What gullet width does my horse need?
What gullet width does my horse need?
We're often asked this question, and we understand that our answer often doesn't provide the clarity we hoped for. Why is this? There are several important factors that influence the choice of the right chamber width.
1. The chamber width only measures the width of the head
The gullet width describes how much room the withers have laterally, but not the width of the saddle at the shoulder. Strictly speaking, the gullet width only tells us whether the gullet is more V-shaped or U-shaped—in other words, whether the shape of the gullet plate is suited to a wide or narrow wither cap. And that brings us to the next point:
2. The ort width is often confused with the chamber width
What is often referred to as the gullet width is actually the gullet width. This describes the distance between the gullet points. It must fit the horse's shoulder area for the saddle to fit comfortably and functionally. The numbers engraved on the saddle or on the invoice always describe the gullet width. However, the colloquial term "gullet width" has been established for many years.
3. Manufacturers measure differently
Each saddle manufacturer has its own method for determining the gullet width. This is because the gullet points (the ends of the gullet plate) vary in length depending on the saddle model. For example, a gullet width of 27.5 on a Passier is wider than a gullet width of 33 on a Prestige. Therefore, it's important to consider not just the numbers, but also the manufacturer and model.
Conclusion: Whether the gullet plate of a saddle fits your horse depends on three factors:
- the length,
- the shape and
- the width of the gullet.
A single number, as is often given, is not enough to ensure that the saddle fits perfectly.
Our tip: Measure the shoulder angle & describe the shape of the withers
If you want a precise, manufacturer-independent assessment, measure your horse's shoulder angle, for example, with a digital protractor. You can also measure the shape of the withers with a wire and draw it on a piece of paper. This will show you whether the upper part of the instep is shaped more like a pointed, unclimbable mountain (V-shaped) or whether it has a broad plateau at the top (U-shaped). With this information, we as saddlers can give the best recommendation for your horse and its saddle.