With so many people judging saddle fit by gullet widths alone, this video is an insightful look into how that thinking is flawed.
When you buy or sell a used saddle, you'll find that most people use the saddle's gullet width as a way to tell whether or not the saddle will likely fit their horse. You'll see people posting the gullet widths as part of their saddle's for-sale ad, because the request for the measurement is so common. But one saddle manufacturer is revealing the truth about gullet widths and what they actually tell you about a saddle.
Stoney, of Stoney Saddles, demonstrates how two saddles can have the exact same gullet width, but their fit differs tremendously in other areas. The saddles would fit two different horses, but if you judge their fit just based on the saddle gullet size alone, you'd think they would both fit the same particular horse. Many people also confuse the tree size with the gullet size.
Take a look at this insightful video.
Now, this doesn't rule out the importance of a gullet width entirely, but it does highlight how important it is to consider the other ways that a saddle needs to fit your horse, too. You can still use the gullet width to rule out saddles that wouldn't fit your horse - in the gullet area. But you can't guarantee that just because a saddle has the right-sized gullet, the rest of it will fit your horse, too. There are tons of different measurements to take into account.
So, what are you to do? One of the best ways to find a saddle that truly fits your horse is to hire an independent saddle fitter to come out to your barn. A skilled saddle fitter will work with you and your horse to find saddle options that fit you both appropriately. They'll usually have a variety of saddles, from western saddle to english saddles, with them to do a true saddle fitting, so you can also learn what you prefer in a saddle, as well as what truly fits your horse.
A well-fitting saddle is important to your horse's performance, as well as to his health. It's worth taking the time to find a saddle that fits both you and your horse well.
Have you ever worked with a saddle fitter? What was it like? Tell us in the comments below.
WATCH NOW: Luxurious Horse Barns You Could Live In
