet size for a high-withered horse"? "Best saddle for high withered horse?" You're in LUCK:
As an equestrian, I know that proper saddle fit is one of the most important things to consider when you want your horse to be happy at work.
I will show you a good gullet size for a high-withered horse and how to measure gullet size on a saddle so that it fits properly on the horse's back and does not cause discomfort.
Don't keep mulling: KEEP READING to learn everything about gullet sizes and high-whithered horses (I'll reveal it all in a second)...
Key Takeaways
Proper saddle fit is crucial for a horse's comfort and performance.
A good gullet size for a high-withered horse can accommodate four fingers, providing enough clearance for the withers.
Gaited saddles or cutback saddle pads can be used to accommodate narrow-shouldered horses.
When fitting a western saddle on a high-withered horse, it's essential to check the saddle bar angle and ensure the gullet is high enough to prevent discomfort in the wither area.
What is a Good Gullet Size for a High Withered Horse?
So, what is a gullet on a saddle?
The gullet is the gap in the middle of the underside of any saddle. It bridges the horse's spine and prevents the rider from sitting on its sensitive spinal ligaments, causing damage.
To prevent the saddle from pinching the spinal nerves and causing unnecessary rubbing, the gullet has to be wide enough to spread the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back.
According to Schleese Saddlery, a good rule of thumb for the correct size gullet on any horse is that the rider can fit four fingers inside the gullet.
This will provide maximum clearance for the withers. If you can only fit two or three fingers inside the gullet, it is too narrow and will pose a risk to your horse's spine.
Your horse will also be more prone to hollowing its back out of discomfort.
With a perfect size saddle, your horse will have freedom of movement and want to engage its abdominals and hindquarters to create impulsion.
How do you measure the gullet in a saddle? Here is a video tutorial from Schleese Saddlery showing how to measure the gullet for any horse:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/cv6cKLjwpt0
CHECK: How to Measure Gullet Size on a Horse
5 Must-Have Factors When Choosing your Gullet on a Saddle
As a responsible equestrian, prioritizing your horse's comfort and well-being through meticulous attention to saddle fit, including the gullet, is key to achieving optimal riding performance.
Here are 5 KEY factors you need to know about in picking the right gullet (dive in!):
#1 Proper saddle fit for horse comfort
As an equestrian, you understand the crucial role of proper saddle fit in ensuring your horse's comfort.
The saddle industry has established a standard measurement for gullet sizing, which involves checking if four fingers can fit inside the gullet.
#2 Understanding gullet sizing and distribution of weight
This measurement ensures that the saddle's width is sufficient to distribute the rider's weight evenly, avoiding pressure on the horse's spine or rubbing.
For horses with high withers, the gullet must have a clearance of at least an inch or 2-3 fingers' space to guarantee maximum comfort and freedom of movement.
#3 Saddle options for narrow-shouldered horses
If your horse has narrow shoulders, consider using a gaited saddle or a cutback saddle pad that creates more space for the withers, reducing pressure.
When fitting a western saddle on a high-withered horse, it's crucial to check the saddle bar angle and ensure the gullet is high enough to prevent discomfort in the wither area.
#4 Accommodating high withers in western saddles
To achieve the best fit, consult with professional saddle fitters who can recommend the appropriate saddle bars, gullet width, and tree size for your horse's unique anatomy.
#5 Long-term health issues and performance concerns
Remember that a horse in pain can result in long-term health issues and suboptimal performance in training and shows.
Fitting the Gullet on a High-Withered Horse
When fitting a gullet on a high withered horse, ensure it clears at least an inch or 2–3 fingers' room above their withers.
If the saddle rubs its withers, it will restrict the shoulder blade and prevent movement. If the saddle sits too high above the horse's withers, the gullet is too narrow and will press on its spine.
Since the withers and shoulders are so close to each other on the horse, it is also important to consider their shoulders when saddling one with high withers.
A gaited saddle is an option if your horse has narrow shoulders and high withers. Gaited saddles have a unique tree to allow for the high-action movement of gaited horses.
Pay attention to the saddle design, as the saddle tree of a gaited saddle naturally has more room for the horse's shoulders to allow them to perform their special gaits.
Make sure to check our list of high withered saddle pads.
Cutback Saddle Pads for High-Withered Horses
Now that you know something about "What is a good gullet size for a high-withered horse", I'm here to tell you MORE:
If you have difficulty finding a saddle for your horse, you can adjust your current saddle to fit them using a cutback saddle pad.
Cutback saddle pads have a cutout for your horse's withers, which creates more space for them, reducing pressure and ensuring your horse's comfort, making happy riders.
ALSO CHECK: Gel Saddle Pad for Horses
Fitting a Western Saddle on a High-Withered Horse
Here's a little caveat from researchers K von Peinen, T Wiestner, B von Rechenberg, and M A Weishaupt cautioning you about ill-fitting saddles :
"Similar to human decubitus ulcers, local high-pressure points from ill-fitting saddles induce perfusion disturbances of different degrees resulting in tissue hypoxia and alteration in sweat production."
It's true: fitting a saddle on your noble equine is critical for their health, albeit challenging, but NOT IMPOSSIBLE (let me explain):
When fitting a western saddle on a high withered horse, the goal is to find one with a high enough gullet to accommodate the withers.
Just like with English saddles, find a saddle appropriate for the classes you ride in that will make your horse comfortable.
See our review of English saddle pads for sale.
A horse in pain will lead to long-term health issues and less than satisfactory performance in training and at shows.
Here is a video explaining how to size the gullet of a western saddle and giving general tips on western saddle fit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elFfGc1RS0k
CHECK: What are the withers on a horse?
FAQs
How do you treat high withers on a horse?
There is no comprehensive treatment for high withers in horses. However, a well-fitting saddle will prevent the discomfort that can become a pain in the wither area.
What saddles are suitable for high-withered horses?
Any saddle with a high enough gullet to allow the withers to clear and give freedom to the shoulders. Gaited saddles and cutback saddles are two good options.
What size gullet does my horse need?
If you can fit four fingers inside the gullet space, the gullet is the right size. If you can do under two fingers or more than three, the gullet is either a too-wide or too narrow saddle.
Conclusion
What is a good gullet size for a high-withered horse?
This is achieved when you can fit four fingers inside the gullet, and there is an inch of space between it and the horse's withers.
Saddles on high withered horses should not pinch the withers or shoulders. This can cause pain and restrict movement. Choose the right gullet size for a happy horse!
Until next time...
So, what is a good gullet size for a high withered horse? Let me know your opinion below!
Resources
1. Saddle Fit and Panels – Gullet Width and Full Panel Contact – Tips 3 and 4 – Schleese . Schleese. . Available from: https://schleese.com/saddle-fit-and-panels-gullet-width-and-full-panel-contact-tips-3-and-4/
2. Davis J. What Is the Difference Between a Gaited Horse Saddle & a Western Saddle? . Pets on Mom.com. Available from: https://animals.mom.com/difference-between-gaited-horse-saddle-western-saddle-7112.html
3. Von PEINEN K, WIESTNER T, Von RECHENBERG B, WEISHAUPT MA. Relationship between saddle pressure measurements and clinical signs of saddle soreness at the withers. Equine Veterinary Journal. 2010;42:650–3.
4. Davis J. What Type of Saddle for a High-Withered Horse? . Pets on Mom.com. Available from: https://animals.mom.com/type-saddle-highwithered-horse-4681.html